Holiday
Why visit Komodo islands
Encounter ferocious Komodo dragons
Go scuba diving or snorkeling in pristine waters
Discover more than 1,000 types of fish and 260 corals
Soak on the world-famous Pink Beach on Komodo Island
Hike Padar Island for a breathtaking panorama over Komodo Park
Watch the sunrise from the peak of Gili Lawa Darat island
Head to Kelor island for exceptional views over Flores
Trek Komodo dragons trail on Rinca island
Meet fascinating sea gypsies on Mesa island
Swim with giant mantas at Taka Makassar island
Visit the “Turtle City” on Siaba island
Enjoy coral reefs around Kanawa island and Tatawa islands
Dive world-class sites in Batu Bolong and Cannibal Rock
Watch in awe as thousands of flying foxes take off on Kelor island
Once-in-a-lifetime yacht holiday across 28 untouched islands.
How to reach Komodo islands
Komodo Islands (or Komodo National Park) of Indonesia lie in the Wallacea Region, identified by WWF and Conservation International as a global conservation priority area. UNESCO has declared Komodo National Park as a World Heritage Site. It is located in the center of the vast Indonesian archipelago between Flores and Sumbawa. The closest port of entry to the national park is in Labuan Bajo town, which also has an airport with direct flights from Bali, Lombok, and Jakarta.
Komodo Islands is a fascinating destination for a yacht holiday from Bali or Lombok. With Islander, you can charter a private yacht in Bali and cruise along Sumbawa island until you reach Komodo National Park (2-3 days onboard your private yacht). It will take at least 4 days to discover the best of Komodo Islands once you are there. After your yacht holiday is over, you can take a flight back to Bali from Labuan Bajo, or fly to Jakarta to transfer internationally.
If you are staying in Labuan Bajo, you can take a private boat trip to any of the Komodo Islands. We recommend planning for several day trips during your stay. You should at least visit Pink beach on Komodo Island, see Komodo dragons on Rinca Island, hike Padar Island, experience Gili Lawa Darat, and swim with mantas at Taka Makassar. Chat with Islander today to customize your private Komodo tour itinerary.
Best time in Komodo islands
The best time to visit the park is from April to June and from September to November. Even though Komodo National Park is open year-round, it’s essential to time your trip in the right season to avoid unpleasant weather and excessive tourist crowds. April brings the end of the rainy season, and the vegetation starts to grow, which gives a unique green color to the island.
If you’re into diving or snorkeling, then September is the best bet since it’s a whale and manta season that lasts till November. Komodo dragons are very active also because – it’s the end of their mating season, so you’ll encounter Komodo dragons on each step. Finally, July to August is a peak season in Komodo National Park – during this time, the islands are full of tourists, and there are boats everywhere. Komodo dragons are busy mating during July-August, so it is not easy to spot them, especially on Komodo island.
Komodo dragons
The Komodo dragon is the world’s largest lizard species – reaching three meters or more in length and weighing more than 70 kilograms (154 pounds). Komodo National Park is home to more than 5,000 of these dinosaur cousins. Komodo dragons are opportunistic feeders that ambush prey in the dry underbrush. They can eat absolutely anything: from carrion to deer and pigs, as well as smaller dragons, and even large water buffalo. Animals that break free from the jaws of a Komodo dragon will only feel lucky for a short time. Dragon saliva is notorious with 50 strains of bacteria; and within twenty-four hours, the unlucky animal dies of blood poisoning.
Dragons follow an escapee calmly for miles as the bacteria takes effect, using their intense sense of smell to track on the corpse. A Komodo dragon can consume a whopping 80 percent of its body weight in a single feeding. You can come face-to-face with this ferocious predator on Komodo and Rinca islands. For an off-the-beaten-path experience, head to Rinca Island’s southern bay of Nusa Kode (also known as Horseshoe Bay) where you can witness Komodo Dragons patrolling the beach.