Komodo

Komodo National Park includes three major islands: Komodo, Rinca and Padar, as well as numerous smaller islands creating a total surface area (marine and land) of more than 1,800 km2. As well as being home to the Komodo Dragon, also known as the Komodo monitor. The Komodo National Park provides refuge for many other terrestrial species and includes one of the richest marine environments.

Komodo Island in Indonesia is a captivating destination that offers a unique blend of natural beauty, wildlife, and adventure. Here are some compelling reasons why you should consider visiting this remarkable island:

Komodo Dragons: Komodo Island is home to the Komodo dragon, the largest lizard on Earth. These ancient reptiles roam freely in their natural habitat here. Witnessing these majestic creatures up close is an awe-inspiring experience.

Stunning Landscapes: The island boasts rugged terrain, rolling hills, and dramatic cliffs. The views are breathtaking, especially during sunrise and sunset. Don’t miss the chance to hike to the island’s highest point for panoramic vistas.

Pink Beach: Yes, you read that right! Komodo Island has a pink beach where the sand takes on a rosy hue due to the presence of red coral fragments. It’s a surreal and Instagram-worthy spot for beach lovers.

Diving and Snorkeling: The crystal-clear waters surrounding Komodo Island are a paradise for divers and snorkelers. Explore vibrant coral reefs, encounter colorful marine life, and swim alongside manta rays and turtles.

Komodo National Park: Komodo Island is part of the Komodo National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The park includes several other islands, making it a haven for nature enthusiasts, birdwatchers, and adventure seekers.

Local Culture: Interact with the local Bugis community, descendants of former convicts who were exiled to the island. Learn about their traditions, cuisine, and way of life.

Off the Beaten Path: Komodo Island remains relatively untouched by mass tourism. It’s a place where you can disconnect from the hustle and bustle of modern life and immerse yourself in nature.

Remember to respect the environment and follow responsible tourism practices when visiting Komodo Island. It’s a destination that promises unforgettable memories and a deep connection with nature. 🌴🦎

How to get in

The ferry services to and from the cities of Sape, and Labuan Bajo on Flores Island drops off passengers on Komodo once or twice every week. There is no port on the island, so passengers are unloaded onto small vessels which take them into the island's only village. Travelers coming in from Sape to the west should note that the once-daily ferries from Sape can be suspended indefinitely due to bad weather. If you want to be sure of your travel arrangements, flying with a regular flight to Labuan Bajo from Denpasar.

How much it is

When you arrive Komodo National Park you have to buy the appropriate fees and permits at one of the park headquarters They are valid for one day and can be used at both parks. For visitors from abroad these are as follows (as of July 2015):

Entrance fee 225,000 IDR

area Tax is approx.50,000 IDR

Ranger/guide: 80,000 IDR (per group)

Please keep in mind there may occure additional fees for activities like diving is 25,000 IDR, snorkeling is 15,000 IDR. The same for research and documentation for commercial purposes.

Important notice! It is neither permitted nor advised to do any tours without local guides, as the Komodo Dragons are dangerous when they attack. Myflorestour tour hereby excludes any responsibility for arbitrary action. We decline any liability if our guests do not follow the instructions of the park rangers and the parking regulations and come to harm. 

How to get around on Komodo Island?

By land: Only on foot, as there are no roads and no motor transports.

By sea:   Only by chartered boats as there are no regular connections.

Keep in mind that there are also wild pigs, monkeys and horses on Pulau Rinca, one of the two largest islands in the park.

If you return by sea at night, you can also see legions of flying foxes. These are fruit bats whose wing span may exceed 4 feet and which flying in the twilight sky. At night on the Flores Sea, you also have a magnificent view of the stars.

Depending on the time you have available, one or more guided tours on the islands of Rinca and Komodo itself. 

Flora and Fauna

The number of terrestrial animal species found in the Park is not high, but the area is important from a conservation perspective as some species are endemic. Many of the mammals are Asiatic in origin. Several of the reptiles and birds are Australian in origin. These include the orange-footed scrubfowl, the lesser sulpher-crested cockatoo and the nosy friarbird.

Other animals include the Timor deer, the main prey of the Komodo dragon, wild horses, water buffalo, wild boar (babi liar), long-tailed macaques, palm civets, the endemic Rinca rat, and fruit bats.

Also beware of the snakes inhabiting the island, which are extremely dangerous.

As far as the marine fauna is concerned, Komodo National Park includes one of the world's richest marine environments. It consists of over 260 species of reef building coral, 70 different species of sponges, crustaceans, cartilaginous (incl. manta ray and sharks) and over a 1,000 different species of bony fishes. The sea around Komodo island is a paradis for marine reptiles (incl. sea turtles), and marine mammals like dolphins, whales, and dugongs. The waters around Komodo National Park are home by more than a thousand different fish species. That’s why it is one of the world’s richest marine habitats. You can swim in the crystal clear Flores Sea but beware of sharp corals on the sea floor near some of the small islands.

Komodo National Park is part of the “coral triangle” and offers divers and snorkelers an overwhelming variety of marine life. Here is the richest concentration of marine life in the world. This unparalleled diversity comes with hundreds of species in a huge amount of incredible coral reefs. These are the natural habitat of amazing colourful fish and underwater plants. You may also can see Manta rays and sharks.

What is the best time to visit Komodo Island Indonesia? What are the average monthly temperatures on Komodo Island Indonesia?

The best time to visit Komodo Island in Indonesia is between April and June, when it is dry and not too hot on the island. The months of September to November are also recommended because of the pleasant weather and the whale and manta season1. Here are the monthly average temperatures on Komodo Island:

January: 26°C/29°C (23.2in rain)

February: 25°C/29°C (21.1in rain)

March: 25°C/30°C (21.1in rain)

April: 26°C/30°C (11.8in rain)

May: 26°C/29°C (9.5in rain)

June: 25°C/29°C (3.5in rain)

July: 24°C/29°C (1.6in rain)

August: 24°C/30°C (0.7in rain)

September: 25°C/31°C (1.8in rain)

October: 26°C/32°C (4.6in rain)

November: 27°C/32°C (16.4in rain)

December: 26°C/30°C (20.8in rain)

The sea temperature is suitable for swimming all year round. Komodo Island has a tropical savannah climate with an average maximum temperature of 30°C. The rainy season is from January to April, while the months of May to October are pleasant3. Plan your trip to Komodo Island with your reliable tour operator MyFlorestour and experience the fascinating island! 🌴🌞

Buying 

On Pulau Rinca near the park headquarters you may buy hand carved wooden komodo dragons along with park stickers and park t-shirts. Prices may be cheaper in Labuan Bajo, Flores than on Pulau Rinca.

Eating 

A limited selection of food is available near the park headquarters on Pulau Rinca, and the prices are not high by Western standards.

Restaurant Atlantis:

Spanish and seafood restaurant and beach club, offering tasty and fresh food, free shuttle bus and free usage of swimming pool. Every saturday night it turns into a disco with live dj and entertainment. Wonderful for sunset. 10% discount to all certified divers   

Drinking 

Under no circumstances drink any tap water. The tap water is not potable. Near park headquarters on Pulau Rinca, you may purchase water and soft drinks. If you go trekking into the island's interior be sure to take a large bottle of water with you. You will need it!

Kayaking and camping[

The Komodo Islands are made famous by the greatest lizard on the planet, the Komodo Dragon. But the Komodo chain of islands offers so much more than this. Pristine reefs, uninhabited islands, white sandy beaches, marine life second to none and land life as fascinating as the Dragon itself.

Many of the islands in the chain are either inaccessible to large boats or difficult to access. However with a sea kayak, we can travel anywhere we like. Into small grottos and bays, around rocky points and slowly above shallow reefs brimming with fish.

Stay safely

The Komodo Dragon has a history of attacking humans. Beware of getting too close. If you are visiting  the park's office ask for a guide and stick close to him. Do not wander off or do anything without his knowledge. Komodo dragons may approach the guest rest area during daily feeding time. Myflorestour recommend you find a building which are usually elevated and stay clear from the railings. Komodo dragons can and will jump to obtain food if necessary. All Park rangers are usually present at these events and will prevent any Komodo dragons trying to get in.

The Park ranger of your group may gives you a long wooden stick with a split on the end, forming a "Y" shape. This can be used as a walking pole or for moving things on your way to go. If wild animals threaten you it can be used as a good kind of defense. Komodo dragons are extremely dangerous if close enough. They can run faster than humans and accelerate very fast. Jumping into water doesn't help either, as they can swim faster than humans, can dive. Komodo dragons can also swim against strong currents. Zoologists formerly believed that the main problem was the dragon's diseased-filled bite from the rampant bacteria residing in their mouth. The biggest problem when bitten by a Komodo dragon is shock and massive blood loss due to the ferocity of the bite.

Younger Komodos may live in trees. While not as dangerous as their parents, they can still jump off suddenly and cause panic. Snakes, monitor lizards, and other animals are also present and may cause minor problems.

Saltwater Crocodiles are not present on Komodo island but they may be present on the surrounding islands and in the ocean. Any area with estuaries and river mouths should permit extra caution as, although they are technically not present on Komodo, the islands ARE within the species natural range. It was once believed by Indonesian natives that monitor lizards including the Komodo dragon were capable of warning humans of a crocodiles presence.

Important notice! It is neither permitted nor advised to do any tours without local guides, as the Komodo Dragons are dangerous when they attack. Myflorestour tour hereby excludes any responsibility for arbitrary action. We decline any liability if our guests do not follow the instructions of the park rangers and the parking regulations and come to harm.