You have a holiday coming up soon and want to spend it doing something different. Well, why not try going on an amazing underwater adventure on Komodo Island? You can enjoy breathtaking underwater views in Manta Point, and also take in incredible hilltop views of Padar Island. However, you might wonder how you should arrange your flights to Labuan Bajo.
Do not worry, this article will inform you on how international travellers can reach Komodo Island. Actually getting there is one important part of your holiday plan. Not only that, you can meet the largest living lizard in the world, the Komodo, in Komodo National Park. Continue reading the article to learn more!
Which Airport Serves Labuan Bajo?
Komodo International Airport with code LBJ is the airport that serves Labuan Bajo. That airport is the gateway to Komodo Island. For international travellers, the flights to Labuan Bajo usually need one connecting flight from either Bali or Jakarta. Both of those cities offer many more international flight options to Labuan Bajo.
The reason why international visitors cannot fly directly to Labuan Bajo is that Komodo International Airport mainly serves domestic flights. That may seem strange because the name says international. However, there is an explanation for that. Most people come to Labuan Bajo so they can go scuba diving on Komodo Island. The Komodo International Airport is not commonly used as a gateway to Indonesia in general.
If travellers from Europe, Australia, or America want to enter Indonesia, they usually go to Bali or Jakarta. That is because both of them actually serve as international flight hubs. Aside from that, sometimes travellers come to Labuan Bajo as one part of their longer journey around Indonesia. Once they have completed their holiday quest elsewhere in Indonesia, they can then book domestic flights to Labuan Bajo.
From Bali
You can choose to fly to Bali’s Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS) and then book flights to Labuan Bajo. That offers the shortest route, as most flights from Bali to Labuan Bajo take only around 1 hour. Also, because it is a short flight, it is relatively cheaper. Aside from that, due to the popularity of Komodo Island, there are many daily flights and promotions to cut costs.
From Jakarta
You can also choose to fly to Jakarta’s Soekarno-Hatta International Airport (CGK) and then book flights to Labuan Bajo. Jakarta does offer direct flights without having to transit in Bali first. However, the flight is longer, at around 2 hours and 30 minutes. That is the common method for most domestic travellers who want to visit Komodo Island.
Best Time to Book Flights to Labuan Bajo
When you are planning flights to Labuan Bajo, timing plays an important role. You have to consider the most suitable time for your intended experience. There are two different seasons you have to consider: the holiday seasons and the actual climate seasons. Both have a major effect on your travel plan and your actual experience on Komodo Island.
Most people choose to go to Komodo Island around the dry season, which spans from April to November. The reason for that is that dry seasons offer the clearest underwater views when scuba diving. The rainy season from December to March also has its reasons for popularity. It is the peak time to see more active manta rays, despite the weather not being as clear.
For holiday seasons, Indonesia actually has a number of them, on top of international holidays. The volume of travellers going to Labuan Bajo and elsewhere usually rises during these holiday seasons. Aside from that, Komodo National Park also has a hard cap on daily visitors, so keep that in mind while planning. Here are some tips to help you plan your liveaboard trip:
- Book 3 to 6 months in advance to ensure park availability. It is also just generally much cheaper.
- Compare the ticket prices for flights from Jakarta and Bali. You will need to transfer, so this is a good opportunity to cut costs.
- Arrive the day before your tour. This is good practise in general. It helps you avoid disasters like missing your boat to Komodo from Labuan Bajo due to flight delays.
Plan Your Amazing Komodo Island Trip with Diving First!
You now know more about how international travellers can plan their trips when visiting Komodo Island. By now, you do not need to crunch the dates of your flights to Labuan Bajo in confusion, as you know the best season for it. Once you arrive in Labuan Bajo, you can book your liveaboard trip with Diving First.
Diving First is the top tour provider on Komodo Island. We will handle your registration to the Komodo National Park so you can enjoy your time without worry. Our experienced local diving guides will make sure your underwater journey is safe and memorable. Book your trip to Komodo Island on our official Diving First website now!