What is the first thought that comes to mind when you imagine the Komodo Islands? Dragons. Yes, there are Komodo Dragons here, but these islands have so much more to offer than these dangerous reptiles – think pastel pink beaches, surreal landscapes and top-notch snorkeling and diving.
I spent an amazing three days in the Komodo Islands with Labuan Bajo as my main base for exploring. Labuan Bajo is small fishing town on the island of Flores which is part of the East Nusa Tenggara region of Indonesia, and while not technically part of Komodo, it is the closest airport and the main gateway for transport to and from the islands.
HOW TO GET THERE
The Komodo Islands do not have an airport, so the only way to reach them is to fly into Labuan Bajo, Flores. Direct flights are available regularly from Bali or Jakarta, and the islands are just a boat ride away!
WHERE TO STAY
The Komodo Islands are part of the Komodo National Park which is a UNESCO World Heritage site and they remain largely uninhabited, which means that it is very difficult to stay on the islands themselves. The closest accommodation can be found in Labuan Bajo. This small town is under development, so there are only a handful of hotels, hostels and homestays to choose from. I chose to stay at Seaesta Komodo which is a new hotel & hostel concept that opened here in August 2019. The property is exactly what you would expect for a laid-back coastal town – unpretentious, welcoming and with a super-cool boho vibe.
I stayed in a private double room, but I got to check out the hostel spaces too and I was just as impressed (if only all hostels I stayed in during college were this clean and cool!). There are also a lot of communal spaces on the property like a gym, two bars, rooftop pool and restaurant, and of course ping pong and pool tables. The staff also plans nightly activities like live bands, DJ’s, or beer pong.
This sense of community was something that was really special to me and I met so many wonderful new people by just hanging around the property and having fun! Even if you’re not a guest here, you are welcome to hangout on the rooftop and enjoy a bite to eat or one of their amazing cocktails.
The restaurant here also has you covered – the breakfast is exactly what you need before your long day trips (be sure to order the banana pancakes or the veggie omelette!). For lunch until late, they serve tapas-style small plates with lots of international variety depending on how hungry you are or what you’re in the mood for. I had the watermelon & feta salad, Israeli salad and dip trio, all of which were fresh and excellent.
Book your stay here: Seaesta Komodo Online Booking
WHAT TO DO
If you choose to stay at Labuan Bajo like me, you will be able to take day trips from the marina to different parts of the Komodo Islands. Another option is to stay on a liveaboard which allows you to stay out at sea and explore the islands this way.
PADAR ISLAND
Padar island is one of the most iconic spots in Indonesia. If you’ve seen a photo of the Komodo Islands, it is likely from here. The island is completely uninhabited and is most famous for the viewpoint, which has the most spectacular panorama of the surreal landscape.
Padar Island is particularly special because it contains three different colored beaches: pink, white and black, all of which you can see from the viewpoint. The hike is an uphill battle of about 20 minutes to the main viewing area, but I highly recommend going a bit past the paved viewpoint to the higher dirt path for a view that is much more impressive!
Don’t forget to wear shoes suitable for hiking and bring water! The sun is extremely intense here, so put on some SPF before you leave the boat.
PINK BEACH
The Komodo Islands are one of the few places in the world that have pink beaches. The pink is caused by red coral pieces mixed with white sand. To be honest, I did not expect it to be as pink as it was in person, but it truly was that incredible hue! The main pink beach is on Komodo Island, but this one can be quite busy and it sadly has lots of debris along the beach due to plastic waste. I recommend going to the pink beach on Padar Island instead, as there will be fewer crowds and a pristine beach.
Please do remember to be respectful of the beach and do not take any pink sand with you – this is highly illegal and you will be stopped at the airport for this. Also, don’t forget to take any waste with you back to the boat in order to keep the beach clean!
TAKA MAKASSAR
This little sandbar island is made of pink sand and has some of the most crystal clear water I’ve seen! Stop here for a swim and fulfill your deserted island imagination.
KOMODO ISLAND
As of 2020, visits to Komodo Island will be more restrictive due to conservation efforts. The main attraction on Komodo Island is of course the dragons. A local park ranger is required to tour you around the island and ensure safety when encountering the dragons.
I must admit that I was quite nervous for this visit, but the ranger kept us at a safe distance and was very informative. Another option to view the Komodo Dragons is on Rinca Island if you are looking for an alternative to Komodo Island.
Please keep in mind that these are extremely dangerous carnivorous reptiles – they are fast, aggressive and do not discriminate as to what type of meat their meal is (they are cannibals that will even eat their own children if they are hungry!)
DIVING & SNORKELING
Most people travel to the Komodo Islands for the amazing marine diversity. If you are a diver or snorkeler, there are some fantastic reefs and other spots particularly known for manta rays and sea turtles. There are many different dive companies in the town center, so you will be able to find an excursion that suits your preferences.
FULL-DAY TRIP
If you’re limited on time, I highly recommend doing the full day trip with Red Whale Dive Center. The trip starts with a 6:30 am pick up from your hotel and you return around 5:00 pm. The excursion includes a hike up Padar Island, a beach break at Padar Pink Beach, a Komodo Island dragon tour, a stop at Taka Makassar and two snorkeling spots: one for manta rays and the other for sea turtles. A light breakfast, lunch and snacks are all included as well as snorkeling gear. The price was around 1,200,000 IDR or $85 USD.
WHERE TO EAT
Happy Banana has some of the best sushi I’ve eaten. If you’re in the mood for Mediterranean, check out Baccala or La Cucina. Bajo Bakery is great for breakfast and next door you can find wholesome tacos or burritos at Bajo Taco.
TRAVEL TIPS
The best time of year to visit the Komodo Islands is during dry season between April and December, with an average temperature of 86°F or 30°C. If you’re looking to snorkel or dive with Mantas, you should plan your trip around December – January when the temperature drops and there is spike in plankton blooms which the Mantas feed on.
The sun can be very intense here, so don’t forget SPF and a reusable water bottle. Mosquitos pose another issue – Dengue is present in this area, so please remember to lather with natural mosquito repellant regularly.
WHAT TO PACK
This area is very laid-back and you will be doing a lot of moving around between islands– so comfort is key! It can be quite hot and humid, so lightweight and breathable fabrics are your best friend here.
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