Komodo Island, located in the Indonesian archipelago, is a destination of dreamy beauty. With its stunning beaches, dramatic cliffs, and exotic wildlife, it’s no wonder why it is one of the most sought-after destinations in Indonesia. But getting to Komodo Island is no simple task. With its remote location, a journey to the island can present many logistical challenges. To make the most of your trip, it’s important to be prepared and know the ins and outs of traveling the Indonesian way. In this guide, we’ll take you through all the steps of planning a trip to Komodo Island, from transportation and accommodation to must-see attractions. Whether you’re a first-time traveler or an experienced globe-trotter, this guide will help you get to Komodo Island with ease. So what are you waiting for? Let’s get started!
How To Get To Komodo Island
1. The Journey Begins
The journey to Komodo Island starts in Bali. Although it’s possible to get a direct flight from Bali to Komodo, you’ll save on airfare money by booking a connecting flight through Jakarta or Surabaya. If you choose this route, your trip will last longer as you’ll have to change planes in Jakarta and Surabaya. It’s also possible to go directly from Bali to Komodo, which is more expensive due to the cost of transportation between the two cities.
2. The First Stop: Bali Airport (Denpasar)
From the airport in Bali, head towards the Domestic Terminal and pick up a taxi for your first leg of the journey. The taxi ride will take around 45 minutes until you reach your hotel in Tampaksiring. Upon arriving at your hotel, check-in and settle into your room for the night before heading out for dinner or drinks at one of Tampaksiring’s famous bars.
3. The Second Stop: Tampaksiring
The next morning, head to the main town of Tampaksiring and get a glimpse of the local culture by exploring the small streets and markets. Visit the local market where you can purchase fresh produce, souvenirs, and traditional Indonesian arts and crafts. If you’re not in the mood for shopping, visit one of Tampaksiring’s many restaurants or cafes for a meal or drink. After lunch or dinner, take a short walk to see Komodo Island’s famous lighthouse from afar before heading back to your hotel for a restful night’s sleep.
4. The Third Stop: Komodo Island (Seraya)
After breakfast on Day 3, head to Komodo Island via boat from Seraya Harbor by taking a ferry from Seraya Harbour to Komodo Island. The trip will take around 45 minutes until you reach your hotel on Komodo Island which is located at the tip of an island. Upon arriving at the hotel, check-in and settle into your room for the night before heading out for dinner or drinks at one of Komodo Island’s famous bars.
5. The Fourth Stop: Komodo Island (Seraya)
The next morning, head to Seraya Harbour and catch a boat from Seraya Harbour to Komodo Island. The trip will take around 45 minutes until you reach your hotel on Komodo Island which is located at the tip of an island. Upon arriving at the hotel, check-in and settle into your room for the night before heading out for dinner or drinks at one of Komodo Island’s famous bars.
Transportation To Komodo Island
1. By Plane
Komodo Airport (IATA: KMD) is the main airport for Komodo Island. Located in the center of the island, it serves as a gateway to Komodo. It’s located approximately 20 minutes from the main town of Labuan Bajo, which is where most visitors will be staying. The airport is served by several airlines including Garuda Indonesia, Lion Air, and Sriwijaya Air.
2. By Ferry
Komodo Island’s main port, Labuan Bajo Port (IATA: LBO), can be reached by ferry from the city of Manado in North Sulawesi Province in Indonesia. The port is located on the eastern side of Komodo Island and has regular ferries to and from Manado up until March each year. To get to Labuan Bajo Port, you’ll have to take a bus or car ferry from Manado to Sapna Marina on Komodo Island before taking another bus or car ferry to Labuan Bajo Port.
Activities To Enjoy
1. Climb Komodo’s Cliffs
Nomadic tribesmen used to climb the steep cliffs that surround Komodo Island. With the help of ropes and pulleys, they would haul up goods and provisions to their village. Today, you can still see remnants of these ancient rope-and-pole systems at the base of most cliffs on Komodo Island. But don’t expect simple climbing ropes when visiting; most are equipped with metal cables for safety. Some even have harnesses for those who are afraid of heights!
2. Visit A Traditional Village
The traditional villages on Komodo Island have been there for hundreds of years, but they’ve changed very little over the years. You’ll find that the houses in these communities are constructed from wood or brick, and resemble traditional Indonesian homes in design (some even have thatched roofs). The villages also feature a variety of traditional handicrafts, such as woven raffia baskets and wooden carvings. If you’re lucky, you might even be able to purchase some of these locally made crafts.
3. Visit A Traditional Fisherman’s Village
Traditional fisherman’s villages are also located on Komodo Island. You can find these villages along the coastlines of the island, where fishermen and their families live in traditional houses on stilts above the water. These communities are also known for their stunning wooden fishing boats and elaborate carvings, which were created by specialized artisans during their downtime from fishing. You’ll find that traditional houses are built from wood, bamboo or rattan; some even feature thatched roofs. The fishermen’s villages on Komodo Island also include traditional handicrafts, such as woven baskets and wooden carvings.
4. Enjoy A Traditional Feast At A Local House
Many traditional houses on Komodo Island have been re-purposed into restaurants; they’re commonly referred to as “Komodohouse.” Most have been converted from traditional housing, but some were built specifically for this purpose. Some of the most popular Komodohouses offer an Indonesian-style buffet for lunch or dinner, where you can enjoy local dishes such as rice and fish. Other Komodohouses serve a variety of Indonesian dishes using fresh seafood, such as sate and gado-gado (Spicy Noodles with Grilled Beef).
5. Visit A Traditional Village Market
The traditional villages on Komodo Island also have traditional markets where residents can shop for items they need. The markets are open all day long, so you can visit it whenever you’d like. The markets sell everything from fresh seafood to handicrafts and souvenirs. You can even find the traditional foods that the villagers used to eat, such as grilled meats and fish, eggs, and local fruits.
Tips For Planning A Trip To Komodo Island
1. Book Your Flights And Accommodation
One of the most important steps in planning your trip is booking your flights and accommodation. If you want to visit Komodo Island, you’ll need to fly into the region’s capital city of Manado. From there, you can take a flight to the island. There are three airports that serve Manado: Juanda International Airport, Merak International Airport, and Halim Perdanakusuma Airport (HPA). We recommend flying into HPA because it’s closest to Komodo Island. However, if you’re not sure which airport to use, check out this guide for more information on traveling in Indonesia.
2. Book Your Accommodation
Once you’ve arrived in Manado or HPA, it’s time to book your accommodation in Komodo Island! We recommend staying at one of the area’s many resorts and hotels but if budget is an issue we’ve got some recommendations for affordable hotels located near the airport. If you’re looking for a more unique experience, check out our guide to Komodo Island’s hostels.
3. Explore Manado & Komodo Island’s Attractions
Now that you’ve arrived in Manado or HPA, it’s time to start exploring! There are many attractions located around the area, including the Komodo National Park, which is home to some of the world’s most dangerous reptiles. For those who want a less dangerous experience, there are plenty of cultural and historical sites to explore in Manado and HPA. You can also take a day trip out to one of Komodo Island’s beaches or head into one of the region’s surrounding islands for some beach time.
4. Enjoy Komodo Island On Your Own
Once you’ve explored all of Manado and HPA, it’s time to enjoy your time on the island! If you’re looking for something relaxing and not too strenuous, check out our guide to things to do on Komodo Island. For those who want to get out and explore, check out this guide to things to do in the region.
Conclusion
Komodo Island is a dreamy destination that is ideal for those who love nature. With its stunning beaches, dramatic cliffs, and exotic wildlife, it’s no wonder why it is one of the most sought-after destinations in Indonesia. Getting to Komodo Island is no simple task. With its remote location, a journey to the island can present many logistical challenges. To make the most of your trip, it’s important to be prepared and know the ins and outs of traveling the Indonesian way. In this guide, we’ll take you through all the steps of planning a trip to Komodo Island, from transportation and accommodation to must-see attractions. Whether you’re a first-time traveler or an experienced globe-trotter, this guide will help you get to Komodo Island with ease. So what are you waiting for? Let’s get started!
