I’m sure that I’m not alone when I say that Pink Beach on Komodo Island is one of my favorite beaches in the Komodo National Park, and perhaps in all of Indonesia.! Yes, it’s a pink sand beach, but truthfully, this epic location is so much more than that.

Here, you’ll experience amazing clear water views, top-notch snorkeling and diving, and a relaxing ambiance at one of the most unique soft pink color beaches in the archipelago! Find out how to get here, what to expect, and tips for what to do!

About Pink Beach on Komodo Island (Pantai Merah)

You might be surprised to hear that there are in fact a few pink sand beaches in the Komodo National Park. In fact, there are other pink beaches in the region, including one of the most popular beaches; Long Beach, which is also a permanent shade of light pink.

However, the beach that gets to take home the official title of "Pink Beach Komodo Island" is a small south-facing bay on the tip of the northeastern headland of Komodo called Pantai Merah.

The turquoise water color here is absolutely incredible. The way the pink sand contrasts with the blue waters got me super eager to launch the drone to capture it from above as soon as I saw it.

But it doesn't end on the beach or from the sky– Pink Beach is even more incredible below the surface. After diving at some of the best dive sites in the National Park, I still think that the outer reef slope of Pink Beach is just as good as the big names!

Getting to Labuan Bajo – You can grab a cheap domestic flight to Labuan Bajo (also known as Komodo airport – LBJ) with daily connecting flights to Denpasar in Bali for $50-$80.

RELATED: Exploring Batu Cermin Cave in Labuan Bajo

Komodo National Park Entry Fees

When booking a tour or even diving, it's commonplace to have to pay the Komodo National Park entry fees in addition to your tour price.

Since Pink Beach Komodo Island is a part of Komodo Island and therefore inside the Komodo National Park, you will need to pay 150 000 Rupiah per person, valid for the entire national park for 24 hours.

I've written a detailed summary of all the Komodo National Park fees in this guide to Komodo and Rinca Islands.

Things to Do at Pink Beach Once You Arrive

Pink Beach makes the perfect stop when exploring the incredible Komodo region. Step out into the shallow waters and explore this exceptional and unique beach!

1. Snorkeling off the beach

Did you know that the Pink Beach is actually one of the best snorkeling sites in Komodo National Park? The shores are lined with coral reefs, including soft and hard corals and plenty of sea life.

However, you'll need to swim out a little to reach the good stuff. Approximately 150 meters off the beach, there is a steep coral slope with incredible marine biodiversity. There's a magnitude of different coral species, and many species of fish, rays, and sea turtles in these amazing underwater gardens.

2. Pink Beach Viewpoint

After taking in the incredible underwater scenery on the outer slopes, head back to shore and walk up to the beach vantage point on either end of the pink sand beach.

Really, they're just small hills, and should only take a couple of minutes to walk up. Regardless, at the top, you'll have great views of the beach and panoramic views of turquoise seas beyond. Depending on the time of day, you can expect a soft pink tint or even a deep reddish sand color.

3. Relax on the Pink Sand

It goes without saying, pink sand beaches are very rare, and this particular one is even "pinker" than the other famous beach on Lombok and nearly as bright as the one in the Bahamas.

Since the island hopping trip usually stops by this beach near the end of the day, one of the best things to do here is just to relax, unwind, and enjoy the red sand and natural beauty of Indonesia's pink bach.

Why is the Beach Pink?

Similarly to the other pink sand beaches in the world, the pink hue is caused by microscopic organisms in coral named Foraminifera. These tiny fragments of red coral combine with the calcium carbonate (the white sand), causing it to be "dyed" pink due to its red pigment.

More Indonesia Travel & Adventure Guides

I hope that you've enjoyed this short but useful guide to visiting the Pink Sand Beach on Komodo Island, Indonesia!

While you're still here, make sure to check out some of my other guides for more hidden gems and travel inspiration!

• 4-Day Komodo Boat Trip From Lombok - Everything You Need to Know
• Batu Cermin Cave Labuan Bajo - Flores
• Padar Island Hike - Best Sunrise Viewpoint in Indonesia?
• Rinca and Komodo Island: Komodo Dragon Island in Indonesia - TRAVEL GUIDE
• Sunset Hill - Best Sunset in Labuan Bajo, Flores

The post Pink Beach Komodo Island – How to Visit Indonesia’s Pink Sand Beach in 2023 appeared first on We Seek Travel.

Seeing the incredible Komodo Dragons in the wild is a top item on many people’s bucket lists. This travel guide aims to help those planning a trip to Rinca and Komodo Island and to give tips and insights into these incredible jewels of Indonesia.

Where do Komodo Dragons Live?

One of the most commonly asked questions about Komodo Dragons is where they live, and where to see them. The answer is that Komodo Dragons only live on five islands in the Flores Sea in southeastern Indonesia. The Komodo Dragon Island list includes Flores, Gili Montang, Gili Dasami, Rinca and Komodo Island.

Although their populations were once more widespread in the region, a combination of hunting and lack of food has made Komodo Dragons extinct on the other smaller islands such as Padar.

Where to See Komodo Dragons

For tourists, the best place to see Komodo Dragons is on Rinca and Komodo Island. To better protect the dragons, both of these islands have established strict environmental and ecological restrictions as part of the Komodo National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

On both Rinca and Komodo Island, there are professional ranger guides who are employed to guide tourists around the islands in search of the dragons. If you visit these islands, I was told that you’re almost guaranteed a sighting.

Rinca and Komodo Island National Park and Entry Fees

The fees for Rinca and Komodo National Park is 150 000 Rupiah, which is valid for 24 hours. The ticket includes other popular islands inside the Komodo National Park including Padar, Rinca and Komodo Island.

As well as the entry fee, you’ll need to pay additional surcharges for certain activities. Being a Komodo Dragon Island in Indonesia, the most popular activity is, of course, spotting dragons. There is a ranger guide fee of 80 000 Rupiah, which is payable per group, so it’s best if you share the cost.

Organized 3-Day 2-Night Komodo National Park Tour to Rinca and Komodo Island

It’s true, the Komodo National Park isn’t the most budget-friendly place in the world. Since there aren’t really any public ferries to most of the islands, you’ll have to book island hopping tours.

If you’re already in Labuan Bajo, then arguably one of the best value-for-money options is to take an organized liveaboard island hopping trip. Don’t worry, these aren’t the typical hand-held “tour”. They’re mostly just a great way to get to each destination.

While it’s possible to book a trip on the main strip in Labuan Bajo, you can save time and money by booking this high-value and well-reviewed boat tour online for under $100 per day. This includes:

• Accommodation pick up from Labuan Bajo
• AC Accommodation onboard the boat
• All meals
• Snorkeling equipment
• Snacks
• Rinca and Komodo Island Komodo Spotting
• Padar Island hike
• Pink Beach Komodo
• Manta Point snorkeling
• Gili Lawa Sunset Viewpoint
• Long Beach
• Kanawa Island
• Siaba Island

* Like most trips, this doesn’t include the Komodo National Park Entry Fees.

READ MORE: PADAR ISLAND VIEWPOINT HIKE IN KOMODO NATIONAL PARK

If you wanted to make the most of your time in Komodo, you could also stay in Labuan Bajo and take separate island-hopping trips. However, I found that this is typically more expensive than just booking a 3-day liveaboard trip. Regardless, I’ve detailed how to get to both Rinca and Komodo Island separately below.

Getting to Labuan Bajo – You can grab a cheap domestic flight to Labuan Bajo (also known as Komodo airport – LBJ) with daily connecting flights to Denpasar in Bali for $50-$80. You can compare cheap flights to Komodo airport on Skyscanner here.

Rinca Island

Rinca Island, pronounced “rin-cha” and also known as Rincah and Rindja, is a large, mostly grassy island beside Komodo Island. While people live on Rinca Island, life can be quite difficult due to a lack of infrastructure and education.

Rinca Island is also home to over 1000 wild Komodo Dragons, which can often be found relaxing underneath the homes and warungs in the village.

Where is Rinca Island?

Rinca Island is the closest Komodo Dragon Island to Flores and the main fishing and tourism port of Labuan Bajo. Although the main dock where you’ll arrive is much further to the west, the northeastern tip stretches out so far that the island’s mass is technically only 300 meters from Flores.

How to Get to Rinca Island

Again, getting to Rinca Island will require you to jump on a 1-day tour from Labuan Bajo. Below I’ve detailed one of the best-reviewed options.

Day Trip to Rinca Island from Labuan Bajo

This 1-Day speedboat and island hopping trip goes to Rinca and includes:

• Accommodation pick up from Labuan Bajo
• Rinca Island Komodo Trekking (ranger guide included)
• Kelor Island hike
• Majerite Island Snorkeling
• Kalong Island sunset

* This tour also doesn’t include the Komodo National Park Entry Fee, which will be charged in addition to the tour.

COMPARE ALL RINCA AND KOMODO ISLAND BOAT PRICES HERE

What to do on Rinca Island

By far, the most popular thing to do on Rinca Island is to take a guided Komodo Dragon spotting tour by a professional ranger.

The ranger will point out wild Komodos and will show you the nearby Komodo Dragon nest on the hike to the nearby hill.

While it is possible to walk around yourself, it’s important to remember that the rangers rely on tourism income, besides it’s only 80 000 Rupiah for a group, which should hardly make a dent if you share the cost. Furthermore, there have been Komodo attacks on tourists in the past.

Komodo Island

Komodo Island is the largest Komodo Dragon island in Indonesia and also the most famous. It’s also home to the most Komodo Dragons, with a total number of nearly 1500. Like Rinca Island, people live on Komodo Island and largely rely on tourism as an income.

Where is Komodo Island?

Komodo Island is located west of Padar and Rinca Island. It is the furthest Komodo National Park island away from Flores and Labuan Bajo.

How to Get to Komodo Island

I’m sure you know the story by now. If you want to get to Komodo Island, you’ll need to book an organized island boat trip from Labuan Bajo.

The cheapest, most popular and highest-ranking tour is with Bintang Tours. Unfortunately, many of the destinations on most Komodo Island trips overlap with the tours visiting Rinca Island. Therefore, it might be better to choose one or hop on a 3-day boat trip instead.

Do the Komodo Restaurants Feed the Komodo Dragons? Updated Info 2019

I’ve already covered this in another blog post, however, I feel like it would be relevant here too.

It’s true that the Komodo dragons were being fed up until 2009. However, this was stopped with the introduction of a new conservation law. The introduction of this law is strictly enforced by the national parks, who are responsible for protecting the dragons.

It’s important to remember that Komodo dragons are large reptiles, and therefore need to minimize movement throughout the day to conserve energy. They are drawn to the restaurant by the smell of food. However, dragons only actually eat once a month, therefore you’ll just find them lazing around rather than hunting most of the time.

The Komodo dragons need to rely on their natural hunting behaviors in order to get food on Komodo Island.

Budget Alternative For Travelers in Lombok

By far, the highest value-for-money boat trip around the Komodo National park is with a company called Wanua Adventure. They organize trips from Lombok to Labuan Bajo and reverse over 4-days and 3 nights for only 2.3 Million Rupiah per person.

This is insane value, considering they stop at loads of the Komodo National Park highlights including:

• Komodo Island
• Rinca Island
• Pink Beach
• Long Beach
• Padar Island
• Kelor Island

Best of all, the price includes accommodation, all meals, all National Park fees, and all transport costs. I’ve written a detailed blog article about this trip here. Of course, you’ll need to either be in Lombok or be opening to going there after, since it’s a one-way trip.

Rinca Island Vs Komodo Island

Everybody loves a good show-down. But honestly, by now you’re probably trying to weigh up which Komodo Dragon island in Indonesia you want to visit.

Truth be told, the Komodo dragons at both Rinca and Komodo Island look exactly the same and you’re almost guaranteed to see them at both destinations. Furthermore, the islands are very similar in terms of landscape and things to do. The only real difference is that Rinca Island is located closer to Labuan Bajo than Komodo Island.

Still, since you’ll most likely be booking an island-trip that visits Rinca or Komodo Island anyway, this doesn’t really matter.

Komodo Dragon Facts

Most of you guys are probably reading this because you’re curious about the Komodo Dragons. So, after a bit of research and speaking to the several park rangers, here’s a summary of my limited knowledge on the subject.

Are Komodo Dragons Venomous?

The saliva of Komodo Dragons contains highly septic bacteria as well as venomous proteins that infects bitten prey. Komodos often hunt by biting a wild deer and waiting for it to slowly die before eating it.

Are Komodo Dragons Dangerous?

As you’re probably already aware of now, Komodo Dragons are very dangerous. They have been responsible for several human deaths and injuries.

What do Komodo Dragons Eat?

Komodo Dragons typically eat large game such as deer, water buffalo, and carrion.

Komodo Dragons Speed

A Komodo Dragon’s maximum speed over land is 20 KM/hr

Are Komodo Dragons Endangered?

Komodo Dragons are not officially endangered but are listed as vulnerable The World Animal Foundation estimates that there are only 6 000 Komodos left in the wild.

More Facts

• Komodo Dragons can swim, however, spend most of their time hunting and basking on land.
• There have been several Komodo attacks on humans recorded.
• Those unfortunate enough to be bitten by a Komodo Dragon will require a strong course of antibiotics to prevent infection spreading
• A typical adult male Komodo Dragon weighs between 79-91 kilograms. However, the biggest ever recorded was 3.3 meters long and 166 kilograms
• Komodo Dragons can eat 80% of their weight in one sitting

You can read more facts and information about Komodo Dragons on National Geographics website.

MORE FLORES BLOGS

• 4-Day Komodo Boat Trip From Lombok – Everything You Need to Know
• Batu Cermin Cave Labuan Bajo – Flores
• Padar Island Hike – Best Sunrise Viewpoint in Indonesia?
• Pink Beach Komodo Island – How to Visit Indonesia’s Pink Sand Beach in 2023
• Sunset Hill – Best Sunset in Labuan Bajo, Flores

The post Rinca and Komodo Island: Komodo Dragon Island in Indonesia – TRAVEL GUIDE appeared first on We Seek Travel.

This cave has been made popular by the mirroring light, which seeps through the cave roof and reflects off the several “mirror rock” surfaces, in turn lighting up whole sections of the cave.

How to Get to Batu Cermin Cave Labuan Bajo

The best way to get to Batu Cermin Cave is to rent a motorbike in Labuan Bajo and ride yourself. You can pick up a motorbike along the main strip between 65 000 Rupiah and 75 000 Rupiah. This is a little more expensive than what we typically found in Indonesia. However, after wasting too much time trying to get what we considered a “fair price”, we gave in and accepted the inflated Labuan Bajo rental price (thanks, rich diving tourists).

Once you have your wheels, you’ll just need to follow Google Maps to the pin embedded below. You can expect around a 15-minute ride to reach Batu Cermin Cave from Labuan Bajo.

While the pin is accurate, Google tends to try and navigate you down a dirt road, which as we found out, leads to a dead-end. Instead of turning right onto a dirt road located on the bend of the main road (Jl Bukit Cinta), follow the curve around and continue for another 100 meters. Then, turn right onto a sealed road that eventually leading to the Batu Cermin Cave.

Getting to Labuan Bajo – You can grab a cheap domestic flight to Labuan Bajo (also known as Komodo airport – LBJ) with daily connecting flights to Denpasar in Bali for $50-$80. You can compare cheap flights to Komodo airport here.

Guided Tour Option

For those in a large group, or if you’d prefer to visit the Batu Cermin cave along with some other highlights, then you might want to consider this Full Labuan Bajo Day Tour.

Although I didn’t book this tour, it includes a boat trip to another blue-water swimming cave known as Ranko Cave, the Amelia Sea View sunset viewpoint, and of course, the Batu Cermin Mirror Cave.

If you do end up booking, please let me know how it was!

MORE FLORES: PADAR ISLAND HIKE – BEST SUNRISE VIEWPOINT IN INDONESIA?

What to Expect at Batu Cermin Cave Labuan Bajo

Upon arrival, it’s immediately clear that this cave is well set up for tourism, with information boards, a sign-in desk and even some small stalls waiting for you at the entrance.

However, when we visited at around midday, the place was almost deserted. We did eventually run into a couple of small tour groups, but it definitely didn’t leave us with a sour taste of the familiar tourist trap

What’s more, is that you won’t need a guide to explore the cave. That said, I’d anticipate that if you’re in a large group, you will be offered to hire one.

Cave Entry Price

The Batu Cermin Cave entry price is 50 000 Rupiah per person. This is a little steep, considering they don’t supply any torches or a helmet. However, after exploring the cave and snapping some shots for over an hour, I’d say that it’s worth the price tag.

After paying, you’ll follow a marked trail to the cave system. There is a small cave entrance on the left inside the main cavern where you’ll have to squeeze through to gain access to the Mirror Rock Cave.

Being a cave, it’s completely dark and you’ll need to bring a light source. We forgot our head torches to just used our phones to light the way.

Batu Cermin Mirror Cave?

Following the tunnels, you’ll eventually reach the last room, which is known as the Baru Cermin Mirror Rock. This narrow tunnel is lit up by the mirroring reflections and sparkles due to the salt deposits in the rocks.

Tips for Visiting Batu Cermin

Here are some quick tips for visiting the Labuan Bajo Batu Cermin Cave.

• Depending on the time of year, you’ll want to visit the cave between 9 AM and noon. Since the hole in the roof is quite small, the sun needs to be in the perfect place for the mirroring effect.
• Bring a head torch if you have one. Unless you hire a private guide, you won’t be offered to rent one.
• Be considerate of the bats. Avoid any flash photography of the bats, who are extremely sensitive to light.

GOING TO LOMBOK? READ ABOUT THE KUTA LOMBOK BAT CAVE HERE

WHERE TO STAY IN LABUAN BAJO – ACCOMMODATION GUIDE

WHERE I STAYED: CIAO HOSTEL
In terms of hostels, this is one of the best that I’ve found in Indonesia. Everything is clean and accommodation includes free transport to the airport or into town. The hostel sits on the hill above Labuan Bajo, offering some of the best views in town. This is also one of the closest hostels to the Batu Cermin Cave in Labuan Bajo.

BEST HOSTEL IN INDONESIA – SEAESTA HOSTEL
Even if you’re not staying here, visiting Seaesta Hostel is a must in Labuan Bajo. This place is insane! It has an incredible rooftop bar and pool, a fully airconditioned gym and super comfortable bunks with thick mattresses. Although we didn’t stay here, we chose to spend a lot of time here chilling by the pool and working.

CHEAP DOUBLE BUNK – SIOLA HOTEL
My second accommodation in Labuan Bajo was the Siola Hotel. This one is super basic and caters more for budget travelers. If you’re a couple, this is the cheapest double bed you can find in Labuan Bajo. For $9, you’ll get a double bed right next to the night market and harbor, free breakfast and a private bunk with a bamboo door.

EXPLORE ALL ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS IN LABUAN BAJO (KOMODO ISLANDS)

MORE THINGS TO DO IN LABUAN BAJO AND KOMODO

• 4-Day Komodo Boat Trip From Lombok – Everything You Need to Know
• Padar Island Hike – Best Sunrise Viewpoint in Indonesia?
• Pink Beach Komodo Island – How to Visit Indonesia’s Pink Sand Beach in 2023
• Rinca and Komodo Island: Komodo Dragon Island in Indonesia – TRAVEL GUIDE
• Sunset Hill – Best Sunset in Labuan Bajo, Flores

The post Batu Cermin Cave Labuan Bajo – Flores appeared first on We Seek Travel.

From the summit, you’ll have a sweeping view across Padar Island and get to witness the famous multicolored beaches that surround the island.

The Padar Island Hike

Recently, the Komodo National Park has built a wooden pathway making the start of the hike much easier. From here, it’s only a short but fairly steep ascent to several grassy viewpoint hills where you can catch varying perspectives of the incredible island.

If you’ve got a camera, or even if you possess a slight interest in landscape photography, then the Padar Island hike will certainly be your type of adventure. I’m not one to usually talk up a viewpoint that’s already been photographed millions of times, but this place was so breathtaking that it’s hard not to rant. Maybe it’s better to let the pictures do the talking.

Padar Island Hike Height

The highest point at the Padar Island viewpoint is approximately 185 meters above sea level. The path is fairly steep but doesn’t require any

Padar Island Hike Difficulty

Yeah, yeah, but how long is the Padar Island hike? Don’t worry, the Padar Island hike really isn’t difficult, and anybody with general fitness shouldn’t have a problem. To reach the summit from the beach, it shouldn’t take much longer than 20 minutes.

How to Get to Padar Island

Padar Island is fairly remote and therefore will require some kind of organized boat trip to reach. This is especially true if you want to experience the Padar Island hike viewpoint for sunrise.

Below I’ve detailed some of the most popular ways to reach Padar Island, as well as how I got here.

How to Get to Padar Island from Labuan Bajo

For those already in Labuan Bajo Flores, you have the option of booking a one-day boat trip or a multi-day trip departing from the main harbor. Unfortunately, there are no public boats going to Padar Island, so booking an Island hopping tour is going to be your best bet.

There are several of these island hopping tours available in Labuan Bajo. To save money, it’s recommended to try to organize these trips with other travelers. Depending on which tour you book, you’ll get a fast (1.5 hours) or slow (3 hours) boat. Faster boats are generally better since you’ll get to spend more time on the islands.

Trip prices vary greatly depending on the season and demand. To save money and time, you can book this 4-Island day trip on a fast boat which a Padar Island hike.

Most day-trips stop at other Komodo National Park highlights like Pink Beach, Manta Point, Komodo Island and Rinca Island, so if you’re planning to visit these anyway, you’ll save money by going on the same day. Read below for the updated National Park Fees.

Getting to Labuan Bajo – You can grab a cheap domestic flight to Labuan Bajo (also known as Komodo airport – LBJ) with daily connecting flights to Denpasar in Bali for $50-$80. You can compare cheap flights to Komodo airport on Skyscanner here.

Padar Island National Park Fee 2019

The various fees in the Komodo National Park can really add up, especially if you plan on spending a couple of days exploring the area. Visiting Padar Island is quite expensive, requiring a 150 000 Rupiah for the National Park entry.

I’d recommend checking with your tour to see if these fees are included before agreeing on a price or booking. Below you’ll find a summary table of the applicable fees and charges. You can find more here.

RELATED: Exploring Batu Cermin Cave in Labuan Bajo

Komodo and Flores Trip From Lombok

In my opinion, one of the best ways to reach Padar Island and to explore the other gems in the Komodo National Park is to take a 4-Day and 3-Night boat trip from Lombok. This is only convenient if you’re already in Lombok, but is excellent value for money, and one of my favorite tours in Indonesia.

This boat trip stopped at Padar Island, Rinca Island, Komodo Island, Pink Beach, and Long Beach, as well as some other snorkeling and island waterfall stops along the way.

If you’re interested in this trip, I’ve writted a detailed blog about it here.

MORE TO DO IN KOMODO NATIONAL PARK: PINK BEACH KOMODO ISLAND

Scuba Diving Liveaboard to Padar Island

It’s no secret that the Komodo National Park is a diving hotspot. If you’re a diver considering a liveaboard, I found that most will include a stop to do the Padar Island hike on their itinerary.

There are a plethora of Dive shops offering liveaboards from anywhere in the duration of 2 to 14-day trips.

Unfortunately, I can’t comment or recommend a liveaboard, since I didn’t go on one. However, I can recommend iDive Komodo based on their day dives. They have an excellent fleet of boats, professional staff, great food and best of all, they’re local. This means your money is going back into Flores and not overseas to German or Swedish bank accounts.

Photography and Drones

There are plenty of opportunities to capture breathtaking photos both during the Padar Island hike and at the summit. If you have a wide lens and you’d like to avoid selfy-stick wielding tourists in your shots, then I’d suggest grabbing a few shots at the half-way mark or on the first grassy hill below the summit.

Can I Fly My Drone?

When it comes to drones, many might be wondering; “can I fly a drone at Padar Island”. Legally, the Komodo National Park restricts the flying of drones without a permit in the entire park, including Padar Island. – That being said, you’d be hard-pressed to visit Padar Island for sunrise without hearing at least a few drones launching.

Best Time to Visit Padar Island

The best time to visit Padar Island and the Komodo National Park is in the Dry Season, between April and November. These months see less rain, with hot but tolerable temperatures.

The busiest time of year is July and August and therefore a great option is to visit Padar Island in the shoulders seasons of April to June and October to November.

During the Wet Season and the first months of the Dry Season, the view from the Padar Island hike is a refreshing shade of green. The later on in the year it gets, the Padar landscape dries to an almost orange color, which in my opinion is still a spectacular contrast with the blue ocean below.

Is the Komodo National Park Fee Going Up?

One viral story that has been making the rounds lately is the dramatic increase in the Komodo Island entry price. Reports are suggesting that the cost to visit Komodo Island will soar to a premium of $1000 USD for a year pass.

At this stage, it’s hard to be sure whether these changes will go ahead. However, there has been a tremendous local backlash, since the fee will only be applicable to Komodo Island, and not the surrounding islands like Padar.

Therefore, if it were to be implemented, tourism would likely steer away from Komodo Island in favor of the others. Regardless, the National Park fee will not increase, and the cost to visit Padar Island will likely remain the same.

Are There Komodo Dragons on Padar Island?

While Padar Island used to be home to Komodo Dragons, it’s no longer the case. The combination of a lack of food and hunting drove the dragons away from Padar several decades ago.

So, you won’t need to keep an eye out for any Komodo Dragons on the Padar Island hike. Instead, you’ll find Komodo Dragons on the neighboring islands including Komodo Island, Rinca, Gili Montang and Gili Dasami.

READ MORE ABOUT THE KOMODO DRAGON ISLANDS: RINCA AND KOMODO ISLAND

MORE PHOTOS FROM THE PADAR ISLAND HIKE

MORE EPIC ADVENTURES IN FLORES

• 4-Day Komodo Boat Trip From Lombok – Everything You Need to Know
• Batu Cermin Cave Labuan Bajo – Flores
• Pink Beach Komodo Island – How to Visit Indonesia’s Pink Sand Beach in 2023
• Rinca and Komodo Island: Komodo Dragon Island in Indonesia – TRAVEL GUIDE
• Sunset Hill – Best Sunset in Labuan Bajo, Flores

The post Padar Island Hike – Best Sunrise Viewpoint in Indonesia? appeared first on We Seek Travel.

This guide will answer all your questions about the Lombok to Flores boat trip, as well as those for the reverse trip.

Video from the Lombok to Komodo Island Trip

Here are a few clips I put together from this epic journey!

Before You Go

Travel is back! Don’t forget travel insurance in 2023. Adventure travelers will want to check out World Nomads or SafetyWing for longer trips

Get SafetyWing Travel Insurance

How to Get to Komodo Island? – Is a 4-Day Boat Trip the Best Option?

If it’s your first time researching Komodo and how to get to Komodo Island, then you might be understandably confused about where to actually go.

The gateway to the Komodo Islands is a small harbor city known as Labuan Bajo. If you’re taking the 4 Day and 3 Night Komodo boat trip from Lombok, this is where you will finish.

If you’re looking to experience the best of the Komodo Islands and National Parks, taking a Komodo boat trip from Lombok is going to be one of your best options. Here’s a list of reasons why:

• Shorter, 2-Day Boat trips from Labuan Bajo run at almost the same price!
• You’ll save money on flights
• You’ll get to experience other highlights on the way, including Moyo Island
• The boat stops at all the Komodo Island highlights, including Padar Island and Rinca Island
• All National Park fees are included! – This is a big one, costs can run over $50 USD for just the entry tickets

Alternative Option for How to Get to Komodo Island

If you’d rather fly straight to Flores or Komodo, then it’s also possible to grab a cheap domestic flight to Labuan Bajo (also known as Komodo airport – LBJ). There are flights connecting daily to Denpasar in Bali. You can compare cheap flights to Komodo airport here.

As you might already know, it’s also possible to do the reverse trip, from Labuan Bajo to Komodo, which covers the same boat itinerary in reverse. If you plan to do this, then I’d recommend booking a flight to Labuan Bajo.

CONSIDERING HIKING RINJANI? – MOUNT RINJANI CRATER RIM HIKE 2019 – EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW

Booking a Komodo Boat Trip From Lombok

There are two main operators than run boat trips from Lombok to Komodo Island or Flores. After doing a little bit of local research, I found that Wanua Adventures is the best value and have the best, safest fleet of boats. I booked my trip with Feel Lombok, who organized everything for me including accommodation pickup for the exact same price as you’d get at the ticket office.

Note I’m not being paid to advertise for Wanua Adventures. I’m simply recommending them based on my personal experience.

How Much Does the Boat Trip Cost?

The Komodo bat trip from Lombok costs 2.8 Million Rupiah per person for deck class. I thought this was excellent value, as the trip is all-inclusive and includes everything for 4 days and 3 nights.

You could pay a little more to get your own cabin. However, I’d recommend just getting the deck class because the cabins can get hot and noisy since they’re closer to the engine, which will run all night.

What’s Included on the boat?

Here’s a list of what’s included for the Wanua 4-Days and 3 Nights Boat trip from Lombok to Komodo Island (Flores).

• Accommodation pick up from anywhere in Lombok
• Deck bedding with a pillow and blanket for 3 nights
• All meals, typically Indonesian style food for breakfast, lunch, and dinner
• Snacks, unlimited coffee, and tea
• Unlimited fresh drinking water (they give you a free reusable drink bottle to minimize plastic waste)
• Lockers for small bags and valuable items
• Snorkels and masks
• All relevant National Park Entry Tickets
• Hiking guides to spot Komodo Dragons on Komodo and Rinca Islands

What’s Not Included?

As you can see, you get pretty much everything you’ll need on a 4-day sailing trip to Komodo. The only thing that you might want to bring is some beers or wine. The guys can organize large Bintangs for 50 000 each when you arrive at the departure meeting location.

How Often do Boats Run from Lombok to Komodo and Reverse?

The Wanua Adventures 4 days and 3 nights Lombok to Komodo boat trip departs every Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday. If you’re planning the reverse trip from Labuan Bajo to Lombok, then boats leave every Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday.

MORE OVERNIGHT BOAT TRIPS IN LOMBOK: GILI KEDIS, GILI NANGGU, AND GILI SUDAK | LOMBOK ISLAND HOPPING AND CAMPING

Komodo Boat Trip From Lombok Itinerary

Here is the full Komodo boat trip from Lombok itinerary by the Wanua Adventures tour to help you understand what you might expect on the trip.

I’ll do my best to give an accurate recap of my entire experience. However, unfortunately, we experienced some engine troubles on the second day, so the trip had to be extended. This wasn’t a problem for me personally since we were still able to go on all of the adventures. Regardless, although that my itinerary was a little different from the one below, I’ve written the standard Komodo boat trip from Lombok itinerary to help you understand what to expect.

Day 1 – Depart from Lombok – Kenawa Island

Depending on where you’re staying in Lombok, there will be a minibus organized to pick you up between 7:00 and 8:00 AM. From here, you will be dropped at the meeting point in Ampenan, which is the old city near the Pier just north of Mataram.

Here, you’ll be given a quick briefing, settle any unpaid debts, and have the opportunity to organize any beers or wine you might want to bring with you.

Lombok Kayangan to Kenawa Island (Palau Kenawa)

After everyone has met at the Ampanan meeting point, another minibus will make the 2-hour journey to the harbor on the East side of Lombok Island. Once we arrived, we were immediately greeted with fresh fruit and loosened the docking ropes for the short journey towards Kenawa Island (Palau Kenawa).

Kenawa Island Sunset Viewpoint

The first anchorage location on the Lombok to Komodo boat trip is Kenawa Island. This is a small island with surrounding white beaches and a small hill from where to watch sunset.

We all climbed to the top and watched the first sunset slip away behind the distant Lombok horizon. This was a great time to snap some shots and an opportunity to meet your fellow crewmates.

After sunset, we again boarded and set course for Bola Island, where we would lay anchor and sleep for the night.

Day 2 – Bola Island to Moyo Island

Since it’s a little bit of a stretch to get to Moyo Island from Bola Island, the captain turns the engine on before sunrise. This might be a little bit of a rude awakening, especially for those sleeping in cabin class, since they’re right next to the engine room. For this reason, choosing deck class is a much better option.

Morning Dolphin Greetings

We awoke to the first ocean sunrise by the captain calling out for a pod of dolphins. We sipped coffee, watching the dolphins splash and play in the golden Indonesian seas.

Moyo Waterfall

After an unlimited portion of banana pancakes, we arrived at Moyo Island. We were surprised to see that the vegetation was completely different from what we’d seen in Lombok prior. The trees were greener and reminded us more of an Australian island landscape.

The first item on the Moyo Island agenda was to take a short jungle hike to Moyo Waterfall, also known as Air Terjun Moyo. While the main waterfall wasn’t flowing at maximum potential due to the season, it wasn’t completely dried up and still had a decent trickle.

Moyo Waterfall Tree Jump

During the dry season, the main attraction at Moyo Waterfall is actually not the waterfall itself. The team guided us up the waterfall and into a small jungle clearing with a narrow but deep freshwater pool.

From here we took turns jumping from the highest trees directly above the waterhole.

Snorkeling at Moyo Island

After the morning waterfall trek, it was time to get our masks and fins on for the first snorkeling opportunity of the Lombok to Komodo boat trip.

The waters surrounding Moyo Island are pristine with healthy coral reef and schools of fish.

Following the snorkeling trip, we ate a plentiful lunch and bunkered in for the long stretch from Moyo to Komodo National Park.

Long Stretch to Komodo – 18 Hours Sailing

Since you’ll be covering a large stretch of water from Moyo Island to Komodo National Park, the next 18 hours will be spent on board the boat. While there isn’t much to do during this time, it’s an essential part of the journey to Komodo from Lombok.

As I mentioned earlier, we experienced some engine troubles at the start of this section and were forced to anchor at a nearby island known as Satonda Island as we waited for a replacement boat. For us, this wasn’t a big deal. We spent the rest of the afternoon jumping from the boat into the crystal clear waters and swapped boats later in the evening.

We were told that this long stretch of ocean is susceptible to rough seas and strong wind. However, we had flat seas the entire trip in October. If you’re a little seasick, the crew stock seasick tablets to help with symptoms.

Day 3 – Komodo Island, Pink Beach and Long Beach (Pantai Namo)

Finally, after a long stretch at sea, you’ll finally arrive in Komodo National Park. The first item on the agenda is to visit the famous Komodo Island to see the Komodo Dragons.

Komodo Dragons

Included in the trip price is a guided hike around Komodo Island to spot some wild Komodo Dragons. Our guide was super informative and spotted a couple of small dragons on the trail. After the hike, we were taken to the restaurant were we spotted some absolute monsters!

Do the Komodo Restaurants Feed the Komodo Dragons? Updated Info 2019

Like me, you might initially assume that the restaurant on Komodo Island feeds the dragons to keep them coming back. However, I sought out some local knowledge into the matter to see if it was true.

It’s true that the Komodo dragons were being fed up until 2009. However, this was stopped with the introduction of a new conservation law. The introduction of this law is strictly enforced by the national parks, who are responsible for protecting the dragons.

It’s important to remember that Komodo dragons are large reptiles, and therefore need to minimize movement throughout the day to conserve energy. They are drawn to the restaurant by the smell of food. However, dragons only actually eat once a month, therefore you’ll just find them lazing around rather than hunting most of the time.

The Komodo dragons need to rely on their natural hunting behaviors in order to get food on Komodo Island.

READ THE FULL GUIDE TO RINCA AND KOMODO ISLAND HERE

Pink Beach Komodo Island

Pink Beach is one of the most famous beaches on Komodo Island. It’s known for the naturally pink sand, incredible snorkeling, and turquoise water.

My tip for Pink Beach is to snorkel out roughly 150 meters from the shore. Here, you’ll find a steep reef wall with incredible coral and marine life.

FULL POST WITH MORE PICTURES HERE

Long Beach Komodo Island

The last activity on Day 3 of the Komodo boat trip from Lombok is a stop at Long Beach. This is also known as Pantai Namo, and as its name suggests, it’s a long stretch of beach on Komodo Island. What you might not know is that this beach is also technically another “Pink Beach”. In fact, our opinion was that this beach was actually “pinker” than Pink Beach.

Regardless, this stop is another great opportunity to do some snorkeling. We spotted several turtles and even a reef shark!

After all that snorkeling, the boat anchors outside of Padar Island in preparation for the epic sunrise trek in the morning.

Day 4 – Padar Sunrise Hike, Rinca Island, Kelor Island, and Labuan Bajo

Day 4 of the Komodo Island boat trip from Lombok is arguably the most epic.

Padar Island Sunrise Hike

You’ll be woken up early by the crew to begin the short but epic sunrise hike to the top of Padar Island viewpoint. If you google “Komodo” this is the photo that you’ll probably see first. It’s the iconic line of jagged mountains on mountains edged by sandy beaches of every color.

The hike doesn’t take more than 20 minutes and there is a newly constructed pathway that makes it an easy walk. The views from the top of Padar Island was one of the most incredible sights I’d ever seen, which makes up for how crowded it can get.

READ THE FULL BLOG POST: PADAR ISLAND HIKE – BEST SUNRISE VIEWPOINT IN INDONESIA?

Rinca Island

Since you’re in Komodo National Park, you get double the chance to see wild Komodo dragons. This time, the boat stops at Rinca Island, which is much smaller than Komodo. Again, you’ll have a hiking guide included in the initial price, who will guide you to see the dragon nesting sites and resting Komodos.

Kelor Island

The final stop of the epic boat trip from Lombok to Komodo Island is Kelor Island for sunset. Unfortunately, due to the engine complications, we cruised past this island and didn’t have time to stop.

However, we still saw some of the famous bats who make the nightly flight from the island and block out the setting sun with their sheer numbers.

Labuan Bajo, Flores

And just like that, the trip comes to an end at the main port of Labuan Bajo, the harbor capital of West Manggarai Regency of the island of Flores. We said our goodbyes and after checking into our hostel, met up at the Paradise Bar. This is a popular Reggae Bar overlooking the harbor.

Wanua Adventures Komodo Trip Review

As you can probably tell by the itinerary, I was really impressed with the trip. If you read my other travel guides and blogs, you’ll know that I don’t usually choose guided, multi-day trips. However, I’m personally stoked that I decided to hop on the Wanua Adventures Komodo Island boat trip.

In terms of a Wanua Adventures Komodo trip review, I’d give it a 5/5 simply for the value. Once I arrived in Labuan Bajo, I tried to compare boat trips and island hopping trips and found that 2-day trips cost just as much, with fewer stops.

Although we experieced some boat issues, I was astounded by how quickly a local company organized a replacement boat.

Tips to Make the Most of the Lombok to Komodo Boat Trip

If you’re already considering or planning to jump on board a Komodo boat trip from Lombok, then you might benefit from these quick tips.

• If you plan to have some beers, organize them before-hand. You won’t be able to buy any onboard once the boat has left Lombok
• If you have them, bring fins. You’ll only be given snorkels and a mask
• Bring reef-safe sunscreen, you’ll be in the sun for the majority of the trip
• Bring a dry-bag to keep your things dry on the beach and the boat
• Book a hostel or hotel for when you arrive in Labuan Bajo in advance. Check out or book the Seaesta Hostel after the Komodo boat trip from Lombok – this is the most epic hostel in Indonesia!

Labuan Bajo Flores – Where to Stay

More than likely, you’ll be dropped at Labuan Bajo a little after sunset. For this reason, it’s probably best to book your accommodation for the fourth night before departing on the Komodo boat trip from Lombok. Here’s a list of the best options.

WHERE I STAYED: CIAO HOSTEL
In terms of hostels, this is one of the best that I’ve found in Indonesia. Everything is super clean, it includes free transport to the airport or into town and sits on the hill above Labuan Bajo. In my opinion, the sunset view from the balcony is well worth the money.

BEST HOSTEL IN INDONESIA – SEAESTA HOSTEL
Even if you’re not staying here, visiting Seaesta Hostel is a must in Labuan Bajo. This place is insane! It has an incredible rooftop bar and pool, a fully airconditioned gym and super comfortable bunks with thick mattresses. Although we didn’t stay here, we chose to spend a lot of time here chilling by the pool or working.

CHEAP DOUBLE BUNK – SIOLA HOTEL
My second accommodation in Labuan Bajo was the Siola Hotel. This one is super basic and caters more for budget travelers. If you’re a couple, this is the cheapest double bed you can find in Labuan Bajo. For $9, you’lll get a double bed right next to the night market and harbor, free breakfast and a private bunk with bamboo door.

EXPLORE ALL ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS IN LABUAN BAJO (KOMODO ISLANDS)

Travel Insurance for the 4 Day Boat Trip To Komodo and Flores

Although it’s not something that’s super fun to talk about, the reality of traveling in South East Asia is that anything can happen. One of the only companies that I know of that will cover the Komodo Island trip from Lombok is World Nomads.

I always purchase travel insurance from WorldNomads.com, since I believe that they are the best for adventure travelers. It includes cover for overseas medical, evacuation, baggage and a range of adventure sports and activities, including boat trips.

More Epic Photos of The Komodo Boat Trip From Lombok

Are you considering a Komodo boat trip from Lombok or vice-versa? If you have any questions, shoot them through. For now, enjoy some more epic photos from our Komodo trip!

For now, here are some more photos of my boat trip from Lombok to Komodo Island.

READ THE FULL LOMBOK TRAVEL GUIDE HERE

MORE EPIC INDONESIAN ADVENTURES

• 5 Best Things to do in Sekotong Lombok – Adventure Travel Guide
• Lombok Waterfalls: 7 Best Waterfalls on Lombok Indonesia
• Mount Rinjani Crater Rim Hike – Everything You Need to Know
• Padar Island Hike – Best Sunrise Viewpoint in Indonesia?
• Pink Beach Komodo Island – How to Visit Indonesia’s Pink Sand Beach in 2023
• Pink Beach Lombok – Everything You Need to Know in 2023
• Rinca and Komodo Island: Komodo Dragon Island in Indonesia – TRAVEL GUIDE
• Sembalun Travel Guide: 6 Epic Things to Do in Sembalun, North Lombok

The post 4-Day Komodo Boat Trip From Lombok – Everything You Need to Know appeared first on We Seek Travel.

Where is Sunset Hill Labuan Bajo

If you’ve just arrived in Labuan Bajo, then you might be wondering “where is the best place to watch the sunset in Labuan Bajo?” In my opinion, the rolling hills just north of town is the best area for watching the sunset.

To get here, it’s only a short 5-minute scooter ride over the winding hills just north of the Labuan Bajo harbor. Unfortunately, it’s a little far to walk as it will probably take over an hour.

To help you find the exact location, I’ve pinned it on the map below.

Sunset Map Labuan Bajo

Getting to Labuan Bajo – You can grab a cheap domestic flight to Labuan Bajo (also known as Komodo airport – LBJ) with daily connecting flights to Denpasar in Bali for $50-$80. You can compare cheap flights to Komodo airport here.

MORE FLORES: PADAR ISLAND HIKE – BEST SUNRISE VIEWPOINT IN INDONESIA?

What to Expect at the Labuan Bajo Sunset Hill

Once you arrive, you’ll notice that there are actually a few hills which you can walk up to watch the sunset. You have the option of walking up the small hill that I’ve pinned above, or alternatively, crossing the road and climb the higher hill known as “Bukit Amelia Sea”.

Whichever sunset viewpoint tickles your fancy, both will reward sunset chasers with sprawling views of the small port city, as well as a great view over to the islands in the distance.

These hills are quite strange, and is nicknamed by locals as the “Teletubby hills”. When you arrive, you’ll undoubtedly notice why. The hills in this area are far-gone from the jagged, Jurassic peaks of Komodo and Padar Island. Instead, you get gentle, sloping mounds that roll into the sea.

READ MORE: 4-DAY KOMODO BOAT TRIP FROM LOMBOK – EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW

Alternative Places to Watch the Sunset in Labuan Bajo

Is the Labuan Bajo sunset hill too far from the city for your liking? While I prefer watching sunsets from a viewpoint or hill to a bar or hotel, I’ll admit that I got to experience some absolute gems right in town!

Here’s a quick list of other great sunset locations in Labuan Bajo.

Seaesta Hostel

I’ve mentioned this place in other blogs. The Seaesta hostel is an epic sunset location that sits on the hill behind the harbor and overlooks Labuan Bajo and the distant Komodo Islands. The vibe here is insane, with a pool, bar, gym, and restaurant.

This place really blew me away. I’m not even being paid to write this – it really is one of the coolest hostels in Asia and undoubtedly one of the best places to watch the sunset in Labuan Bajo. You don’t have to stay here to visit either, the staff are friendly and content with you just buying a drink or some food.

Bajo Bakery Rooftop

During my short time in Labuan Bajo, my favorite place to work and chill was on the rooftop of Bajo Bakery. This place is strategically positioned near the waterfront, right in the center of town.

Ciao Hostel

Another great Labuan Bajo sunset location is Ciao Hostel. Ciao is located on top of the hill overlooking the city. I stayed here on my first night in Labuan Bajo and I’d rate their rooftop on-par with the Labuan Bajo sunset hill. – You can read a little more about this hostel below with links to book.

READ ABOUT THE KOMODO DRAGON ISLANDS: RINCA AND KOMODO ISLAND

Where to Stay in Labuan Bajo – Accommodation Guide

WHERE I STAYED: CIAO HOSTEL
In terms of hostels, this is one of the best that I’ve found in Indonesia. Everything is super clean, it includes free transport to the airport or into town and sits on the hill above Labuan Bajo. In my opinion, this Labuan Bajo sunset view from the balcony is well worth the money and one of the best places to watch the sunset in town!

BEST HOSTEL IN INDONESIA – SEAESTA HOSTEL
Even if you’re not staying here, visiting Seaesta Hostel is a must in Labuan Bajo. This place is insane! It has an incredible rooftop bar and pool, a fully airconditioned gym and super comfortable bunks with thick mattresses. Although we didn’t stay here, we chose to spend a lot of time here chilling by the pool and working.

CHEAP DOUBLE BUNK – SIOLA HOTEL
My second accommodation in Labuan Bajo was the Siola Hotel. This one is super basic and caters more for budget travelers. If you’re a couple, this is the cheapest double bed you can find in Labuan Bajo. For $9, you’ll get a double bed right next to the night market and harbor, free breakfast and a private bunk with a bamboo door.

EXPLORE ALL ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS IN LABUAN BAJO (KOMODO ISLANDS)

MORE THINGS TO DO IN LABUAN BAJO AND KOMODO

• 4-Day Komodo Boat Trip From Lombok – Everything You Need to Know
• Batu Cermin Cave Labuan Bajo – Flores
• Padar Island Hike – Best Sunrise Viewpoint in Indonesia?
• Pink Beach Komodo Island – How to Visit Indonesia’s Pink Sand Beach in 2023
• Rinca and Komodo Island: Komodo Dragon Island in Indonesia – TRAVEL GUIDE

The post Sunset Hill – Best Sunset in Labuan Bajo, Flores appeared first on We Seek Travel.