Komodo Island

Things to Do in Komodo Island

Posted on by alex
Padar Island in Komodo
25
Sep

Komodo Island is part of Indonesia’s Komodo National Park. The park is a UNESCO site; it is known for its Komodo dragons and rich biodiversity. Beyond the famous lizard, the park offers several experiences. This guide lists the best things to do in Komodo Island. You will find what to expect, why each is worth it, and tips to plan your visit.

 

Three Komodo Dragons

 

See Komodo Dragons on Komodo and Rinca Islands

What to Expect: Rangers lead you on forest and savanna trails. Komodo dragons often rest or move nearby. Their size is striking; they can grow up to three metres and weigh over 70 kilograms. You may also see deer, wild boar, or buffalo grazing in the same habitat.

Why Is It Worth It: The Komodo dragon is the world’s largest living lizard and the star of the National Park. These reptiles are found only in this region. Seeing them in the wild is a rare experience.

Tips: 

  • Begin your hikes early in the morning when dragons are most visible near waterholes or open savanna.
  • Wear sturdy shoes. Carry water. Apply sunscreen and wear a hat.
  • Stay close to the ranger and with your group.
  • Avoid wearing strong perfumes.
  • Keep a safe viewing distance. 
  • Do not visit with an open wound, as dragons are drawn to the smell of blood.

 

A Flores lorikeet also known as a leaf lorikeet

 

See Other Komodo Animal Species

Komodo National Park has a surprising amount of wildlife and animal species endemic to Komodo. You can see extraordinary animals like the Lesser Sunda Pit Viper which can appear in vivid shades of blue and green or the striking green coloured Flores Lorikeet (Leaf Lorikeet).

If you are an animal enthusiast, read our complete guide on every animal species in Komodo and the best tips on where you can find them.

 

The view from Padar island

 

Hike Padar Island and Other Viewpoints

What to Expect: The Padar Island trail is steep and rocky, with no shade. It takes 20–30 minutes to reach the summit. The other viewpoint, Gili Lawa Darat, is less crowded. Its trail is easier but unshaded.

Why Is It Worth It: The summit of Padar Island offers a panoramic view of three crescent-shaped bays. Each has sand of a different colour — white, black, and pink. It is one of the most photographed spots in Indonesia. 

From Gili Lawa Darat, you see rolling savanna hills and turquoise bays. Many travellers also use it as a drone spot.

Tips: 

  • Wear trainers or hiking shoes. 
  • Carry water because there are no facilities at either viewpoint. 
  • Apply sunscreen and wear a hat. 
  • Begin the hike at sunrise, as the weather is cool, the light is soft, and crowds are few. 
  • Hike more carefully in the wet season as the trail can be slippery.

 

A manta ray and fish in Komodo National Park

 

Snorkel and Dive in Komodo National Park

What to Expect: In Komodo’s waters, you swim in the Coral Triangle, the world’s richest marine region. There are several snorkelling and diving sites here. Each offers a different experience:

  • Manta Point: Snorkel beside manta rays, gliding near the surface.
  • Batu Bolong: Drift over coral walls full of reef fish. The spot is best for advanced divers.
  • Castle Rock: Dive with reef sharks and large schools of fish. This one, too, is best for advanced divers.
  • Siaba Besar (Turtle City): Swim in calm waters and watch sea turtles up front.
  • Kanawa Island Reef: Explore coral gardens near the beach. 

Why Is It Worth It: Few places in the world match Komodo for marine life. Every site shows a different side of this underwater world.

Tips: 

  • Go with certified guides because many sites have strong currents.
  • Snorkel and dive in the dry season, as the water is clear.
  • Use reef-safe sunscreen.
  • Choose calm bays to dive or snorkel if you are a beginner.

 

The Pink Peach in Komodo Islands

 

Relax at Pink Beach and Secluded Shores

What to Expect: There are a few shores in Komodo where you can slow down:

  • Pink Beach: Swim and snorkel in clear, calm water. The sand has a pink glow from crushed coral.

     

  • Taka Makassar Sandbar: Walk barefoot on a shifting strip of sand that appears at low tide, then relax in shallow turquoise water around it.

     

  • Kanawa Island Beach: Snorkel straight from the beach into shallow reefs or rest on soft white sand.

Why Is It Worth It: Pink sand beaches are among the rarest in the world. The shifting sandbars are unusual and appear only at low tide. The quiet coves give you the sense of having nature to yourself. There are no crowds or development in sight.

Tips: 

  • Visit beaches in the morning before the day-trip boats arrive.
  • Wear a hat or bring an umbrella.
  • Apply reef-safe sunscreen before you swim.

 

Flying Foxes at Kalong Island

 

Watch Flying Foxes at Kalong Island and Stargaze at Night

What to Expect: In the evening, you can:

  • Watch thousands of flying foxes. They are large, harmless fruit bats that rise from the mangroves after sunset at Kalong Island. The flight lasts about 20–30 minutes as they stream across the sky. 
  • Lie back on the deck of your boat or on a quiet beach and look up at a clear sky filled with stars. On moonless nights, you may even see the Milky Way and shooting stars.

Why Is It Worth It: Bat migrations of this scale are a rare wildlife sight. Komodo skies are free from city lights. Both experiences make evenings memorable.

Tips: 

  • Arrive at Kalong Island around 6 PM to see the bats emerge.
  • Carry a light jacket for evenings at sea.
  • Plan stargazing in the dry season.

 

Local village and houses in Komodo

 

Visit Local Villages in Komodo National Park

What to Expect: You can visit small fishing villages within and around the park.

Mesa Island is one of the main village stops. It is known for stilt houses and seaweed farming.Kampung Komodo is another. Families here live from fishing and modest tourism.  Kampung Rinca is also included in many tours. Some locals work as park rangers or guides.

Other settlements like Kerora and Papagarang sit on the park’s edges. They are less often part of tours.

Why Is It Worth It: The villages show you the human side of Komodo. You see fishing traditions, family life, and schools in places most travellers only pass by. 


Tips: 

  • Dress modestly in the villages.
  • Carry cash if you plan to buy souvenirs. 
  • Speak politely with the locals. Ask them before taking photos.

 

A luxury yacht charter in Komodo Islands
ALEXA Private Cruises – A Luxury Yacht Charter in Komodo Islands

 

Komodo Island Luxury Yacht Charter With Alexa Private Cruises

There are no hotels on Komodo Island, so the best way to visit is by chartering a luxury yacht where you will have strategic access to all Komodo has to offer.

ALEXA Private Cruises turns Komodo’s highlights into personal moments. With our Komodo luxury yacht charter, you see dragons on unhurried treks, hike viewpoints at sunrise before the crowds, and dive reefs with a private crew. You also relax on quiet beaches, stargaze from the deck, and visit villages in privacy. Book now.

alex

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