Jump to:
An Indonesian folk tale tells of a mystical princess who lived on a remote isle. She gave birth to twin sons, one human, one a giant lizard, who learned to live together in harmony on the ‘island of dragons’. Locals to Komodo still believe the truth in this old myth, and that the immortal princess regularly revisits the island to protect her descendants — a population of the largest reptiles in the world.
Komodo and the nearby islands of Rinca and Padar make up Komodo National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to the Komodo dragon. It also protects a rich marine environment of mangroves, seagrass and coral. As part of a boat tour of the park, you have the opportunity to stop and snorkel (diving can also be arranged).
More than 14 species of whales and dolphins have been spotted in the deeper waters, while glimmering shoals and dugongs ply the shallows. In many places, coral almost completely covers the sea floor in carpets of orange cup corals and frothy clouds of leather corals. A popular dive site, the channel of Manta Point off Komodo’s northeast coast connects the Indian and South West Pacific Oceans, creating a plankton-rich habitat that attracts reef manta rays.
We recommend basing yourself in Labuan Bajo, on Flores, from where our Indonesia specialists can arrange for a local guide and boat to take you on a tour of Komodo and its surrounding islands.
Alternatively, you can board one of the yachts or schooners that ply these waters: having sailed on them, our specialists can suggest your best option, whether you’re looking for a private charter or a small group tour.
Accompanied by a local ranger, you can walk the trails that criss-cross the island in the hope of spotting the Komodo dragon. While they can grow up to 3 m (10 ft) in length, their stone-hued scales match the dusty ground of the island’s savannah forest: an eagle-eyed expert comes in handy.
We also recommend being accompanied by an English-speaking guide who can explain more about the dragons, from their ability to reproduce parthenogenetically to their cannibalistic tendencies.
While the dragons gain the attention, they don’t live here alone. You might spot endemic rats, Timor deer and the constantly-surprised-looking orange-footed scrubfowl. Climb to the top of Gunung Satalibo, the island’s highest volcanic peak and you’ll pass through shrubland and scraggy quasi cloudforest until you’re rewarded with views across the island to the Flores Sea.
who's been there
Start planning your tailor-made trip to Komodo Island by contacting one of our Indonesia specialists
- 617-223-4155
- Make an inquiry
Suggested itineraries featuring Komodo Island
Our itineraries will give you suggestions for what is possible when you travel in Komodo Island, and they showcase routes we know work particularly well. Treat them as inspiration, because your trip will be created uniquely by one of our specialists.
Places near Komodo Island
- Tambolaka 97 kilometers away
- Pantai Marosi 133 kilometers away
- Pantai Nihiwatu 134 kilometers away
- Sumba 152 kilometers away
- Flores 178 kilometers away
- Moyo Island 212 kilometers away
- Mount Rinjani 331 kilometers away
- Lombok 338 kilometers away
- Medana Bay 367 kilometers away
- Sire Beach 371 kilometers away
- Senggigi 375 kilometers away
- The Gili Islands 376 kilometers away
- Candidasa 429 kilometers away
- Lembongan Island 442 kilometers away
- Tembok 446 kilometers away
- Ubud 462 kilometers away
- Sanur 463 kilometers away
- Jimbaran 473 kilometers away
- Bukit Peninsula 473 kilometers away
- Seminyak 474 kilometers away
Photos of Komodo Island
Our expert guides to exploring Komodo Island
Written by our specialists from their own experiences of visiting Komodo Island, these guides will help you make the most of your time there. We share both our practical recommendations and the best ways to appreciate Komodo Island at its best.
-
Flores and Komodo: Indonesia’s wild frontier Flores and Komodo: Indonesia’s wild frontier
Flores and Komodo: Indonesia’s wild frontier
With the world’s largest lizards, time-worn volcanoes and traditional ethnic villages, Flores and Komodo feel like a collection of relics from an earlier time. Indonesia specialist Megan has explored the island by road, mapping out an itinerary that will show you the best of an island that few venture to.
Read this guide -
Honeymoons in Indonesia and Bali Honeymoons in Indonesia and Bali
Honeymoons in Indonesia and Bali
Plan your perfect honeymoon to Indonesia with Audley. Discover some of the beautiful properties available and how we can make your honeymoon in Indonesia extra special.
Read this guide