Few places in Indonesia capture the imagination quite like Komodo Island. This ‘island of dragons’ holds a cherished place in Indonesian folklore and continues to captivate visitors to this day.
The UNESCO-protected Komodo National Park incorporates not only Komodo Island itself but also the nearby islands of Rinca and Padar. This magical marine national park promises rich marine life, turquoise waters, pink coral sand beaches fringed by picturesque mountains and, of course, the ever-intriguing Komodo Dragon.
Best time of year to visit Komodo Island
The best time to visit Komodo is from mid-May through to mid-October, when the weather is dry, the skies are blue and the waters are calm. One of the best ways to experience the Komodo National Park is by traditional sailing ship (phinisi); these ships move from Komodo to Raja Ampat from the end of October and remain there until the end of April. Dive resorts in Komodo remain open year-round.
How to get to Komodo
The best way to get to Komodo is to take advantage of one of the direct flights to Labuan Bajo on the island of Flores, gateway to the Komodo National Park. Flights depart daily from both Denpasar (Bali) with a duration of 1 hour and 15 minutes, and Jakarta (Java) with a duration of 2 hours 30 minutes.
Things to do in Komodo
- Experience some of the best diving in Indonesia with opportunities to spot baby sharks, dugongs and manta rays
- Snorkel amidst colourful marine life within the dazzling coral reefs in clear, turquoise waters
- Hike to the peak of Padar Hill on Padar Island, and enjoy a 360° view of the Komodo archipelago
- Walk with a park ranger in search of the indigenous Komodo Dragon and learn more about these enigmatic creatures
- Enjoy a secluded picnic on one of Komodo’s pink coral sand beaches
- Watch a movie projected onto the main sail of your phinisi under the stars on the upper deck
- View the coastline from a different perspective on a paddle boarding or kayaking expedition
- On a longer cruise outside the confines of the national park, take a thrilling jet skiing or water skiing adventure through the sparkling waters
Where to stay in Komodo
Whilst there are plenty of dive resorts to be found in Komodo, these tend to be of a 3-star standard at best. For those seeking greater creature comforts and a memorable immersion into the Komodo National Park we recommend either taking a cabin on a vessel such as the Aqua Blu, or chartering an entire phinisi. Many of these Indonesian cargo boats have been refurbished to the highest standards and those in Red Savannah’s portfolio offer the experience of a floating 5-star hotel. Phinisis range in size from one cabin to multiple cabins and vary in price accordingly. All come with a superb crew including a knowledgeable captain, cruise director, chef and friendly deck hands. Some even sail with an onboard massage therapist to help you unwind after a day of Komodo adventures.
Our phinisi portfolio showcases some popular options but is by no means exhaustive. We work with only the top 10% of boats available in Indonesia to ensure the highest standards of comfort, service and cuisine. READ MORE >
