I’m off to find some Komodo Dragons in Komodo National Park Indonesia! Who doesn’t want to go hiking in Indonesia to find Komodo Dragons? The largest living species of lizard.
On my recent wonderful Indonesia trip, I spent 2 nights in Labuan Bajo exploring Komodo National Park. I had one mission in Labuan Bajo, find some Komodo dragons. Fun fact, Komodo Island is one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature.
Hannah stopping and taking in the gorgeous view of Komodo National Park.
What You Need To Know Before Going To Komodo National Park
What is a Komodo Dragon?
Komodo Dragon keeping his distance from us on Rinca Island.
Komodo dragons are the largest species of lizards on the planet. They can weigh up to 150lbs and can get up to 10 feet long. Komodo Dragons are an endangered species with only an estimated population of 3,000-5,000. Seeing these magnificent lizards in the wild on their home island in Komodo National Park was a bucket list item of mine.
Where Are Komodo Dragons?
As their name suggests Komodo Dragons are from Komodo Island. The dragons can only be found in Indonesia on the islands of Komodo, Gila, Motang, Rinca, and Flores.
I visited Rinca Island and Komodo Island in search of Komodo dragons. My personal favorite encounter in Komodo National Park was at Rinca island. The views from the hike up Rinca Island were worth the trip alone. I did get to see a Komodo Dragon walking on the beach on Komodo Island which was a great backdrop for some photos. I spent two nights on Flores island but never saw any Komodo Dragons there, mostly because that was not the focus of the visit to Flores.
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Where is Komodo National Park?
Welcome to Komodo National Park!
You’ll have to head to the gorgeous country of Indonesia to get to Komodo National Park. The easiest way to get to Komodo is to fly from Bali (airport code DPS) to Komodo Airport (airport code LBJ) on the island of Labuan Bajo.
Flights vary in price based on the season but prices typically range from $65-100 each way. After you’ve crossed off all the things to do in Bali add on a few days to your trip to explore Komodo National Park.
How To Get To Komodo National Park?
Most likely you’ll stay in the town of Flores on the island of Labuan Bajo. I based myself in a Flores hotel for 2 nights to ensure I had enough time in Komodo National Park.
When’s The Best Time To Go To Komodo National Park?
Hiking on Rinca Island in search of Komodo Dragons.
Komodo is hot and humid year-round with temperatures ranging from a high of 30-33°C (86-92°F). There are 2 seasons in Komodo, wet season and dry season. The wet season runs November thru March, the wettest months being January & February. The dry season runs April thru November. I visited in August, it was hot but it didn’t feel that bad because there was a nice ocean breeze.
What Is The Price of Komodo National Park Tours?
Amazing sunset after a great day in Komodo National Park.
The bigger the group the better price you can get. If you’re traveling alone or as a couple you’ll most likely join a boat with a few other people. Shop around when you get to Indonesia, test your bargaining skills out! Posted prices are below, but once in Komodo, you should be able to get prices even lower.
- Speedboat: start from IDR 10,000,000/$770 USD (including meals + snacks)
- Wooden boat: around IDR 7,000,000/$538 USD (including meals + snacks)
- Shared boat: around IDR 1,500,000/$115 USD per person (shared, fixed destination, meals excluded)
If you prefer to book online in advance click here for rates on Viator.
NOTE: Most tours don’t include the park entrance fee of IDR 150,000/$11 USD on weekdays and IDR 225,000/$17 USD on weekends.
How Close Can You Get To A Komodo Dragon?
Hannah getting very close to some Komodo Dragons.
We were with our tour guide at all times, he led the way with his trusty stick that he assured us would keep us safe. I read in another Indonesia travel guide this was the norm, so I went with it. I am still not sure how a stick would fight off a Komodo Dragon.
I followed our guide around Komodo Island and Rinca Island, getting very close to several Komodo Dragons at times within 6 feet of them. I honestly didn’t want to get much closer to the Komodo Dragons.
If you are looking for additional unique Indonesian islands consider heading to Raja Ampat, it looks amazing and very few tourists make their way there.
Are seeing Komodo Dragons on your bucket list?
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