Komodo Island sits alongside another 17,507 islets and masses to make up the Republic of Indonesia. The island’s most famous inhabitant the Komodo Dragon is the largest lizard on earth and roams the vegetation of both Komodo and neighbouring islands Rinca and Padar. These three large islands, as well as numerous others, form the Komodo National Park, a recognised UNESCO World Heritage Site and Man and Biosphere Reserve. Amongst the island’s natural wonders is it’s Pink Beach, one of just seven in the world.
Visits to Komodo Island are often paired with tours of the wider National Park, Rinca and Flores Islands. Tours of these islands can vary in length and offer varying activities, so we’ve selected three of the best for travellers with on different budgets and itinerary.
This 2 day adventure guides guests through the Komodo National Park to discover some of the most exotic animals and nature that inhabit its landscape. Transfer from Bali to Flores Island, where you will depart from the island’s harbour by private motor boat and navigate the waters to arrive at Rinca Island: the base for exploring the park. Over the 2 hour trek, discover the wild Komodo dragons up close and learn more on their behaviour from your knowledgable, naturalist guide. Other animals who call the park home include long-tailed macaques, wild water buffaloes, timor deer, monkeys, wild horses, boars and various exotic birds. After the day exploring the National Park return to Flores’ harbour town, Labuan Bajo, to swim and snorkel in the idyllic waters. The evening is spent dining at a local restaurant and accommodation is one of your boat’s air conditioned cabins. The following day, return to the local airport for your flight back to Bali. A minimum of two passengers per booking is required, and for this highly popular experience advance booking is recommended as it is likely to sell out.
For 11 days explore Indonesia’s Flores and Komodo Islands, the home of tropical rainforests, exotic wildlife and unique communities. The tour departs from the south of Bali where you will have a relaxing evening and the opportunity to explore night markets and the nightlife of Seminyak before starting your adventure to the islands. For those interested in this itinerary it’s important to keep in mind the long journeys, ranging from 4-10 hours, early mornings and travel via boat, bus and truck, which will feature throughout the tour. The pay off is worth it though. You will explore the island of East Nusa Tenggara; climb Mount Kelimutu, its brightly coloured lakes and craters, for sunrise views; unwind in the hot springs of Mengeruda; chill out in the laid back hill town of Bajawa; hitch a flatbed truck to the Dintor; trek to the tribal village of Wae Rebo in the centre of the rainforest valley… all before arriving at the Komodo Island. Explore the Komodo National park with a photography safari and visit the Pink Beach: complete with pink sands and clear water for swimming and snorkelling. After a packed itinerary, the final two days will be spent back in Sanur, on the south coast of Bali, where there are gardens and markets to visit through the days with options to experience cooking classes, spas and massage. Or, if you still have the energy, take a trek to the hidden rice fields of Kerobokan.