Komodo Island, one of Indonesia’s best-kept secrets, provides all you need for a complete trip, from ancient species to colorful exotic reefs, exquisite beaches to verdant highlands. Read our advice for organizing a trip to Komodo Island to get the most out of your adventure.

Plan your Komodo Island route

Komodo Island is located east of Java and Bali in the smaller Sunda Islands. If you’re flying internationally, the island is accessible via Jakarta or Bali. You may fly to Labuan Bajo (also known as Komodo Airport) in Flores, which is the hub for Komodo island trips, from any of the two cities. The travel time from Jakarta to Labuan Bajo is around 2.5 hours, while the flight time from Bali is only one hour. A multi-day boat excursion from Lombok is another popular alternate route for travellers.

Choose the best time to visit

While there is no wrong time to visit a strange island teeming with ancient dragon species and other fascinating creatures, it’s useful to know what to expect at any given moment. The magnificent green scenery and tranquil, clear sea are the best experiences in April-June. Manta rays, whale sharks, sperm whales, and other marine mammals can you see in abundance between September and November. The months of July and August are peak tourist season, so expect the island crowd. If you must travel during this time, make reservations for excursions and lodging as soon as possible. The monsoon season begins in January and peaks in February. During this time, several trips choose not to operate.

Choose the right month for your event.

Before arranging your trip to Komodo Island, make sure to check your menstrual cycle. Komodo dragons can detect blood from up to 12 kilometers away, which can trigger their aggressive and predatory instincts. It is advised to avoid exploring the island during your period. This may seem delicate, but you can still discuss it with the tour guide or park ranger ahead of time, and they will advise you on what to do based on the scenario.

Choose Tour Komodo Island Operator

There are numerous travel companies that operate on the Komodo National Park. You might want to look into their services and costs ahead of time and make a reservation, as each has its own advantages. Hello Flores, for example, offers a variety of packages with various highlights. You can also book a boat or tour service on the spot, but expect to pay more or settle for a less respected provider.

Komodo island safety tips

In most cases, Komodo dragons will not attack you out of spite. However, if you threaten them in any way, they may do so. When near a komodo, avoid making unexpected movements. If a Komodo pursues you (heaven forbid), flee in a zigzag path rather than straight, and seek shelter at one of the park’s staged houses rather than climbing a tree.