To get to Komodo Island from Bali, fly to Labuan Bajo on Flores Island – the closest airport to Komodo National Park. From there, take a boat into the park. There are no direct flights or roads to Komodo itself.
Travel time depends on the sea option you choose after flying:
- Fastest: 1.5-hour flight + speedboat
- Most immersive: Multi-day cruise through the park
We have written this guide to help you avoid the confusion most travellers face – scattered information, unclear boat options, or risky flight-to-boat timing.
This guide covers each part of the journey – flights, sea routes, boat types, permits, travel seasons, and common planning mistakes. So, you can choose the route that fits your itinerary and expectations.
Step 1: Fly From Bali to Labuan Bajo
Flight Details
- Flight time: Around 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes. Duration varies by airline and weather.
- Distance: Bali to Labuan Bajo is about 520 km.
- Flight type: This is a short domestic hop. Most flights use small turboprop planes with limited cabin space.
Airlines on This Route
Several domestic airlines operate this route daily. These include:
- Wings Air
- Batik Air
- Citilink
- Lion Air
- Super Air Jet
- Garuda Indonesia (less frequent)
Most are low-cost carriers. That means:
- Smaller seats
- No meals
- Strict luggage limits
Note: These flights work fine for a short hop, but don’t expect extras.
Tips:
- If you prefer more comfort, check for Batik Air or Garuda, when available. They may include checked baggage and generally offer a smoother check-in experience. But always review the fare details.
- Flights typically use small propeller planes like the ATR 72, especially with Wings Air.
- Some routes (like Garuda or Citilink) may use jets, depending on the day and season.
- Flight schedules can change often. Check exact timings and aircraft before booking, especially during the low season or holidays.
Best Time to Fly
Whenever possible, choose a morning flight.
Here is why:
- Early flights are more likely to run on time.
- If you are heading straight to the harbour, you will need buffer time in case of airport delays.
- Wind and cloud build up later in the day, especially during the wet season (Nov–March).
Late afternoon flights face delays, especially with smaller carriers.
And if you land too late, you may not catch your boat, especially if it is a shared tour or day trip. That means extra nights and rescheduling costs.
If you are doing a private cruise, you will have more flexibility, but even then, earlier flights are safer.
Booking Tips and Price Range
Flights on this route are short. But seats fill up fast, especially during peak season (July–September) and holiday weeks.
A one-way flight can cost as little as USD 60. A round-trip flight can cost USD 123. Actual fares may vary. Prices depend on the airline, season, and how early you book.
It is best to check real-time prices using platforms like Traveloka, Tiket.com, or the airline’s official site.
Tips:
- Book early, especially if you want a morning flight.
- Avoid back-to-back bookings unless the flight lands before 10 AM.
- Check baggage terms before finalising. Some fares include zero checked allowance.
- Use local travel apps or airline sites, or directly through the airline for better availability.
- If you are travelling during the rainy season, consider buying flexible tickets in case of weather-related changes.
What to Expect at Bali and Labuan Bajo Airports
Bali Airport (DPS)
Flights to Labuan Bajo depart from the domestic terminal (Terminal 1). It is separate from the international terminal, but still busy, especially in the mornings.
Check-in lines can be slow during high season. Arrive at least 90 minutes early. Most domestic carriers close counters 45 minutes before departure.
Labuan Bajo Airport (LBJ)
Labuan Bajo is a small regional airport. It doesn’t have any airside amenities (limited food or air-conditioning). You will exit directly onto the tarmac and walk into a single-hall terminal.
There are no jet bridges, and baggage can take 15–30 minutes to arrive or longer during peak hours or weather delays.
Local Transfers
Taxis and hotel shuttles wait just outside the terminal.The harbour is about 10–15 minutes away by car, depending on traffic. If you are being picked up by a cruise or tour operator, they will usually meet you at arrivals with a sign.
Step 2: Transfer From Labuan Bajo Airport to the Harbour
Travel Time
The harbour is 10–15 minutes by car from Labuan Bajo Airport.
Transport Options
Once you exit the terminal, you will find:
- Local taxis
- Hotel drivers
- Tour and boat operators holding signs at arrivals
If you have booked a private cruise like ALEXA Private Cruises, your crew will usually meet you at the airport and handle the transfer directly.
What to Expect on Arrival
Labuan Bajo’s roads are narrow, paved and straightforward.Traffic builds up between 8–9 AM, when most day trips and liveaboards depart. If you are catching a boat the same morning, it is best to go straight to the harbour.
The harbour is functional but basic. Expect open-air piers, wooden walkways, and a mix of local boats, tour vessels, and private yachts.
There are a few small shops and mini-marts nearby, but limited seating or shade.
Step 3: Travel by Boat From Labuan Bajo to Komodo Island
Sea Travel Time and Distance
After you reach Labuan Bajo, boats are the standard way to reach Komodo Island and explore the surrounding national park.
Travel time depends on the type of boat:
- Speedboat: ~1 to 1.5 hours.
- Shared day tour boat: ~1.5 to 3 hours. It includes multiple stops.
- Liveaboard cruise: 1–3 nights. The duration depends on the route.
- Private yacht: The duration is flexible. Your journey is customised, with overnight anchoring and curated pacing.
Komodo National Park is made up of several islands. From Labuan Bajo, it is around 35–50 km by sea to reach the park’s core area. This includes Komodo Island, Rinca, and Padar.
Speedboats get you there quickly. Cruises (both shared and private) slow things down so you can enjoy sunrise sail-outs, snorkelling, beach stops, and sunsets at anchor.
Types of Boats
1] Day Trip Boats
Shared tours depart from Labuan Bajo, usually around 6–7 AM. They halt at several stops. Expect 15–25 people on board.
Boats range from simple wooden decks to larger speedboats.
Benefit: Day trip boats are a good choice if you are short on time and want to see the highlights quickly.Drawbacks: Crowded, rushed, and less comfortable.
2] Shared Liveaboards
Shared liveboards cruise for 1 to 3 nights and follow a fixed route. You share the boat with other travellers. Meals and simple cabins are included.
Benefit: They are apt for travellers looking to save money.Drawbacks: Sharing bathrooms and simple facilities.
3] Private Yachts (ALEXA Private Cruises)
A private yacht is a luxurious way to explore the Komodo National Park.
Key features:
- A private onboard chef prepares meals as per your preferences.
- A certified dive instructor is available for both beginners and experienced divers.
- Full privacy.
- No set route, fixed schedule, or other guests.
- Access to remote anchorages and quieter snorkelling spots not covered by group tours.
- Flexible pacing, with overnight stays in scenic bays.
Benefit: Private yachts are a good choice for couples and those valuing a luxurious experience.
Drawbacks: They cost more than shared boats.
Where Do Boats Usually Go?
Most trips from Labuan Bajo enter the Komodo National Park, which includes over 20 islands.
These are the most visited:
- Komodo Island — famous for the Komodo dragons, with guided ranger treks.
- Rinca Island — similar dragon sightings, but less touristy.
- Padar Island — iconic sunrise hike with panoramic views.
- Pink Beach — snorkelling and swimming with a pink sand backdrop.
- Manta Point — snorkelling with manta rays in the right season.
Shared day trips usually visit 3–4 main sites, but time at each location is limited.
Liveaboards and private cruises can cover more remote bays, quiet beaches, or hidden snorkelling spots, especially east of Komodo and in the northern reaches of the park.
All boats require a Komodo National Park permit, usually handled by the operator.
Step 4: Pay Entry Fees and Get Your Permits
To enter Komodo National Park, you will need to pay a daily entry fee. You will need activity-specific permits too for snorkelling, diving, or trekking with a guide.
Tour operators or cruise staff handle these permits and payments for you. Otherwise, park rangers collect the fees at the entrance or harbour checkpoint. Always confirm what is covered and what is not.
Entry Fees for Foreign Tourists (Per Person, Per Day)
- Snorkelling Permit: IDR 50,000
- Diving Permit: IDR 100,000
- Drone Permit (optional): IDR 2,000,000
- Canoeing: IDR 25,000
- Hiking: IDR 5,000
- Wildlife Observation: IDR 10,000
Indonesian citizens pay IDR 50,000–75,000 per day. International tourists pay IDR 150,000–250,000 per day.
These fees are current as of 2024–2025, with a single flat rate for weekdays, weekends, and holidays. There is no separate camera fee anymore unless you are flying a drone.
How and When to Pay
- Day trips: Fees are often collected before boarding or included in your package.
- Liveaboards and private cruises: Most operators handle permits in advance.
- Carry some cash in Indonesian Rupiah in case your operator doesn’t include everything.
Tips:
- You need a new permit for each person, each day.
- If you don’t hold an Indonesian passport, you will be charged the foreigner rate.
- You must get approval before flying a drone. Rules are strict.
- On the Komodo and Rinca Islands, all visitors must go with a park ranger for safety.
Why Choose ALEXA Private Cruises for Komodo Island
Complete Privacy and Luxury
You sail on a handcrafted yacht with just one cabin, designed for two. No other guests. No shared spaces. Just you, your companion, and the discreet crew.
You switch off from the world. There is background noise or interruptions. It is just open sea, quiet skies, and time to be yourselves. ALEXA provides a Komodo luxury yacht charter – like no other.
Personalised Dining
You have a private chef on board. Every dish is made for you, based on your tastes, preferences, and dietary needs, unlike fixed menus on group tours. The chef adapts to you whether you love seafood, eat vegetarian, or want something light and simple.
The ingredients are fresh and local. Fine wines and premium spirits are always on hand.
Flexible Itinerary
The crew shapes each day based on the sea, the weather, and your desires. If you want to travel to Pink Beach and stay longer or skip a busy snorkelling spot, they adjust accordingly.
You start with breakfast on deck. Later, you can enjoy a quiet lunch in the shade or a beach barbecue at sunset. Dinner can be under the stars, with candlelight, antique rugs, and a bonfire on the sand.
With ALEXA Private Cruises, you spend more time at the right places and none at the wrong ones.
Private Dive Guidance
A certified dive instructor travels with you. Each dive is planned around the tides, visibility, and your comfort level, whether you are a beginner or experienced.
You get one-on-one guidance. You are never rushed or left waiting for others. Every dive starts when you are ready and ends when you want.
You snorkel with turtles, swim with manta rays, or explore coral reefs. All gear is on board and ready.
Onboard Spa Treatments
You have a trained and experienced therapist on board. They are a World Luxury Spa Award winner, and are available when you need them.
Treatments happen in your own time. Start your day with yoga on deck. End it with a massage under the open sky.
Every treatment is tailored to your body and mood. It is spa therapy, without the menu, noise, waiting, or bookings.
Floating Home Ambience
Your yacht, ALEXA, is a 31-metre transformed Indonesian Phinisi.
The yacht blends old and new – teak wood, antiques, and soft glass. You will find local art, silk rugs, fine linens and crystal glasses. The staff chooses everything with care for your comfort.
Your yacht feels like a luxurious home on water. It is quiet, personal, and full of charm.
Hidden Beach Access
The crew takes you to quiet beaches that group tours usually miss.
You can swim, rest, explore the place, or have lunch with no one else around. It feels like the island is yours, even if it is just for an afternoon.
Crowd-Free Timing
You visit Pink Beach or Komodo Island when it is quiet. You get better photos, peaceful walks, and time to enjoy the experience. There are no queues, no noise. Just you and the view.
Extended Stopovers
The crew adjusts the plan to suit your pace if you are enjoying the snorkelling with manta rays, the sunset view, or just the silence.
There is no pressure to follow a fixed schedule. There is no rush to move on. You get more time where it matters, less time where it doesn’t.
Private Komodo Encounters
Your Komodo Island trek is private.
You move at your own pace, avoid crowds, and get space to take photos without interruption. There is no rush, and no jostling for a better view.
Eco-Friendly Travel
ALEXA runs on energy-efficient systems and avoids single-use plastics. The crew follows clear waste practices that protect the sea and keep the environment clean.
Meals are made using fresh ingredients from nearby islands. The yacht keeps a safe distance from marine life and avoids damage to coral or beaches.
You explore gently, without harming the reefs or disturbing marine life, which means clearer water, better snorkelling, and the joy of travelling responsibly.
Zero Packing Hassles
You stay on the same yacht the entire time. There is no switching between boats or checking in and out of hotels.
Your bags stay in one place. Clothes hang in a proper wardrobe. Toiletries sit where you left them. Everything stays organised, so you can settle in and enjoy the journey without repacking every day. The large master cabin has ample space for luggage so there is no need to limit what you pack for Komodo.
Seamless Airport Transfers
The ALEXA Private Cruises team is there to meet you as soon as you land in Labuan Bajo. You don’t have to figure out transport or wait in line for a taxi.
Your bags are taken care of. You are driven straight to the harbour, where the yacht is ready. No delays. No confusion.
Full-Service Crew Support
A full crew takes care of you on board – from the cruise director and chef to the dive guide, therapist, and deck team. They handle the route, permissions, and day-to-day plans.
The cruise director arranges island visits, beach landings, and treks to waterfalls or tribal villages. They also share stories that make each stop feel more personal and memorable.
Honeymoon-Friendly Setup
ALEXA Private Cruises offers you complete privacy and freedom. No fixed routes, no fixed schedules. It is just the two of you, sailing through remote islands.
The crew can personalise small details: a candlelit dinner on a quiet beach, a surprise dessert, or flower petals in your cabin. You get space to connect, relax, and celebrate your new chapter away from crowds, schedules, or stress.
Lasting, Meaningful Moments
You don’t just visit Komodo Island. You experience them, not like a tourist, but on your own terms. The memories last because they are real, not staged.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Planning Your Trip
- Booking a late flight into Labuan Bajo.
Many boat tours leave in the morning. If your flight lands after 1 PM, you might miss your departure and have to spend an unplanned night on land.
- Assuming all boats go to Komodo Island.
Some tours only visit nearby spots, like Rinca or Padar. You must check the full route before booking the tickets.
- Bringing hard suitcases.
Space is limited on some boats. Use soft luggage, as it is easier to store.
- Not checking permit inclusions.
Park entry, snorkelling, and diving permits are not always included in boat prices. Check in advance to avoid surprise fees.
- Flying out the same day your cruise ends.
Sea delays or harbour traffic can make you late. It is safer to stay one more night in Labuan Bajo if your flight is early.
- Expecting luxury on shared boats.
Basic liveaboards or day tours may not match Instagram photos. Shared cabins, limited toilets, and group timings are common.
FAQs
- How far in advance should I book?
For July to September, book at least 3–6 months ahead. This is all the more important for private yachts or boutique liveaboards.
- Do I need travel insurance?
Yes. It is recommended to have travel insurance for all trips involving flights, boats, and outdoor activities like diving or trekking.
- Is Komodo Island safe?
Yes Komodo Island is safe, but visitors must stay with park rangers and follow the rules. Komodo dragons are wild animals and can be aggressive if provoked.
- Is Komodo Island good for kids?
Yes, with the right setup. A private yacht offers safety, flexibility, and personalised attention, unlike shared tours with fixed group schedules.
- Do I need to be fit to trek on Komodo Island?
The standard trek is short and manageable for most people. Wear good shoes, carry water, and follow the ranger’s pace.
- Are there toilets on the boats and islands?
All boats have toilets (basic or private, depending on the type). On Komodo Island, toilet facilities are available near the ranger station.
- Can I bring alcohol or special food onboard?
Most private cruises, like ALEXA Private Cruises, include wine and spirits. If you have dietary restrictions or would like to bring a specific item, please notify your operator in advance.
