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Komodo Islands Indonesia: The land of the dragons.
- Akshata Karnad
- Mar 15, 2024
- 7 min read
Updated: Nov 11
The Komodo Islands are like a dream come true. Real-life dragons in their natural habitat. Crystal-clear waters hiding underwater worlds that'll blow your mind. Pink sand beaches that look Photoshopped but aren't. Sunrises and sunsets that turn the sky into a masterpiece every single day.
Let me tell you, the Komodo Islands aren't just a place—they're a magical experience where nature and adventure meet. Every view, every snorkel, every moment is breathtaking.
In this Post
├─ Day 1: Kelor, Manjarite & Kalong Islands
├─ Day 2: Padar, Pink Beach, Dragons & Mantas
├─ Day 3: Kanawa Island Grand Finale
└─ Tour Options, Tips & Booking Info
Choosing Your Tour: 1-Day vs 3-Day
After touching down in Labuan Bajo around 6pm, we checked into our hotel near the airport for the night. The next morning, our Komodo adventure began.
Tour options:
1-day tour: Crams the highlights into one thrilling day
3-day tour: Spreads it out, lets you actually soak it all in
Our recommendation? The 3-day option, hands down. You'll sleep on the boat, wake up to sunrise at Padar, and experience the islands without the rush. Trust me, it's worth it.
Your boat tour guide picks you up from your hotel or Labuan Bajo Harbor. A quick hop on a smaller motorboat takes you to the main tour boat—and just like that, your Komodo adventure starts!
Day 1: Kelor Island – Manjarite Island – Kalong Island
Kelor Island
First stop: Kelor Island
Your options here? Unwind on the pristine beach with soft sand between your toes. Or hike up the hill for mesmerizing panoramic views. I decided to do both :)
After about an hour soaking up the sun and exploring, it's back to the boat for lunch. Bellies full, happy hearts—time for the next adventure.
Manjarite Island
Our first snorkeling stop. And let me tell you, it was incredible!
The Komodo Islands truly spoiled me rotten with their underwater wonders, and Manjarite was just the first glimpse. Crystal-clear water revealed a whole new world beneath the waves. We spent an hour exploring the amazing coral reefs before hopping back on the boat for coffee.
Hidden pattern I discovered: Every snorkel on this trip got better than the last. The underwater world here escalates—each stop more colorful, more alive, more unbelievable than the previous one.
Kalong Island (Flying Fox Sunset)
After coffee, we kicked back on the boat's deck. The anticipation was building—picture-perfect sunset incoming.
As the sun dipped below the horizon at Kalong Island, millions of flying foxes took flight. A magnificent spectacle against the vibrant sky. Nature putting on a show just for us.
Dinner followed—stories and laughter under the stars with our new travel buddies. Then we hit the hay for an early start the next day.
Day 2: Padar Island – Pink Beach – Rinka Island – Taka Makassar – Manta Point
This was the day. The absolute winner of the entire 3-day trip.
Padar Island Sunrise
📍 QUICK FACTS
Wake-up: Early (worth it!)
Hike time: 30-45 min to summit
Difficulty: ⭐⭐ Moderate
Reward: One of the most iconic views in Indonesia
Weekend warning: Expect crowds
Day 2 brought an early wake-up call as our boat cruised towards Padar Island. The anticipation was electric—multiple boats gathered near the beaches, all of us eager to witness sunrise from atop Padar's majestic hill.
TIP: Weekends at Padar get crowded, making it tricky to capture picture-perfect shots. But trust me, the hike itself is worth it.
The view from Padar Hill? Absolutely stunning and easily one of my most cherished experiences. Three bays curve beneath you, each a different shade of blue and turquoise. The landscape looks almost prehistoric—raw, untouched, magnificent.
Cameras clicked away as we captured photos from the summit. Bellies rumbling after the climb, we headed back to the boat for breakfast to fuel up for Pink Beach.
The cruise from Padar to Long Beach was a tranquil affair. Several boats accompanied us, maintaining a comfortable distance that ensured both privacy and a sense of community amidst the vastness of the sea.
Pink Beach (Long Beach)
Living up to its name, Pink Beach is actually pink—thanks to tiny red organisms called Foraminifera mixed with white sand. Add the turquoise blue ocean lapping at the shore? A sight for sore eyes.
After snapping photos of the incredible pink sand, we plunged into crystal-clear water. Remember how I said the underwater world gets better with each stop? Pink Beach did not disappoint!
The corals, anemones, and fish create an unimaginable riot of colors underwater. My heart was so full at the end of it.
After an hour lost in the underwater wonderland, we surfaced with rumbling tummies. Lunch on the boat, then: Rinca Island.
Rinca Island: Meeting the Dragons
Lace up your boots. Experienced forest officers lead you trekking through diverse terrain, keeping an eye out for the real stars of the show: the Komodo dragons.
These prehistoric creatures are incredible up close. The rangers know exactly where to find them, and watching them in their natural habitat—massive, powerful, completely unbothered by human presence—is surreal.
QUICK FACTS
Activity: Guided trek through Komodo National Park
Duration: 1-1.5 hours
Difficulty: ⭐ Easy
Must-see: Komodo dragons in their natural habitat
Taka Makassar Sandbar
Taka Makassar is special. It's a sandbar in the middle of the sea that only emerges during low tide. When the tide rises, it disappears back underwater.
We relaxed on the beach for a bit, soaking in the isolation of standing on sand surrounded by ocean in every direction.
Then our captain had exciting news: Manta rays were spotted feeding at Manta Point! We didn't want to miss this, so we quickly set sail.
Manta Point
The sight of manta rays gracefully gliding through the water was truly mesmerizing. As I watched them dance and tease, it felt like a real-life scene straight out of "The Little Mermaid" with "Under the Sea" playing in the background (well, almost!).
After meeting the rays, we snorkeled around the area—the most colorful corals we'd seen so far.
Day 2 might have been jam-packed, but it was an absolute winner! We squeezed in so much adventure, from the breathtaking sunrise at Padar to the magical encounter with mantas. This day definitely takes the crown, hands down!
We capped off the night with delicious food, good company, and epic karaoke sessions with our new travel buddies and the amazing boat crew. The perfect way to unwind and share stories under the stars.
Day 3: Kanawa Island
Two epic days down, and I wasn't sure anything could top them.
But Kanawa Island? Let me tell you, it was a whole new level of awesome.
Every snorkel on this trip had been like swimming into a different aquarium, and Kanawa was the grand finale I never knew I needed. As an aquarium nut, this place blew my mind.
Schools of fish—more colorful than anything I've ever seen—darted around the coral reefs. It was like living wallpaper! I got so caught up in the spectacle, I almost forgot I'm not exactly a mermaid and drifted a little too close for comfort.
Let's just say, the underwater world at Kanawa is enough to make anyone want to sprout gills!
❌ 5 MISTAKES TO AVOID
1. Booking the 1-day tour if you can afford 3 days └─ You'll spend more time traveling between islands than actually experiencing them. The 3-day pace is perfect.
2. Skipping travel insurance └─ Boat trips, snorkeling in strong currents, remote locations. Get coverage that includes water activities.
3. Not bringing reef-safe sunscreen └─ Regular sunscreen damages coral reefs. Bring reef-safe or use rashguards for sun protection.
4. Forgetting a waterproof phone case or dry bag └─ You'll want photos underwater and your gear needs protection on the boat. Invest in good waterproofing.
5. Expecting luxury accommodations on the boat └─ The sleeping arrangements are basic but comfortable. It's about the experience, not the amenities. Pack light and embrace the adventure.
CONTACTS & BOOKING
TOUR OPERATORS
Frendos Tour: +62 813 3728 8941 (Komodo boat tour - reliable and great crew)
Brothers Trip Komodo: +62 821 4417 5779
Instagram: @brothers_trip_komodo (Excellent 3-day tours, friendly guides)
ACCOMMODATION IN LABUAN BAJO
Hôtel Bonne Nuit (Near airport, comfortable, good base before/after tour)
✓ BEFORE YOU GO CHECKLIST
□ Book 3-day boat tour in advance (fills up quickly)
□ Get travel insurance with water activity coverage
□ Pack reef-safe sunscreen
□ Bring waterproof phone case/dry bag
□ Comfortable hiking shoes for Padar and Rinca
□ Snorkel gear (usually provided, but bring your own if you prefer)
□ Light layers for cool mornings/evenings on the boat
□ Seasickness medication (if you're prone to it)
□ Download offline maps of the area
□ Cash for tips and any extras
FINAL TIPS
Logistics:
Book your tour at least 2-4 weeks in advance during peak season (July-September)
Flights to Labuan Bajo connect through Bali or Jakarta—plan connections carefully
The boats are stable, but if you get seasick, take meds before departure
Bring cash—most of the tour is cashless once you're on the boat, but tips are appreciated
What surprised us:
How comfortable sleeping on the boat actually was (simple but cozy)
The escalating quality of snorkeling—each spot genuinely better than the last
How close you get to Komodo dragons (with safe distance maintained by rangers)
The karaoke sessions and bonding with other travelers and crew
What we'd do differently:
Bring a better underwater camera (phone in waterproof case worked, but a GoPro would've been ideal)
Pack more snacks for the boat (meals are provided, but extra treats are nice)
Start Day 2 even earlier for Padar (we arrived early, but earlier = fewer people)
📌 SAVE THIS POST
Planning the Komodo Islands? Bookmark this guide—you'll need these tour operator contacts and tips when you're actually booking.
Want more Indonesia content? Check out the Complete Indonesia Travel Guide, 2-Week Itinerary, and Packing List.
Questions about Komodo? Drop them below. This 3-day boat tour was hands-down one of the best experiences of our Indonesia trip—and I want you to have the same magic.
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