01Labuan Bajo, the gateway
Every boat trip into Komodo National Park leaves from Labuan Bajo, the harbour town on the western tip of Flores. From here you can explore in a single day by speedboat, or sail for 2 to 4 days on a traditional boat and sleep on board.
02Padar Island: the famous panorama
A short hike to the top of Padar leads to a viewpoint over winding bays and beaches of different colours. It is the view you see in most photos of Labuan Bajo.
On overnight trips, Padar is usually visited in the morning, when the air is still cool and the light is at its best.
03Komodo and Rinca: meeting the giants
The Komodo dragon, the largest lizard in the world, lives freely in its natural habitat. You walk with a ranger and a local guide, for example around Loh Liang on Komodo Island.
Always follow the ranger’s instructions, stay on the path, and never approach or feed the dragons.
04Pink Beach and the underwater world
Pink Beach is known for its naturally pink sand and turquoise water. Nearby are many snorkelling spots: Taka Makassar, a sandbar in the middle of the sea; Manta Point, where manta rays are often seen; and the islands of Siaba and Kanawa.
In the evening, overnight boats usually anchor near Kalong Island to watch thousands of flying foxes take off at sunset.
05How many days do you need?
One day is enough for Padar, Pink Beach and Komodo Island, though the schedule is packed. With 2 days and 1 night you get sunset at Kalong and morning at Padar. A 3 to 4 day trip adds Taka Makassar, Manta Point, Siaba and Kanawa at a slower pace.
The order of visits can change with the weather, sea currents and park regulations, and sightings of wildlife such as mantas cannot be guaranteed.
