Komodo Island National Park: Best Things to Do Travel Guide

Last Updated: November 11, 2024

Embarking on a journey to Komodo Island had been a long-awaited adventure for us on our Southeast Asia itinerary. Nestled in the Indonesian archipelago of over 18,000 islands, Komodo National Park is made up of 29 islands and is home to around 2,500 legendary Komodo dragons. But the majority of this population is concentrated particularly at Komodo Island, known as the sole habitat of the largest lizard on Earth. 

Besides being the only place in the world to meet these giant lizards, Komodo Island offers a plethora of natural wonders waiting to be discovered, which is why it is under protection as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Join us as we recount our awe-inspiring experience of the Komodo Island tour, and try to paint you a picture of why it is one of the best islands in Indonesia.

Why Visit the Komodo Island

Komodo Island beckons adventurers with its untouched beauty and remarkable biodiversity. The main attraction, undoubtedly, is the beguiling Komodo dragons, the world’s largest lizard. These majestic creatures, the only living relative to dinosaurs today, roam freely in their natural habitat, which has been transformed into a National Park. Touring the grounds is a chance to witness their regal presence up close and observe their primal power. A visit to Komodo Island is an unforgettable and bucket-list-worthy experience for every kind of traveler.

Getting to Komodo Island

Most travelers begin their journey to remote islands from Bali, and so did we after an enthralling stay in Ubud. To get from Bali to Komodo Island, we first flew to Labuan Bajo. It’s a small charming fishing town on the westernmost tip of Flores Island, which serves as the gateway to Komodo National Park. Labuan Bajo became our base as we immersed ourselves in the slower pace of life and stunning coastal scenery from Elang Hillside Bamboo Villa, which became our temporary home.

We recommend staying on the island for two to three nights – if you take a full-day tour of the National Park as we did, you will need time to regain energy after all of the soul-stirring sights, sun, hikes, swimming, and boat riding. 

Picking a Komodo Island Tour

To make the most of our Komodo Island adventure, we embarked on a guided tour. It’s a popular tourist activity, so don’t worry if you don’t book in advance. There are plenty of touters around Labuan Bajo selling tours. There are various packages you can take that range from a day trip all the way to week-long cruises where you live aboard a traditional boat. You can pick the length according to your itinerary, but going on an organized guided tour is a great value add for the bonus nature’s wonders you get to see throughout the expedition. We booked an 8-hour roundtrip excursion with Bintang Komodo Tours from Labuan Bajo for their consistently excellent reviews.

Komodo National Park Tour Experience & Highlights

Padar Island: A Photographer’s Paradise

Most tours to Komodo Island begin with an early morning hike to the top of Padar Island. That’s where we started our adventure too, sailing to set foot on a photographer’s paradise. We left at dawn in to embark on a quick 20-minute hike to the top of Padar for sunrise. The tip of the mountain offers breathtaking panoramic views. It reveals a striking landscape adorned with pristine beaches, rugged cliffs, and turquoise waters. The hike to the top is not challenging though you should be prepared for the heat and glaring sun with hats, sunscreen, and hydration. But after descending, the tour crew rewards you with a couple of snorkeling stops at active coral reefs to help you cool off. We were completely captivated by the vibrant underwater world, teeming with an abundance of marine life. If you are lucky, you could even spot manta rays!

Komodo Island Indonesia Pink Beach: Nature’s Masterpiece

And when it doesn’t seem like it’s possible to see something more sublime, you get taken to Komodo Island Pink Beach. One of seven pink sand beaches in the world, this stunning strip of paradise is sure to leave you speechless. The beach gets its unique hue from microscopic red coral fragments that mix with white sand. This creates a mesmerizing pink tint that reflects against the crystal-clear water in the shallows. Surrounded by green peaks at one end and a turquoise gradient at the other, Komodo Island’s pink sand beach is a true marvel of nature.

Komodo National Park: Land of the Dragons

We held our breaths in anticipation as we approached Komodo Island, its mystical charm tightening its embrace around us. The mountain ridges ahead looked like a movie set of Jurassic Park film. We were about to come face to face with the only descendants of dinosaurs alive! 

The giant lizards typically reach about 10 feet in length and weigh upwards of 154 pounds. Although they may look docile, Komodo dragons are excellent swimmers and can run at high speeds. They attack by slashing their prey with long claws, injecting highly poisonous venom that is fatal even to humans. So, while taking the Komodo National Park tour, visitors must follow the instructions of their guide. It is very important to keep a safe distance upon encountering the dragons.

Though there is no guarantee you will see the dragons as they tend to dwell in remote corners of the island. We were fortunate enough to see 8 different lizards on our 1-hour hike through the woods! Their size ranged from small to giant, and they were all equally magnificent. 

Visiting Komodo Island National Park was a true bucket list experience for us because it offered an unparalleled experience. The only place in the world these magnificent creatures live, and it surpassed our expectations. If you are planning to visit the best islands in Indonesia, we urge you to add Komodo Island. Also consider visiting one of the world’s last wild places – Raja Ampat, which is where we went next.