KOMODO HOLIDAYS TRAVEL GUIDE

Komodo dragons are just one of many highlights to be had on a Komodo holiday with bat caves, pink beaches and traditional local villages bound to conjure up a few more. Sailing to coral hotspots coveted by clownfish, parrotfish and turtles will send snorkellers into seventh heaven, although it’s often the experiences on the driest of dry savanna hillsides that will have adventurers, accompanied by park rangers, quivering in their sandals.
Set sail into the volcanic domain of dragons where adventures above and below the surface of Komodo National Park offer insight into a lesser visited area of Indonesia
Komodo holidays can be tailored to suit time constraints and interests, or run on a small group basis. Other than on Flores, accommodation will be a small boat with features ranging from en suite cabins to deck mattresses under the stars. Most travellers will combine a tour of the islands of Komodo National Park with other Indonesian islands, such as Bali or Lombok. And the west coast of the island of Flores, around Labuan Bajo, is fast becoming a holiday destination in its own right.

Protecting the dragons

Due to Komodo dragons and wild deer (the dragons' main natural food supply) being illegally poached and sold by smugglers, the Indonesian government has plans to close Komodo Island to tourists. This is an attempt to halt the wildlife trafficking process and to allow the Komodo dragon population to 'rewild' after many years of close contact with humans. It's thought that the closure could last a year, from January 2020, so do speak to your holiday company, if you're planning on visiting in the near future. At time of writing, all other islands will remain open. Read more on the Illicit Trade website.

Komodo is…

about as close to Jurassic Park as you can get without Jeff Goldblum.

Komodo isn’t…

a zoo, there are no cages, and travellers will be wise to heed the instructions of knowledgeable park rangers.

Our top Komodo Holiday

Komodo and Flores holiday in Indonesia

Komodo and Flores holiday in Indonesia

See indigenous wildlife and stay in eco-accommodation

From £6450 15 days inc UK flights
Tailor made:
This trip can be tailor made throughout the year to suit your requirements
Travel Team
If you'd like to chat about Komodo or need help finding a holiday to suit you we're very happy to help.

KOMODO MAP & HIGHLIGHTS

There are around 30 volcanic islands within Komodo National Park. The largest of these, Komodo, Padar and Rinca, are still quite small, with only Komodo officially recognised as being inhabited by around 4,000 local people. The west coast of Flores is also part of the park with the majority of tours starting from the port town of Labuhan Bajo; this boasts its own airport with routes to and from Bali. It's possible to stay on Flores in locally run guesthouses and take boat trips to the islands within the park. Another idea is to stay on -board a small ship and cruise the islands or explore by kayak. It takes about 4hrs to cruise from Flores to Komodo Island and about half that time to get to Rinca.
Flores Island

1. Flores Island

Indonesia's tenth largest island is fast becoming one of those ‘in the know’ locations that you may wish to visit sooner rather than later. Outside of Komodo, the west coast of Flores is one of the few places to spot wild dragons although ikat weaving in Ruteng, tribal villages in Bajawa and sunrise over Kelimutu Volcano's three coloured lakes will no doubt be just as memorable.
Gili Lawa Darat

2. Gili Lawa Darat

Komodo National Park is scattered with tiny islands which are covered in savannah scrub that turns a luscious green in the wet season and a dusty brown in the dry. One such island, just to the northeast of Komodo, is Gili Lawa Darat which is not only an ideal anchorage for dive boats, thanks to its calm, protected bays, but also one of the best spots for sunsets after a short trek to the top of the hill.
Kalong Island

3. Kalong Island

An hour's boat ride from Rinca Island lie the mangrove forests of Kalong (‘Flying Foxes’) Island where thousands of fruit bats have set up residence within the trees to magic an incredibly atmospheric experience upon their homecoming at dusk. Similar to starling genies, the sight and sound of bats returning from a day spent feeding on neighbouring islands really is quite remarkable.
Komodo Island

4. Komodo Island

Although inhabited by approximately 4,000 humans – purportedly descended from convicts – Komodo is also home to 2,500 fairly ferocious dragons which live alongside wild boar, buffalo and deer. The trek to Cape Banunggulung usually yields dragon success although snorkelling off Pantai Merah (Pink Beach) or Manta Point can be equally as exciting.
Padar Island

5. Padar Island

The third largest island within Komodo National Park, Padar, is all but bereft of dragons and much better known for its pink, grey and white sand beaches which make ideal settings for soaking up some sun after a good day spent walking on one of the island's savanna hillsides. Deep bays and crystal clear water clarity makes Padar popular with divers, snorkellers and boat captains anchoring just offshore.
Rinca Island

6. Rinca Island

Although dragons are more commonly associated with Komodo, Rinca still has its own significantly large population and is much easier to get to from Flores if pushed for time. Trekking over the savannah hills with a ranger is the best way to spot dragons. The surrounding seas, renowned for whales, dolphins and sharks, are also well known for fierce rips and currents – snorkellers beware.
Written by Chris Owen
Photo credits: [Page banner: Poppet Maulding] [Is/Isn't box: Gary Ullah] [Map intro: Christopher Harriot ] [Flores Island: Gabriel ^(oo)^] [Gili Lawa Darat: Christopher Harriot ] [Kalong Island: Shellac] [Komodo Island: Andurinha] [Padar Island: jeffrey manzini] [Rinca Island : Michael Day]