What if someone told you that a place where real dragons roam still exists? Would you believe it? The Komodo Island shows that some places really do feel unreal. It’s a land of giant lizards, dramatic volcanic hills, and untouched blue waters. The moment travellers arrive, a surge of adrenaline kicks in and their sense of adventure awakens, because this is one of the few places on Earth where nature rules entirely on its own.
If you have only seen this island in videos and photos and are planning your Komodo Island itinerary, this article is for you. It gives you a clear idea of what to expect before you plan your trip. You will learn about the best things to do, how to reach the island, and the safety rules every visitor must follow. You will also find out whether the island is actually closed to tourists and what that means for future travel. This guide helps you decide if the trip is worth it and gets you ready for an experience that feels genuinely magical. So make sure you read it till the end, and then plan your staycation to this magical island.
Top Five things to do on Komodo Island
Some people think this island has nothing to offer. They imagine it as a dangerous jungle filled only with wildlife. Many visitors form this opinion long before they do any proper research. The truth is very different. Komodo Island holds much more than the world’s largest lizards. It has landscapes, beaches, and underwater life that you cannot find anywhere else.
Here, you get to see nature exactly as it is, wild, untouched, and serene. It also creates experiences that many people remember for the rest of their lives. Visiting Komodo Island is something everyone should try at least once, because the place has a unique charm that surprises almost every traveller.
This section is going to talk about the top five things that travellers can do on this island. Some activities will eventually make their journey worthwhile and memorable. You may encounter small entry fees at certain spots, and these contribute directly to protecting and preserving the area.
Meet the famous Komodo Dragon.
Seeing these giant lizards is one of the main reasons why people come to this island. They can grow up to 3 meters long and only live on this island. Join ranger-guided tours for safety while walking in their natural habitat. Their bites are life-threatening and venomous. Visitors must listen to their guide at all times. Do not go near the dragons under any circumstances.
Scuba diving with the Manta Rays
Komodo Island is one of the top diving spots for advanced and new divers. Moreover, an opportunity to dive and swim beside the Manta Rays is a blissful experience in its own. These giant filter-feeding fish gently glide in the water, welcoming humans to experience the underwater life more closely. It is also advisable to plan your dive on the first or second day of your arrival and don’t keep it for the last, because you normally have to wait for 24 hours before you can actually go underwater.
Climb Padar Island for a breathtaking view.
The view from Padar Island is one of the breathtaking sights that travellers make a point to not miss. The hike takes about 30 minutes, and the view on top is incredible with three different coloured beaches, that is pink, white, and black in a single frame. However, you might want to plan the climb in a way that it is your first or last activity, because as you climb higher, it gets extremely hot and draining. Don’t forget to wear a comfortable outfit and shoes for a smooth journey.
Snorkelling at the Pink Beach
The pink beach at Komodo Island is one of the seven pink beaches in the entire world. The colour comes from microscopic organisms that produce a red pigment. This pigment mixes with the white sand and forms a soft pink hue. Low tide offers the clearest view of the pink colour. You can also snorkel here if you want to explore coral life under the blue, crystal-clear water.
Relax on a boat
After you do all the above activities, a quiet and calm day on a boat is the perfect way to reset and recharge yourself. You get time to be with yourself and reflect on your life if you are alone. Many operators offer day packages and overnight stays in these boats with food, drinks, snorkel gear, and sun-facing open areas. It is a nice way to enjoy the island at your own pace instead of rushing here and there.
How to get to Komodo Island?
You can get to Komodo Island by flying to Labuan Bajo, which serves as a main gateway to the national park. There is an airport here in this town, and there are daily flights that operate from cities like Surabaya, Jakarta, and Bali, which makes it a quick and convenient option for travellers. The flight to Labuan Bajo is mainly around 1 – 1.5 hours, and from there, you can find many tour operators at the harbour offering customised packages to this and the nearby islands, depending on your budget and comfort.
There is no other way to reach Komodo Island from Labuan Bajo except by boat. You can choose between wooden boats, speed boats, or enjoy a multi-day liveaboard experience. It’s perfect for everyone, whether they want a quick journey or a slow and steady experience; it has the right travel option for everyone based on their comfort, and it makes this a truly unforgettable journey.
Safety measures to remember while visiting Komodo Island
Komodo Island offers a lot to tourists. However, visitors must follow rules. This ensures their safety and protects the marine life and wildlife. However, some visitors don’t really pay attention to these things and treat the island like every other tourist destination. Below are the safety measures that you need to follow:
- Keep a safe distance from the Komodo Dragons – These predators can move very quickly, and they are unpredictable. Therefore, it is always best to keep a safe distance and not get bitten by them. You don’t want your trip to end up in a hospital or fight for your life.
- Don’t travel alone – Always roam in groups during treks and while exploring wildlife in the Komodo Islands, because you will have better chances of survival if you face challenges or threats.
- Avoid loud noises and sudden movements – You might want to refrain from bringing speakers and creating loud noises when you are with Komodo dragons. They tend to get easily irritated and might end up harming you.
- Don’t bring food in open bags – While roaming around in Komodo Island, don’t bring food in open bags, simply because the dragons can smell food, and they can approach you.
- Protect yourself from the sun – There can be scorching sun heat sometimes, and it might cause you tiredness and fatigue. So make sure you wear proper clothes that will protect you from the heat.
- Follow rules and respect marine life – Make sure you follow all the snorkelling and scuba diving guidelines; otherwise, you might be a victim of the strong currents. You also need to avoid touching the marine and coral reefs, because it might damage them.
Best places to stay near Komodo Island
For all those who are planning a trip to this island, you need to know some of the best places to stay while you are around. This is so that you don’t end up ruining your trip simply because your accommodation was not up to expectations. The most famous accommodation spot for tourists is in Labuan Bajo, which is the gateway to the Komodo dragon national park. You can get budget-friendly guest houses to high-end luxury resorts here. Along with that, you will also have very quick access to different activities, because there are many tour operators that offer packages.
If you want to enjoy the blue waters of the Komodo Island, you can also rent boatels that are extremely affordable and famous for their easy access, and the social atmosphere. This is because many different people live on these boats. All in all, whatever your preference, staying on this island will help you make sure that you get maximum time to enjoy the activities rather than simply wasting your time commuting from one place to another.
Is Komodo Island shutting down for tourists?
No, it is not shutting down for tourists. However, the rules and regulations are made stricter to protect the delicate ecosystem. In the past few years, humans have crowded the entire island and not really taken care of it, keeping in mind that it is home to other living species. According to reports, overtourism has been one of the major issues, and around 300,000 travellers visited Komodo Island in 2024. This number has definitely put up extreme pressure on the forests, coral reefs, and the habitats of the Komodo dragons.
This is why the authorities are going to limit the number of visitors to a maximum of 1,000 per day from 2026. Moreover, this system will also create an open and closed system that will restrict access to the island periodically. This will give a chance for maintenance and recovery of the entire spot from the land, forests, and the ecosystem.
This step is a part of the efforts to protect the island and make tourism more sustainable, through small actions. Smaller groups are allowed to provide a high-quality, eco-friendly experience. This avoids overcrowding and mass tourism. The government works to balance income for locals with environmental preservation.
Plan your next dive in Komodo Island with diving first.
You now have all the information about Komodo Island, and you are likely excited to visit and enjoy the adventure. Your trip is not complete without a dive in the waters around the National Park, which is known for its rich marine life. You don’t need to feel nervous if you are a beginner. The island is beginner-friendly for both scuba diving and snorkeling, so you can explore the water with confidence.
Going through proper training, guidance, and precautions is the safest choice, because you never know what challenges may appear underwater. Diving First helps you learn everything you need before your first dive. Their instructors are experienced professionals who understand every detail of the activity. You are in safe hands with them.
If you want to develop scuba diving as a hobby and gain professional qualifications, Diving First offers PADI certifications. These programs give you official accreditation. They also build your confidence to dive in any ocean or island.