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Essential Tips for Planning a Trip to Komodo Island, Indonesia

Kiran Umrao
If you’re someone who loves to be in the embrace of nature rather than plush resorts, Komodo Island is an idyllic vacation spot for you. Komodo National Park is the main attraction here along with the Padar trek, Pink Beach, Gili Lawa, and Rinca. It is the world's best scuba diving hub and famous for snorkeling as well.

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Komodo Island, Indonesia
Note: You need to head here as soon as possible because it has been reported that Komodo Island may be closed to the public from January 2020 for a year. This is because of some Komodo Dragon smuggling activity and conservation measures.

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Things to do in Komodo Island

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Spot the largest monitor lizard on the planet, the Komodo Dragon, at the Komodo National Park.

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Get an eyeful of one of Indonesia's most beautiful viewpoints on summiting the Padar Island.

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Enjoy the most impeccable hues of pink in the beach sand. Corals are really close to the coastline so you can do the best underwater photography here.
Experience a tougher climb than Padar Island at Gili Lawa and have a glimpse of some of the breathtaking views of mountains and the pristine blue water.

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Scuba dive into the underwater paradise at the Komodo Island with amazing coral reefs and marine life, including the whitetip shark.

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Snorkel your way at Manta Point, which is one of the best snorkeling spots in the world. You can spot the Giant Manta Ray here.

How to Get to Komodo Island?

Komodo Island is located at the east of Bali in the Lesser Sunda Islands. It is advisable to plan your journey beforehand. You can take a domestic flight from Jakarta (2.5 hours) or Bali (1 hour) to Labuan Bajo or the Komodo Airport in Flores, which is the center for all Komodo tours. For backpackers, there’s also a multi-day boat trip from Lombok.

When to visit Komodo Island?

While you can visit this island all year, April to June is the best time to find greenery and calm sea whereas September-November is ideal for spotting marine wildlife like mantas, whale sharks, sperm whales, and other colorful fish.
January and February are avoided because of heavy rainfall. July to August is when tourists flood in so make sure you do the bookings well in advance. Also, people who like to backpack to quiet places should not consider these months.

Choosing the Best Tour Package

You’ll find plenty of touring services for Komodo Island. Choose wisely. Also, make all the bookings for ferry rides, hotels, etc., in advance to avoid last hour expenses or compromisable services.

What Clothes to Pack?

Beaches and water sports call for flowy dresses and swimsuits. Exploring Komodo Island involves a lot of hiking and trekking as well so be sure to pick comfortable clothes and sports shoes or mountain sandals.

Don't Forget...

...Komodo Island definitely calls for a good underwater camera for capturing your scuba diving session amidst the vibrant marine life.

...to carry a good sunblock - if you don't like to get tanned.

Some More Tips

1. Keep some cash (Indonesian bills) handy for emergency situations. You won’t find ATMs beyond Labuan Bajo. You may need it to buy food or medication if needed.
2. Going in groups is great to share expenses and avoid Komodo Dragon attacks.

3. Be informed of all safety rules when you’re visiting the Dragons or performing sports like scuba diving and snorkeling.
4. Be with your guide, avoid sudden movements and direct eye contact with the Komodo Dragons.
5. They won't attack you out of the blue but in case you get chased by the lizard make sure to run in a zig-zag pattern and get shelter in one of the staged houses. Avoid running straight or climbing a tree.
6. Girls are advised to not visit the national park when they’re on their period as the Dragons can smell blood as far as several miles and may attack. But if you do visit, please discuss it with the guide and be extra careful.
If you're planning a trip to Indonesia, Komodo Island must be on your itinerary. Don't miss the Komodo Adventure Park and the Pink Beach if you want this trip to be the best time of your life! Hope you have loads of fun and stay safe!