Do you want a life-changing experience? Have you ever imagined what it would be like to stand next to one of the world’s largest and oldest creatures, the Komodo dragons, in their natural habitat? Labuan Bajo, the energetic gateway to the breathtaking Komodo National Park is more than a destination, it is an invitation for you to start exploring. This is where your dreams of Komodo dragons tours begins and transforms into adventure and fun mixed with beautiful aspects of nature and amazing possibilities for wild adventures and trekking.
Komodo National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature, and is an undiscovered gem in Indonesia that will captivate both local and international travelers. But it is not just about giant reptiles, there is also the extensive underwater world, stunning pink sandy beaches, steep volcanic islands landscapes and inviting hillsides to entice you to hike.
Face-to-Face with the Ancient Rulers: Your Komodo Dragons Tours Experience
Certainly, meeting the Komodo dragons is the highlight of any expedition to Komodo. You will usually only go to either Rinca Island or Komodo Island, the main islands where there are wild Komodo dragons. There are around 2,000 dragons on Rinca Island (Loh Liang).
The most important thing is to be safe. You will have a park ranger or tour guide with you who is trained in how Komodo dragons behave, and how to keep you safe. Please abide by their instructions! You should stay between 3 and 5 meters from the dragons, and while the dragons may seem calm, they can attack quickly. Make sure not to make any quick movements or loud noises around the dragons. I would also avoid visiting while on a menstrual period as the Komodo dragons have excellent sniffers and can smell blood from long distances (and that might attract them). Make sure to pay close attention to your ranger’s directions; never feed or tease the dragons. Get ready for an amazing once-in-a-lifetime experience and this should be so memorable if you stick to the rules.
Conquering Spectacular Vistas: The Thrill of Mountain Trekking
Apart from the encounters with the prehistoric reptiles, Labuan Bajo and Komodo National Park also feature almost unlimited hiking areas that will delight you with some super picturesque views. This is an absolute paradise for all wild and trekking nuts and allows you to hike more and get up on the beautiful peaks.
- Padar Island: This is something that photographers and thrill-seekers should visit. The trek/mountain hike to its famous summit (to see the sunrise) takes about 30-45 minutes. From the top you can see the beautiful three bays with three different colored water; blue, green, and white with trek hills covered in grass….real beautiful. Wear appropriate shoes and bring a water bottle to do this mountain hike. You will see different landscapes on the island depending on the season (dry, March-October), it looks like a desert and rainy season (November-February) a green savanna.
- Rinca Island: After visiting Komodo at Loh Liang, you can also trek a mountain in the beauty of the savanna. The hiking trail areas here had wonderful rolling hills, which is beautiful in dry season.
- Gili Lawa: If you’re looking for a bit of a tougher hike Gili Lawa is a slightly challenging hike with lovely ocean views and great photo spots. This site is likely to be less frequented than Padar so it’s an excellent place for those who enjoy unspoiled, untouched nature.
- Kelor Island: As a warm-up, you can hike to the top of Kelor Island for great views of Flores and the turquoise-blue sea. This is a great hike to warm up on before larger hike mountain adventures.
Choosing the Right Komodo Dragons Tours for You
Labuan Bajo has numerous boat options reaching Komodo National Park, based on your style of holiday, length, and budget.
- Phinisi Boats: If you’re looking for a holiday that emphasizes luxury, comfort, and relaxation, then the Phinisi boat experience is great for you. The Phinisi boat has traditional designs, but many modern interiors. Most Phinisi boats have air-conditioned cabins, sitting area, dining area and possibly a jacuzzi. They are well known for 3 day, 2 night (3D2N) or 4 day, 3 night (4D3N); live-abroad packages. You can choose to have an Open Trip to save money and meet new friends, or the Private Trip if you want more flexibility from the itinerary, or be alone with your family or friends. The feeling of sailing on a Phinisi at sunset and especially under the stars will be unforgettable.
- Speedboats: If you’re short on time and would like to visit several islands in one day, then a speedboat is a practical option. While not as big as a yacht, most speedboats come equipped with comfortable seating and safety equipment. They’ve also proved to be some of the best for fuller day trips, meaning you can make the most of your time exploring. You can visit places like Padar Island and Pink Beach all in one day using a speedboat.
How to Get to Labuan Bajo and Best Time to Visit
Labuan Bajo (Komodo Airport code: LBJ) is the entry point of your adventure. You can fly directly to Komodo Airport from major cities in Indonesia such as Jakarta (CGK), Bali (DPS), or Surabaya (SUB). Bali flights are the most frequent and take about an hour. The path for international travellers include direct flights to LBJ from Malaysia or Singapore with Air Asia or Jetstar, or fly to Bali and then connect with a domestic flight.
The best time to visit Komodo National Park is during the dry season from about April to November. This provides you the most optimum weather where rains are kept to a minimum and the humidity is lower, making for fantastic weather for wild and trekking, snorkelling, diving, and other outdoor activities. During this season, Komodo dragons are also more active and you will be more likely to see them. If you want to have a quieter experience without facing the crowds associated with the peak season, you will find the shoulder months like April-May or September-November to be excellent timeframes to travel.
Plan Your Komodo Dragons Tours with Trek Indonesia
Given all the wonder to be had, building the ideal Komodo dragons tours can feel racking. As your local experts at Trek Indonesia, we can help you build the perfect itinerary, with amazing hike regions, magical time with Komodo dragons, and fantastic marine experiences.
We understand the desire for comfort, we are transparent with pricing and provide a genuine experience! As a solo traveller looking for an open trip to meet new people or a group wanting a private trip with various mountain trekking or other experiences, we can help ensure every detail of your trip is safely met and your experiences are comfortable.
Stop delaying, Labuan Bajo and the huge Komodo dragons are waiting! Contact Trek Indonesia today and start planning your adventure!
