Baygrass Top Excursions - Sailing the Komodo Island(#11)

Komodo island is part of the three big volcanic islands that make up the Komodo National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is situated in the East Nusa Tenggara region of Indonesia, and is home to thousands of giant lizards called ‘Komodo dragons’ found nowhere else in the world. The island is among the top attractions for tourists visiting Indonesia, owing to its white sandy beaches, turquoise waters, marine water activities like diving & snorkelling, and the ‘pink beach’ that captures one’s imagination like never before.

Exploring Komodo Island by boat is one of the most popular ways to experience the region's beauty and biodiversity. Sailing trips offer the freedom to explore not just Komodo Island but the surrounding islands and diving sites, providing access to secluded beaches, and flourishing marine ecosystems.

Apart from the Komodo dragons, which get their name from the island they are endemic to, one can:

Komodo National Park Tour

Explore the famous Komodo dragons, hike lush trails, and discover panoramic views that define this unique volcanic island.

Visit Pink Beach

The Pink Beach or Pantai Merah as it’s locally known, is among the only seven pink beaches in the world . The beach gets its stunning colour from the microscopic organisms called Foraminifera, which produce a red pigment on the coral reefs. These tiny coral particles when mixed with the white sand, gives the beach a soft pink hue. For the snorkelling and diving enthusiasts, the Pink Beach’s underwater offers a variety of corals and thousands of species of fish for exploration.

Snorkeling and Diving with Manta Rays

Komodo Islands provide one of the best snorkelling experiences in the world. It brings you close to the majestic creatures of the ocean like Sharks, Manta Rays as well as coral reefs of Indonesia. Head to Manta Point, a popular snorkelling site to swim alongside graceful manta rays in crystal-clear waters. For seasoned divers, Batu Bolong’s coral-covered caves offer thrilling underwater views and encounters with diverse marine species. Most trips last for around 3-6 hours depending on the number of spots explored.

Trek Up Padar Island

Covered with Savannah grass , Padar island should be your “not to miss” destination as you sail along the coast of Komodo national park. The island is surrounded by three bays, giving rise to three crescent shaped beaches of different coloured sands - white, black charcoal, and baby pink. This unique geographical formation when viewed from atop the Padar Kecil, offers a magnificent visual experience. It’s a one hour trek to the top of the hill and sunrise and sunset timings are the best to undertake this trek.

Relax on Kanawa Island

Known for its clear waters and colourful coral reefs, Kanawa Island is ideal for a relaxing beach day, snorkelling, and swimming.

Day Trips from Labuan Bajo

Labuan Bajo serves as the gateway to Komodo Island. Most day trips cover highlights like Pink Beach, Manta Point, and Komodo National Park. Tour operators offer a variety of packages ranging from Rs 10,000 to Rs 12,000 for a day, which includes transportation, entrance fees, and activities.

Here are some of the top options:

Budget Stays: (Rs 1500 - Rs 2500 per night)

• Waecicu beach inn

• Seaesta Komodo Hostel & Hotel

• El Ora Inn & Eatery Labuan Bajo

Mid-Range Stays: (Rs 3500 - Rs 5000 per night)

• Harbour Komodo Hotel

• Mohini Komodo Resort

• Eco Tree O'tel Labuan Bajo

Luxury Stays: (Rs 10,000 - Rs 25,000 per night)

• Ayana Komodo Waecicu Beach Resort  - Can avail various types of boats for full day or 2-3 day cruise trips ranging from three-deck cruise boat, to custom-made glass-bottom boat, etc,. The resort offers a varied range of activities including but not limited to full-day island hopping tours, snorkelling expeditions, Batu Cermin cave trip, Lake Lelo sandbank trip, fishing trip, etc,.
• Loccal Collection Hotel - Offers variants of Komodo island trips like full day trips to “explore the magical mysterious caves, watch sunsets, and swim with manta rays” and sunset trips.

• Plataran Labuan Bajo - provides a mix of adventure and cultural tours to include, “Discover Wae Rebo”, Coral Planting’s serenade, is land snorkelling experience, city tour, limestone cave and sea pool cave trip, Komodo boat trip.

• Sudamala Resort, Komodo, Labuan Bajo - Sudamala resort offers a unique indigenous excursion experience, apart from the diving, snorkelling escapades.

• Meruorah Komodo - They have their activities for every type, inhouse- movie night, yoga, cooking class, on land - cycling, trekking, Wae Rebo visit, and sea adventures - diving, snorkelling, Labuan Bajo boat trip, etc,.

We recommend that you make Labuan Bajo as your base and plan for day trips.

Things to Note: 

• Komodo Island entrance fee is around IDR 150,000 or Rs 800 on weekdays and IDR 225,000 or Rs 1,200 on weekends or holidays. Activities like snorkelling or diving attract additional charges.

• Day trips from Labuan Bajo will usually include the above mentioned attractions as part of their itinerary and would cost anywhere from Rs.10,000 - Rs.12,000 per day. There are also 3-day tours and private boat trips which can range from Rs.30,000 - Rs.70,000, depending on the number of days and the type of boat.

1. Budget Sailing Trips (Rs 15,000 - Rs 25,000)

Ideal for: Backpackers and budget-conscious travellers

Boat Types:

• Open Deck Wooden Boats : These traditional Indonesian phinisi boats have open decks with basic seating or mat-style arrangements, providing an affordable yet immersive sailing experience. Basic sleeping arrangements like bunk beds or floor mats are common, often with shared bathrooms.

• Basic Phinisi Yachts : Though modest, some budget phinisis come with cabins, shared lounges, and simple dining areas. They usually offer snorkelling gear, life vests, and limited food options.

Features and Services:

These trips usually include meals, guided snorkelling, and stops at major sites like Padar Island, Pink Beach, and Manta Point. The basic amenities mean these trips are best for adventurous types looking to save while experiencing Komodo’s natural beauty.

2. Mid-Range Sailing Trips (Rs 30,000 - Rs 50,000)

Ideal for: Small groups and travellers seeking comfort with a moderate budget

Boat Types:

• Standard Phinisi Yachts : With upgraded interiors, these boats often include private or semi-private cabins with air-conditioning and shared bathrooms. Common areas are more spacious, offering dining lounges and sun decks with basic comforts.

• Modern Motorized Yachts : For smoother, quicker travel, motorised yachts provide private cabins, slightly higher-end dining areas, and sometimes onboard bars. These are ideal for those wanting a bit more speed and comfort.

Features and Services:

Mid-range trips provide guided excursions, sometimes including options for diving (though equipment rental may be extra). The boats are typically more stable and better suited for small groups or families, with comfortable lounges and a more curated dining experience compared to budget options.

3. Luxury Sailing Trips (Rs 70,000 and up)

Ideal for: Couples, families, or groups seeking a premium, all-inclusive experience

Boat Types:

• Luxury Phinisi Ships : These handcrafted, upscale versions of the traditional phinisi boats have spacious private cabins with en-suite bathrooms, air-conditioning, and stylish interiors. Luxury phinisis often include a dedicated crew, including chefs and guides.

• Catamarans and Motor Yachts : For those who prefer a modern look, catamarans and high-end motor yachts provide a luxury experience with more stability, speed, and modern facilities. These often have multiple decks, hot tubs, fine dining, and onboard entertainment options.

Features and Services:

Luxury trips focus on personalization and high-end experiences. Many luxury boats offer private charters, custom itineraries, premium diving, and fine dining with a private chef. Rooms are spacious and well-appointed, often with en-suite bathrooms, and boats may include spa services, private guides, and photography packages. These trips often cover additional, less-visited spots, and provide a more exclusive and leisurely exploration of Komodo National Park.

Popular Tour Operators

• Hello Flores : Known for all-inclusive luxury trips and customizable itineraries.

• Komodo Boat Trip : A mid-range operator known for group packages and family-friendly options.

• Perama Tour & Travel : Offers budget to mid-range sailing trips and day tours, popular among solo travellers.

• From Bali to Komodo Island
  
  

  • The best and quickest way to get to Komodo Island from Bali is via air. While there is no direct flight to the island, one can fly to Labuan Bajo on Flores Island and take a boat from there. The boat trip usually takes 2-4 hrs. There are multiple tour operators in Labuan Bajo who offer day trips to the island.

  • Another less preferred option is to go on a 41-hour journey by connecting ferries - Benoa port in Denpasar, Bali to Labuhanbajo - Labuhanbajo to Komodo Island.`

  • For a more luxurious experience, one can opt for private boat charters from Bali to Komodo.

• From Lombok to Komodo Island
  
  

  • Again the top option for travelling from Lombok to Komodo island is to take a flight to Labuan Bajo and a ferry further towards Komodo island.

  • Another way is to take a cruise from Lombok to Flores that stops in Komodo on its way. This usually is a 3 or 4 day trip.

• From India to Komodo Island
  
  

  • Travellers from India can take connecting flights From Delhi or Mumbai to Labuan Bajo and a ferry further towards Komodo Island.

  • As most of the Indians visit Bali as part of their Indonesia trip, we suggest that they fly from here to Labuan Bajo as part of their itinerary.

  • Indian travellers can avail the visa on arrival at a fee of $35 or approximately Rs 3000, which gets processed immediately or apply for an e-visa.