Have you heard of the Komodo Islands in Indonesia? They're seriously one of the coolest and most untouched places I've ever been to. The Komodo National Park is made up of 29 islands, some small and some big, with some of the whitest sand I've ever seen. The best part? It's home to the incredible Komodo Dragon, as well as tons of other amazing wildlife like manta rays, sea turtles, and even dolphins. And if you're into snorkeling or diving, the sites here are some of the best in the world, with millions of fish swimming around you. Plus, there are some seriously stunning hiking paths and even pink beaches!

If you're planning on exploring the Komodo Islands, you're in for a real treat. The best way to see it all is by hopping on a single or multi-day boat tour from Labuan Bajo, a charming port town on the west-end of Flores island. The route you'll take depends on the weather conditions, but either way, get ready to see some jaw-dropping spots around the national park.

Hike Padar Island

Padar Island is one of my favorite places in the Komodo National Park. The island is one of the three larger volcanic islands in the park and boasts a breathtaking panoramic view of the full bay. The hike to the top viewpoint is a quick 20-minute trek, and you'll be rewarded with stunning vistas of the island's rugged terrain. You might even spot the famous Komodo dragons and a large population of deer!

What I love about Padar Island is that the newly-built stairs have multiple viewpoints, so there's a route that caters to everyone's abilities. But make sure to bring enough cash with you as there's an entrance fee of 150.000 IDR (about 10 USD) to enter the island. Trust me; the view is worth every penny!

A million flying bats at Kalong Island in the Komodo Islands

Picture this: You're on a boat tour exploring the stunning Komodo Islands, and just as the sun begins to set, you witness a truly magical experience. Millions of bats take flight from the mangrove forest on Kalong Island, painting the sky black. It's a sight that you'll never forget and a definite highlight of your trip to the Komodo Islands. Make sure to add this to your must-see list!

Swim with Manta Rays in Komodo Island

One of the highlights of your trip should definitely be spotting the majestic Manta Rays that call the waters of Komodo National Park their home. You can easily see them while snorkeling or diving year-round, but if you want to witness something truly magical, visit during the rainy season from December to March. The colder water and abundance of glowing plankton attract hundreds of these gentle giants to Manta Point, making it an experience you'll never forget. So, grab your snorkel gear and get ready to be amazed by these incredible creatures!

Scuba Dive or Snorkel in the Komodo National Park

If you're a fan of the underwater world, Komodo National Park is the perfect destination for you! With over a thousand types of fish and 230 species of coral, it's no wonder why the reefs at the Komodo Islands are world-class for snorkeling and diving. Two of the most popular reefs are Penga Kecil and Karang Makassar. You'll come across small reef sharks, turtles, a variety of fish and sea stars in all colors and sizes, as well as dolphins and whale sharks if you're lucky!

The Pink Beach of Komodo Island

Did you know that there are some beautiful pink beaches around Komodo National Park? Yup, you read that right - PINK beaches! This is because the white sand mixes with tiny pieces of red coral, giving it that unique rosy hue. But be warned, these beaches are pretty popular, so expect some company when you visit.

Oh, and one more thing: please resist the urge to take any sand or shells with you. Not only is it prohibited, but it could also get you into trouble at the airport. Let's all do our part to preserve the natural beauty of these amazing beaches!

Komodo Dragons in Rinca Island

If you're planning to visit Komodo National Park, you must meet the largest lizard in the world, the mighty Komodo Dragon! But hold your horses, hiring a ranger is a must-do when you're in Rinca Island, where the dragons roam free. The ranger ensures you keep a safe distance while guiding you through the park.

The park offers short (1h), medium (1.5h), and long (2.5h) walks, but trust me, the medium one was easy peasy. However, avoid walking during mid-day when the scorching sun is up high.

Don't let their sluggish pace fool you; Komodo Dragons are known to grow up to 2.5 meters long and weigh over 85 kilograms. And their bite is lethal! So stay behind the ranger at all times to make sure you're safe and sound.

What to expect of a Komodo Islands boat tour

A 4-day boat trip around Komodo National Park is an incredible adventure that will leave you with unforgettable memories. You'll get to explore lesser-known locations, snorkel in stunning waters, stargaze at night, and enjoy breathtaking sunrises from the sandbanks. And the best part? You'll wake up every day on top of the boat with a stunning view, served by a fantastic crew with delicious Indonesian meals, including vegetarian options.

Keep in mind that this is a back-to-basics experience, so you'll have to share a cold-pump shower and bathroom with 8 to 10 people. But don't worry, the staff keeps everything clean around the clock. And, since there's no cellphone connection on the water, it's the perfect time to disconnect and enjoy the company of your fellow travelers.

Price of a Komodo Islands boat tour

The price of a boat tour totally depends on what you like to see, the comfort you prefer and how many days you spend in the national park. An entrance fee to Komodo National Park costs 280.000 IDR (18 USD) and is valid for 3 days.

The cost of your boat tour will depend on a few things. How many days do you want to spend exploring the park? What kind of comfort are you looking for on the boat? And what do you want to see while you're there?

If you're interested in a day trip, you can expect to pay anywhere from 500,000 to 1,000,000 IDR and upwards (45+ USD) per person for a shared boat tour. But if you really want to make the most of your time in the park, a 4-day boat tour with meals included will cost you anywhere from 3,000,000 to 7,000,000 IDR per person (300+ USD).

No matter your budget, a visit to Komodo National Park is an experience you absolutely have to try while you're in Indonesia. Trust me, it's worth it!

Getting to the Komodo Islands

Komodo Islands is now more accessible than ever! You can easily add a 4-day boat tour to your Bali itinerary and see the amazing sights of Komodo National Park.

Getting there is a breeze, too. Just hop on a flight from Bali to Labuan Bajo's new airport, which only takes around 60-70 minutes. Once you arrive, it's just a quick 5-minute ride to Labuan Bajo town. From there, you're all set to explore the stunning beauty of the Komodo Islands!

Where to stay in Labuan Bajo

When I visited Labuan Bajo, I noticed that accommodation options were limited. However, there's good news as there are new guesthouses and hotels being built as we speak. It's a good idea to book in advance to secure a room. If you can't find what you're looking for on Booking.com, try checking out hotels.com as well.