How To Get To And Discover Komodo Island Indonesia
Komodo island, KNP or the Komodo National Park, is in the middle of the two islands of Flores and Sumbawa in the center of the Indonesian archipelago. Around 1980 Komodo National Park was made a World Heritage Site and Biosphere Reserve in 1986, signifying the importance of its ecosystem. Along with its notoriety came visitors wanting to learn how to get to Komodo Island for a glimpse of this spectacular place.
The park includes three major areas: Padar, Rinca and Komodo. It is also surrounded by many other tiny islands throughout the region. It’s most known as the home of the Komodo Dragon but also is the primary habitat for many other famous creatures. It has some of the most diverse marine life in the world and is a common tourist spot for many travelers. The weather is hot and dry most of the year, a very tropical climate, which lends itself as a vacation spot.
Get to Komodo Island
You may be wondering how to get to Komodo Island? There are ferries that drop off passengers to Komodo 1 or 2 times a day. They can be found in the city of Sape which is on the eastern most tip of Sumbawa. When you are dropped off, please remember that there is no port on the island. You will be put onto smaller boats that will carry you from the main vessel to the island. You may want to note here that the smaller boats are not always available and other arrangements must be made. Also note that there is only one village on the entire island.
Accommodations may be scarce so a single day trip may be a better plan. If traveling in from the west through Sape also be aware that sometimes bad weather can delay or even stop the ferries going to the island. A better route may be to fly in to Labuanbajo, Flores the village on Komodo Island. If for some reason you get stuck at Sape, you can get a ride back to Bali or Denpasar at Bima Airport.
Some fees to remember related “How to get to Komodo Island”:
- (1 US Dollar = 9,400 Rp)
- Entrance to the Park: 50,000 Rp or about $5.50 USD
- Conservation Fee: 20,000 Rp or about $2.25 USD
- Fee to take Photos: 50,000 Rp about $5.50 USD
- Fee to take Videos: 150,000 Rp or about $17.00 USD
- Fee to get a guide: 50,000 Rp or $5.50 USD
- Diving Fee: 75,000 Rp or about $8.00 USD
- Snorkeling Fee: 60,000 Rp or about $6.50 USD
When you are there you will be traveling by foot. Obviously the boat will take you back and forth but that is all. Use long pants when hiking into the deeper parts of the island. For site seeing wildlife you can observe the Komodo Dragon, wild boar, monkeys and a whole lot of marine life. You can also partake in kayaking, diving, and scuba. Shopping is sparse with only a few gift shops scattered around the village so don’t expect to do a lot of it. Also do NOT drink any of the tap water, It’s not potable. Basic food and drinks are available at the Komodo Island Park Facilities if needed.
If you need, it is possible to stay at the island overnight for only $7.00 USD per night but accommodations will be very simple and basic.
