Indonesia

Komodo National Park: Dragons, Pink Beaches and Blue Water

The only home of the Komodo dragon, surrounded by rugged islands, pink sand and some of the best diving in Indonesia.

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About Komodo National Park

Komodo National Park, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1991, is a group of dry, rugged islands in eastern Indonesia, and the only place on Earth where Komodo dragons live in the wild. These huge lizards can grow longer than two metres and are the main reason people travel here.

The park, covering three large islands — Komodo, Rinca and Padar — and many smaller ones, offers far more than dragons. Padar Island has a famous viewpoint over three curved bays, Pink Beach has sand with a rosy tint, and the water around the islands is clear and full of fish, coral and manta rays. Visitors must walk with a ranger on Komodo and Rinca, where dragons roam near the ranger posts, and most explore by boat from the town of Labuan Bajo.

Why Visit Komodo National Park?

See Komodo Dragons

The only place to see Komodo dragons in the wild.

A Famous Viewpoint

Padar Island's famous viewpoint.

Pink Beach

Pink Beach and clear turquoise water.

Great Diving

Some of the best snorkelling and diving in Indonesia.

UNESCO-Listed Park

A UNESCO-listed national park.

Local story

Good to Know

The park suits couples, groups, adventure lovers, divers and wildlife fans, best explored over 1 to 3 days by boat. Boats can be day trips or overnight liveaboards, and weather and sea conditions affect trips.

ATMs are limited outside Labuan Bajo, so carrying cash is worthwhile, and the sunset bat show — thousands of flying foxes leaving the mangroves at dusk — is a memorable add-on for an overnight trip.

How to Reach Komodo National Park

  1. 01

    Pakistan to Labuan Bajo

    Fly from Islamabad, Lahore or Karachi to Indonesia, usually with one connection through a Gulf, Malaysian or Singaporean hub. Check current routes and book early.

  2. 02

    Fly to Labuan Bajo

    Take a connecting flight to Labuan Bajo, often via Bali or Jakarta.

  3. 03

    Labuan Bajo to the Islands

    Join a boat tour from the harbour, either a day trip or an overnight cruise.

  4. 04

    Explore

    Walk with a ranger to see dragons, hike Padar and swim or snorkel.

Things to Do in Komodo National Park

01

See Komodo Dragons

Walk with a ranger on Komodo or Rinca to spot dragons.

02

Padar Viewpoint

Climb to the top for a view of three coloured bays.

03

Pink Beach

Swim and snorkel off the pink sand.

04

Manta Point

Snorkel or dive with manta rays in the right season.

05

Kanawa Island

Relax on a small island with clear water and coral.

06

Overnight Liveaboard

Sleep on a boat for sunrise and sunset in the islands.

Best Time to Visit Komodo National Park

Excellent

Peak Dry Season

July to September

The driest and busiest time, with clear skies.

Recommended season
Excellent

Early Dry Season

April to June

Dry, calm and comfortable. A very good time for boat trips.

Recommended season
Good

Late Dry Season

October

Warm and calm, with fewer crowds.

Good time to visit
Good

Wet Season

November to March

Rainy and rough seas. Some boat trips are limited or cancelled.

Good time to visit

Travel smart

Travel Tips for Komodo National Park

A few useful things to know before you go there.

  1. Follow the Ranger

    Never walk alone near dragons, and keep a safe distance.

  2. Book Boats in Advance

    Good boats and cabins sell out in the dry season.

  3. Bring Sun Protection

    Islands have little shade, so carry a hat, sunscreen and sunglasses.

  4. Wear Sturdy Shoes

    Trails on Padar and Komodo are dry, dusty and uneven.

  5. Pack Motion Sickness Tablets

    Some boat crossings can be rough.

  6. Carry Cash

    ATMs are limited outside Labuan Bajo, so withdraw before you go.

  7. Respect the Wildlife

    Do not feed or touch animals, and stay on the paths.

  8. Check Weather and Sea Conditions

    Boats can be delayed or cancelled.

Nearby Attractions

Borobudur Temple

A giant stone temple of terraces, stupas and carved stories, rising above the green plains of Central Java.

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Mount Bromo

A smoking crater in a sea of sand, with sunrise views over misty valleys and neighbouring volcanoes.

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Nusa Penida Island

Tall cliffs, turquoise water and hidden beaches, including the famous T-Rex-shaped cliff of Kelingking.

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Prambanan Temple

Tall, pointed stone towers carved with ancient stories, the largest Hindu temple compound in Indonesia.

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Tanah Lot Temple, Bali

A holy temple on a rock in the waves, one of the most photographed sunset spots in Bali.

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Tegallalang Rice Terraces

Layers of bright green rice fields stepping down a valley, shaped by traditional Balinese irrigation.

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Uluwatu Temple, Bali

A sea temple perched on a 70-metre cliff above the Indian Ocean, famous for sunsets and the Kecak fire dance.

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Location

Find Us on the Map

Explore Komodo National Park in Indonesia and get directions easily.

Komodo National Park

Indonesia

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Frequently Asked Questions

On Komodo and Rinca islands, with a ranger in the park.

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