Exploring Komodo Flores – 10 Activities You Cannot Miss In Paradise

Last Updated on February 5, 2024 by Tia

Welcome to the enchanting world of Komodo Flores, and my top 10 Activities in the National Park!

Get ready to embark on an unforgettable Odyssey! Because Komodo National Park is a place where nature’s most awe-inspiring wonders converge to create an unparalleled adventure.

Located in Indonesia, Komodo Flores boasts a plethora of incredible experiences waiting to be discovered and I am here to tell you all about them!

From the breathtaking vistas of Padar Island to the otherworldly Pink Beach, and the mesmerizing underwater world perfect for snorkeling and scuba diving, this destination has it all. It is no wonder that in 1991, Komodo was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Below, I will be listing my 10 favorite experiences and activities in the National Park! I am not sponsored by anyone I happen to mention in the blog post!

So Join me, on a journey through this tropical paradise as we uncover the magic of Komodo Flores.

Where Exactly is Komodo?

Komodo National Park is located in Indonesia, between the islands of Sumbawa and Flores.

The park includes of 26 islands, with the main ones being Komodo, Rinca, and Padar. It is part of the Lesser Sunda Islands in the eastern part of the Indonesian archipelago.

The park is known for its stunning landscapes, diverse marine life, and the presence of the Komodo dragon, the world’s largest lizard.

The total area of Komodo National Park is approximately 1,733 square kilometers (669 square miles).

Practical Information on Komodo Flores

1. How to get there: The most common way is by flying to Labuan Bajo on Flores Island. There are flights from Bali and other major cities in Indonesia. This is where I chose to stay for my 3 days of exploring.
2. When to visit. Typically, the dry season (April to December) is considered the best time to visit Komodo National Park. The weather is more predictable, therefore conditions for both land and underwater activities are favorable.
3. Visa: Visitors to Indonesia typically need a visa, which can often be obtained on arrival. Check the latest visa requirements and regulations before your trip.
4. Health Precautions: Make sure you are in good health, as the climate can be hot and humid. Stay hydrated and take necessary precautions against mosquito bites.
5. Conservation Guidelines: Follow responsible tourism practices. Respect the natural environment, wildlife, and local communities. Do not disturb or feed the Komodo dragons, and follow the guidance of your guides.
6. Safety: To ensure your safety DO NOT disturb the wildlife and marine life. Wear a hat, carry plenty of water, wear comfortable shoes and always listen to your tour guides and park rangers.
7. Long days: Most of the tours start at the crack of dawn – some as early as 5 am! You are expected to spend 10-12 hours per day on a tour. However, time passes very quickly with your days packed with adventure and fun. As a result, you might find yourself very tired in the evening.

Is there an entry fee?

There is an entrance fee for Komodo National Park, and fees vary for international and domestic visitors. The current price in 2024 sits at 450.000 IDR/person (27 Euros) . You will pay this fee in cash to your tour operator.

Can I fly a drone in Komodo Flores?

You need a special permit to fly a drone anywhere within Komodo National Park. Furthermore, you have to buy the permit 3 days before the trip. The cost of the ticket is idr 1.000.000 (60 euros) . You can purchase the ticket at the National Park Office in Labuan Bajo.

Alternatively, contact your tour provider or resort and ask them in advance for a permit.

Sadly I did not do enough research on the subject, therefore I was too late to apply for a permit 🙁

Day Trips to Komodo National Park

Guided tours are recommended to explore the park safely. Local guides are knowledgeable about the area, its wildlife, and can enhance your experience. There are various tour operators in Labuan Bajo offering day trips and liveaboard options.

Below I will list the 10 best things to do in Komodo Flores – you can choose how you want to combine them.

If you are traveling slowly, then feel free to spread these experiences up on different days. I had 3 days to see everything I wanted, so I booked two full-day tours!

A quick search on the internet, and you will find a plethora of companies that offer day trips ( and even 2-4 Day tours ) to Komodo Flores.

After much consideration, I chose Bintang Komodo Tours . This is not sponsored by the way, and I have no affiliate link with them. Feel free to pick whichever suits you!

1.Padar Island: A Hiker’s Paradise

Our adventure begins on Padar Island, a gem in the Komodo archipelago. This island is known for its iconic viewpoint, where a challenging hike leads you to panoramic vistas that will leave you breathless.

Set your alarm clocks because this journey begins at the crack of dawn, with a 5:30 AM hotel pick-up.

As the sun slowly peeks over the horizon, we find ourselves aboard a cozy speedboat, witnessing one of the most magnificent sunrises of our lives.

Like a radiant fireball, the sun paints the sky with orange and gold hues. The tranquility of this moment is beyond words, setting the tone for our incredible day ahead.

Arriving at Padar Island at 7 a.m., we join hundreds of other adventurers!

Thankfully, a lot of groups had climbed up for the sunrise so they were already leaving when we arrived!

The Climb to the top of Padar Island

Now, let’s talk about the climb. Ascending Padar’s steep hills can be challenging, but the promise of what lies ahead makes it all worthwhile. The path is a mix of 850 steps and its made out of well-maintained stairs and rugged terrain. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes and bring plenty of water. The amount of people I saw with questionable footwear is insane!!

As we ascend, the level of difficulty increases, particularly towards the end but so does the excitement. There are 5 stations along the way, where you can rest, take photos and admire the view.

As you reach the top, you’ll be greeted by a jaw-dropping 360-degree view of Padar’s tri-colored bays, surrounded by lush green hills. The contrast of their unique sands, one pink, one white, and one black, is a sight to behold. It’s a photographer’s dream come true, and the perfect place to watch the sunrise or sunset.

The pink beach gets its distinctive color from crushed red coral mixed with the sand. The white beach’s soft sands contrast beautifully with the lush greenery of the surrounding hills. And the black beach is a volcanic wonder, with dark, velvety sands that beckon you to explore.

As you catch your breath at the final summit, take a moment to soak in the natural beauty surrounding you. The breathtaking cliffs, the crystal-clear waters, and the symphony of colors beneath you all create an unforgettable experience.

A very early day that starts with a mesmerizing sunrise, leads to an invigorating climb and rewards you with views that will stay etched in your memory forever.

Padar Island is a must-visit destination for all travelers! A place where the journey is as incredible as the destination itself.

2. Pink Beach: Nature’s Artistry

From Padar Island, we sail to the renowned Pink Beach, which gets its name from the striking pink hue of its sand. This otherworldly beach is one of only seven pink beaches in the world!

The sands here are like no other! It’s a delicate shade of pink that glistens in the sunlight! This is caused by a rare natural phenomenon created by the mixing of white sand with tiny red coral particles.

Spend your day lounging on the beach, snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters, or simply admiring the stunning scenery. The clear, turquoise waters reveal an underwater world teeming with colorful marine life, coral reefs, and fish species.

Surrounded by lush green hills and rugged cliffs, Pink Beach is truly a slice of heaven on Earth. The contrast between the pink sand, blue waters, and green hills creates a stunning visual spectacle. It’s the kind of place where you can’t help but reflect on the incredible beauty of nature and how fortunate we are to experience it.

3. Komodo National Park – Up close and personal with dragons

Komodo Flores is inhabited by a population of around 5,700 giant lizards. Their appearance and aggressive behavior have led to them being called ‘Komodo dragons’.

Practically THE No1 reason to visit Komodon Flores is to have the unique opportunity to encounter the legendary Komodo dragons. And I did!

They exist nowhere else in the world and are of great interest to scientists studying the theory of evolution.

Sit tight, as we explore this natural wonder, the dedicated park rangers, the different hikes, and, of course, the awe-inspiring dragons themselves.

To enter this natural wonderland, there’s a modest entrance fee of about 20 euros, which helps fund conservation efforts and the essential work of the park rangers.

Now, let’s talk about these unsung heroes—the park rangers. They are the guardians of this pristine ecosystem, responsible for ensuring the safety of both visitors and wildlife. With their deep knowledge of the park, they make sure every encounter with a Komodo dragon is both thrilling and safe.

Getting to Komodo National Park is easy with most visitors arriving by boat. As you approach, the sheer beauty of the islands takes your breath away. The dramatic hills, lush forests, and pristine beaches create a picture-perfect setting for our exploration.

The hike through the park and viewpoint is available in a short (1h), medium(1.5h) or long walk (2.5h). 

The Komodo Dragons

But let’s talk about the main attraction—the Komodo dragons! These magnificent creatures are the world’s largest living lizards – known for their size, strength, and deadly bite.

Komodo dragons have a natural predator mouth with shark-like teeth and strong venom. Studies say that a Komodo’s venom can kill an adult human within hours.

Apart from that, the Komodo dragon’s bite itself can leave deep wounds that can cause excruciating pain.

They can run up to 20km per hour! They’re also fantastic swimmers and climbers – a victim of the Komodo Dragon doesn’t have anywhere to escape to, honestly.

We were fortunate to spot three of them during our visit!

We kept walking silently, with the park rangers guiding us through the forest, hoping we would see a dragon.  Approximately 15 minutes into our hike, we saw the first one!! Its slithering movements and prehistoric appearance were truly captivating! I couldn’t help but feel a mixture of awe and respect in their presence.

Keeping safe inside Komodo National Park

“Visiting Komodo dragons is an extraordinary experience, but it’s important to remember that these are wild animals. The park rangers ensure everyone’s safety by maintaining a safe distance and adhering to strict guidelines

It is forbidden to walk around alone or go off the designated trails. It is also not permitted to make loud, or sudden noises which could make the Komodo dragon angry or defensive.

When seeing a dragon, you need to avoid eye contact and Keep your distance.

Only five people have been killed by Komodo dragons in the last 50 years, though 24 people have been attacked.

Our journey through Komodo National Park was a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. It’s a place where nature reigns supreme! Where park rangers and conservation efforts play a vital role in preserving the unique ecosystem! And of course, where you can come face-to-face with the incredible Komodo dragons.

4. Spot incredible wildlife and marine life

Komodo National Park is renowned for its diverse and unique wildlife, both on land and in the surrounding waters.

Some of the notable wildlife species you can encounter in Komodo include:

• Monkeys
• Bats
• WaterbBuffalos, wild boars, and Timor deer – which the Komodo dragon likes to hunt!
• cockatoos, sunbirds, and the yellow-crested cockatoo, which is native to the area.
• Various species of snakes, including the Russell’s viper, can be found in the park. Several lizard species can be found too, such as the endemic Rinca monitor lizard.
• The waters surrounding Komodo National Park are rich in marine biodiversity. Snorkeling and diving enthusiasts can encounter a variety of marine life, including colorful coral reefs, manta rays, sharks, turtles, and numerous species of fish.

Exploring Komodo National Park provides a unique opportunity to witness the interactions between different ecosystems.

Whether on land or underwater, the park offers nature enthusiasts a memorable and immersive experience.

5. Snorkeling Komodo National Park: A Window to the Marine Wonderland

Komodo National Park is renowned for its rich marine biodiversity. Snorkeling is the perfect way to explore the underwater wonderland.

I snorkeled at three spectacular locations: Taka Makasar, Manta Point, and the enchanting Kanawa Island.

Get ready to be amazed by the incredible marine life, vibrant corals, and the kaleidoscope of fish that call these waters home.

Taka Makasar

Our first stop, Taka Makasar, greeted us with its crystal-clear turquoise waters. As we dipped below the surface, we were instantly welcomed by a breathtaking coral garden. The vibrant corals seemed to stretch endlessly, creating a mesmerizing underwater city for countless fish species.

We encountered schools of colorful fish that moved in perfect harmony, creating a living masterpiece of nature. From playful clownfish darting in and out of their anemone homes to regal angelfish gliding gracefully, every corner of this underwater paradise was teeming with life.

Manta Point

Our next adventure took us to Manta Point! Here, we hoped to encounter the ocean’s gentle giants—the majestic manta rays.

We knew from the start that August wasn’t the right season to see them! Nonetheless, as we descended into the deep blue, our hearts raced with excitement!

Unfortunately, These incredible creatures, with wingspans that could rival a small car… were nowhere to be found. As disappointed as we were, this is life – and nature!

I’ll go ahead and include a stock photo of a manta ray – in case you have never seen one!

Kanawa Island

Our final destination was the postcard-perfect Kanawa Island. This was a 10/10 experience! I would have loved to rent a speedboat and spend the day on the island!

Its vibrant coral reefs were like a living tapestry beneath the waves. I couldn’t resist exploring every nook and cranny, uncovering a treasure trove of marine life.

Corals in a myriad of shapes and colors sprawled across the seabed, providing homes for an astonishing array of fish including dozens of gorgeous turtles!

And let’s not forget the water itself! As clear as the clearest of skies, allowing us to witness this aquatic wonderland in all its glory.

Kanawa Island was probably my favorite, I was simply in awe at everything I saw!

Snorkeling in Komodo National Park was an adventure like no other! A journey into a world of wonder and beauty hidden beneath the surface.

These pristine locations revealed the magic of the ocean and reminded us of the importance of preserving these delicate ecosystems.

6. Scuba Diving: Unveiling the Secrets of the Deep Blue Sea

For certified divers, Komodo National Park is a paradise like no other and is reportedly one of the top 5 dive destinations worldwide.

Komodo Flores National Park is home to some of the world’s most exhilarating dive sites. The currents here create a thriving ecosystem, attracting a diverse range of marine life.

Dive enthusiasts get to explore sites like Batu Bolong, Crystal Rock, and Cannibal Rock. There, you’ll encounter everything from tiny seahorses to massive schools of fish and elusive reef sharks. I saw a black-tip reef shark!!

I recently got my OW (Naui Open Water) certification and I was incredibly excited to scuba dive outside of Cyprus for the first time. And oh my goodness – WOW.

I opted to dive with Flores Diving Center, and it was seriously one of the highlights of my entire month in Indonesia.

The Itinerary

We were required to meet the day before for a brief and to inform them of the sizes for all our diving gear.

I was a little nervous – after all this was my first time diving outside of Cyprus. Thankfully, Michael – the owner – quickly made me feel at ease by answering all of my questions

The next day, We met at 6:00 am and boarded the big traditional wooden boat!

By 9 am we did our first dive at Sebayur Kecil at 17 meters deep. There, we saw cuttlefish, garden eels, titan trigger and puffer fish, and scorpion fish!

At 11 am we proceeded to the second dive of the day. This time, it was 15 meters into Makasar Reef where I immediately met with a blacktip reef shark as well as hundreds of vibrant corals and marine life.

After lunch, at 13.30 we dove 12 meters deep into Tatawa Besar which was filled with giant turtles, schooling fusiliers, and box puffer fish.

What is the cost of Scuba diving at Komodo Flores?

A 1 Day-Trip with 3 dives will set you back 2,500,000 IDR ( 147.00 Euros). I have to say I would pay this again and again for the 10/10 experience I had!

Met some amazing divers from all over the world, and got new dive experiences! Most importantly, I swam with a shark in some of the most paradisical waters I’ve seen in my life!

7. Chill on a sandbar in Komodo Flores

Scattered around Komodo you will find several pristine beaches and sandbars. A sandbar is basically a line of sand popping out of the clearest waters you can imagine. Imagine chilling there for a bit with nothing around you but paradise! Be wary of tide times too, and wear a hat!

8. A slice of Heaven at Cunca Wulang waterfall

if you know me, you know I am obsessed with waterfalls.

Nestled deep within the heart of Flores Island in Indonesia, Cunca Wulang Canyon is a secluded haven surrounded by towering cliffs and crystal-clear waters. its sheer height and force are mesmerizing.

The pool at its base beckons for a refreshing swim, a moment of serenity amidst the untamed beauty. Guided by locals, the trek additionally provides insights into the cultural richness of the region.

Cunca Wulang is more than just a waterfall. It’s a narrative of exploration, a sensory journey through a landscape where nature and culture harmoniously converge, leaving an indelible mark on those fortunate enough to wander its paths.

9. Visit Rangko cave

Rangko Cave is a lesser-known gem near Labuan Bajo, reached by boat within 1-2 hrs.

Rangko Cave is known for its stunning stalactite and stalagmite formations. The cave is filled with crystal-clear turquoise water, creating a beautiful contrast with the surrounding rock formations. Visitors can swim in the cave’s salty lake and explore its unique features.

Various tour operators in Labuan Bajo offer day trips that include a visit to Rangko Cave . Check with local operators for the latest offerings and tour options.

10. A taste of culture at Melo Village

Melo traditional village or Melo Village is a village not far from Labuan Bajo. It takes about 40 minutes to get there from the city center. 

At 624 meters above sea level, this panorama of nature looks like a green tapestry. The area temperature reaches 10 to 20 degrees Celsius.

When you arrive in Melo village, you will be served a typical Manggarai dance, called the Caci dance.

The dancers wear hats and carry strippers and shields. The dance show is similar to a war dance, with a fight between the dancers. Lastly, Caci dance has philosophical value, namely as a form of gratitude to God as the Creator of the universe.

This isn’t a tourist hotspot, making it ideal for a break away from the crowds and the heat!

The locals are kind and friendly, so you should feel free to talk to them! Additionally, you can wander the village, take photos, and buy handmade souvenirs.

Conclusion: A Journey of a Lifetime

Komodo Flores aka Komodo National Park is a symphony of natural beauty. It really does offer a unique blend of terrestrial and marine wonders.

From the stunning vistas of Padar Island to the enchanting Pink Beach, and the underwater paradise awaiting snorkelers and scuba divers, this destination is a dream come true for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike.

In summary, pack your bags, snorkel gear, and scuba tanks, and prepare for an unforgettable journey through Komodo Flores.

It’s a place where every moment is an adventure, and every sight is a masterpiece of nature’s creation.

I hope you have enjoyed my top 10 activities to do in Komodo Flores! Feel free to comment with your thoughts, additions, or questions below!

For video versions of my articles, follow my YouTube account

Talk to you soon!

Love, Tia x

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