Ready for one of the most beautiful boat trips in the world to the famous Komodo Islands in Indonesia? In this blog I’ll tell you everything about our boat trip and how you can book the same kind of tour. On a Komodo boat trip you’ll not only see the world-famous Komodo dragon, but you’ll also escape the crowds of Bali for a while (if, like me, you want to combine both in one holiday).
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Why you should visit the Komodo Islands
The Komodo Islands in Indonesia are world-famous. The area is not only known for the famous Komodo dragons – the largest lizards in the world – but also for its stunning nature. You’ll find white and pink beaches, unique rock formations and an underwater world that will blow your mind with beautiful coral, turtles, small sharks and of course manta rays. A boat trip is the only, and therefore also the best, way to discover all this.
How do you get there?
Most boat trips depart from Labuan Bajo on Flores. It’s easy to get here with a short flight from Bali. It’s a good idea to stay one night in Labuan Bajo before your boat trip starts. Labuan Bajo itself is not the most exciting place, but there are plenty of good hotels to relax in. Have a look at Seaesta Komodo Hostel, Sudamala Resort & Hotel or Bajo Bunkhouse.
A peek into our itinerary
Day 1: From Bali to Labuan Bajo
We start the day with breakfast at our hotel in Sanur, Bali. After that we’re picked up for the transfer to Ngurah Rai Airport. At 11:45 we fly to Labuan Bajo, where we arrive around 13:00. After arrival a driver takes us to the luxurious Sudamala Resort & Hotel.
Day 2: Start of the boat adventure – snorkelling and bats
After breakfast at our resort the real adventure begins! We are taken to the harbour where our three-day boat trip starts. First we sail to beautiful Kanawa Island with its amazing snorkelling spots. Then we visit Kelor Island, where we do a short but steep hike for a fantastic viewpoint.
After lunch on board we go snorkelling in the crystal-clear water of Menjerite. We end the day in a spectacular way at Kalong Island, where we watch thousands of bats flying out at sunset. Just sit back and enjoy this special natural phenomenon. You can set your watch by it. The sun goes down: thousands of bats head out!
We have dinner and sleep on the boat. In comfort though, with our own private cabin.
Day 3: Padar Island, Pink Beach and the Komodo dragons
Up early today! We sail in the early morning light to Padar Island for one of the highlights of the trip. After breakfast we hike to the famous viewpoint, where we can see three different coloured bays.
Keep in mind that you’re definitely not the only one hiking up just before sunrise. I think there were more than 150 boats dropping off tourists. But that’s how it is at many places in Indonesia. It doesn’t make the island any less beautiful. The hike to the top takes a little over half an hour in the dark. From there you can enjoy the sunrise and slowly the famous view of Padar Island appears.
Want to read more about Padar Island? I wrote a separate blog about it: This is how to visit Padar Island in Komodo National Park!
Next we visit the special Pink Beach with its pink sand. Unfortunately no photos, because we went snorkelling here as well. After lunch it’s time for the big moment. The Komodo Islands are in sight: we go looking for the Komodo dragons on Komodo Island.
Together with a ranger we do a hike on the island. We choose the long walk and spot several Komodo dragons. Are they very photogenic? Sometimes. Our guide took the photo above for us, because you’re not allowed to stand directly in front of a Komodo dragon yourself. But below you’ll also find some photos of how you actually see them in real life.
We end the day with snorkelling at Siaba Island, also known as the ‘City of Turtle’. That name definitely fits, because we saw at least 10 of them. No photos, but we enjoyed it a lot. We spend another night on the boat.
Day 4: Sandbanks and lots of snorkelling with manta rays & turtles
The last day of our boat trip starts with breakfast at sea. First we swim and snorkel at Siaba, after which we sail on to the magical sandbank of Taka Makassar – a white sand paradise surrounded by different shades of blue water. After lunch another highlight follows: snorkelling at Manta Point, where we were lucky enough to spot one manta ray. We finish with a last snorkel session at Turtle Point with more than 20 turtles, before returning to Labuan Bajo. We spend another night in the comfortable Sudamala Resort & Hotel.
Day 5: Back to Bali
We end our Komodo adventure with a relaxed breakfast at the resort. Around noon we’re picked up for the transfer to the airport. At 13:45 we fly back to Bali, where we land around 15:00. From there we head towards Balangan for the last days of our holiday.
How to plan your boat trip to the Komodo Islands
There are different ways to explore the islands. You can choose between:
- Short day trips. Compare for example this day trip or this day trip.
- 3 or 4-day trips (the most popular). Check a budget-friendly option and a more luxurious option.
- Private cruises
Try to compare carefully based on your wishes. There are comfortable boats with private cabins and air-conditioning. Are you more of a budget traveller? No worries! There are also cheaper options with bigger boats where you meet more people but share the facilities.
How much does a boat trip cost?
You can book a day trip from around € 90. You’ll rush past all the highlights at the busiest times of the day though. Most day trips start at the same time. The multi-day cruises are already anchored near the highlights at night, so they can start the day there.
For the 4-day trips the price differences are much bigger. This mainly depends on how luxurious you want your Komodo Islands boat trip to be. Are you fine with a dorm and shared facilities? Then you can book a 4-day trip from around € 400. Prefer a private cabin on the boat? Then you’ll quickly pay around € 750 per person. This usually includes food and drinks. Check a budget-friendly option and a more expensive option.
Practical tips for your trip to the Komodo Islands
When is the best time to go?
The best time to visit the Komodo Islands is between April and December. This is the dry season, with the best chance of sunny weather. July and August are the busiest months because of the holidays.
Life on board
Life on the boat is an experience in itself. At night you sleep in a cabin off the coast of, for example, Padar Island. If you’re lucky you’ll see the starry sky and the Milky Way! During the day you can chill in hammocks or beanbags, but most of the time you’ll be busy snorkelling and visiting the highlights of the Komodo Islands. Every boat has 1 or 2 guides (depending on the number of people). So feel free to ask them all your questions!
The level of comfort on board can vary quite a bit, as I mentioned earlier. So what about food & drinks? Every boat has its own cooks to prepare delicious meals for you. These are all local dishes. A paradise if you want to discover Indonesian food (you can try a bit of everything), a bit less fun if you’re a picky eater.
A few extra handy tips
- Bring some cash for the national park entrance fees and tips
- There is no Wi-Fi or phone signal on the boat once you’re a few kilometres away from Labuan Bajo. Let people at home know
- The sea is usually calm, but bring seasickness tablets just in case
- You can bring all your luggage on board
- Bring your own snacks and drinks, even if food is normally included. We fortunately had some biscuits with us. Our boat didn’t have alcoholic drinks or snacks, only the meals, water and tea.
- Malaria tablets are not necessary, even though you’re travelling to Flores. According to the online maps you see everywhere, Flores is a malaria area, but this does not apply to the Komodo Islands where you go on the boat trip. Disclaimer: I’m not a doctor, make your own choices.
A boat trip around the Komodo Islands is a fantastic side trip when you’re visiting Bali. Whether you love snorkelling, hiking, photography or just enjoying nature, the Komodo Islands are completely different from what you see on Bali. Yes, these highlights are also visited by more and more tourists. Still, it’s quieter here because you can only get there by boat trip and you need a domestic flight.
Are you already dreaming of crystal-clear water, pink beaches and encounters with Komodo dragons? Then it’s time to start planning your own Komodo adventure. Booking in advance is recommended to avoid disappointment, especially if you’re travelling in high season.
