Komodo Island has so much to explore, and even more so when you count the island’s smaller islands surrounding it. From the beautiful waters and coral reefs to iconic dragons and sweeping views, the area offers something for every kind of traveller. Here’s a look at the best things to do in and around Komodo Island, plus a few extra activities you can enjoy near Labuan Bajo.
Cruise Around the Komodo Islands
The best way to explore Komodo is by boat. The coral reefs and marine life in the park are some of the most diverse on the planet. If you’d like to dive, snorkel, or just enjoy the view from the deck, the island has it all for you.
On a Liveaboard
If you’re serious about diving, a liveaboard is the way to go. These multi-day trips take you across the park, often including up to four dives a day along with stops at famous land spots. Operators like La Galigo offer fully equipped dive boats that let you wake up each morning to a new sunrise, ready to explore both the sea and land. It’s the most complete way to experience the region.
On a Day Dive Boat
For those short on time or only planning a few dives, day boats leave from Labuan Bajo and head out to key sites in the park. These boats usually offer one to three dives in a single day. They’re not as comfortable or flexible as liveaboards, but they’re a good option if you’re on a tighter schedule.
Snorkelling is also available on both liveaboards and day boats. Just note that day dive boats often skip land tours entirely, so if you want to see more than the reef, plan accordingly.
On a Tour Boat (Snorkelling + Land Tours)
If you want to mix water and land activities, day tour boats are the way to go. These trips usually include three to six stops combining snorkelling and short hikes. You won’t be diving, but you’ll still get to explore the coastline, see coral reefs, and visit scenic spots like Padar Island and Pink Beach. Almost every boat tries to include at least one stop to spot manta rays; a Komodo must.
See the Komodo Dragons
No trip to Komodo is complete without seeing its most famous resident: the Komodo dragon. These massive lizards roam freely on Komodo Island and nearby Rinca, which are both part of Komodo National Park. The only way to see them is with a park ranger, who will guide you on foot through designated paths.
Komodo and Rinca are home to most of the world’s remaining wild Komodo dragons. Estimates put the total population around 3,000 to 5,000, with around 2,450 living on these two islands. Spotting one in the wild is an unforgettable experience, and a highlight of any trip to the region.
ALSO READ : From Labuan Bajo to Komodo Island, How Do You Get to Komodo Diving?
Hike to the Padar Island Viewpoint
Padar Island is best known for its iconic viewpoint, which offers panoramic views of the dry hills and curved beaches below. The trek to the top takes about 20 to 30 minutes. It’s steep in parts, but manageable for most visitors. The reward is a sweeping landscape that captures the raw beauty of Komodo in a single frame. It’s one of the most photographed spots in the park for a reason.
Visit Pink Beach, Kanawa Island & Kalong Island
Pink Beach is a natural wonder; its sand is colored by tiny fragments of red coral that wash up from the nearby reef. There are two pink beaches you can visit: one on Komodo Island, and the other on Padar. Both are quiet, scenic, and perfect for a swim or a nap under the sun.
Kanawa Island is a small, relaxed spot just a short boat ride from Labuan Bajo. It’s a great place to unwind with a cold drink and swim off the shore. The coral is shallow and easy to reach, and a wooden jetty lets you spot reef fish without even getting wet.
Then there’s Kalong Island. If you can time your visit for sunset, you’re in for a show. Thousands of fruit bats leave their roosts in the island’s mangroves and fly off in a huge black cloud across the sky. It’s a perfect way to end your day in Komodo; quiet, surreal, and unlike anything you’ll see elsewhere.
ALSO READ : Komodo resort, Komodo island hotels? Are the Komodo islands worth it?
Around Labuan Bajo: More to Explore
Even if you’re not staying on a liveaboard, you’ll likely fly in and out of Labuan Bajo. It’s worth spending some time here to explore a few nearby natural spots on the mainland.
Rangko Cave/ Goa Rangko
The first is a trip to Rangko cave. Rangko cave, or Goa Rangko as it’s known to the locals is a stunning cave north of Labuan Bajo. The main attraction of this cave is the amazing turquoise water lake that is located at the base of the cave below massive stringy thin stalactites. You want to visit this cave at noon for the best effect of the light shining in on the turquoise water lake.
This stunning turquoise water is actually due to the salt content of the water in the lake, owing to an invisible underground connection to the ocean. You can’t get directly to the cave by car, so you will need to take a 45 minute drive to Rangko village, and from there get onto a boat for another 20 minutes to visit the cave.
Waterfall: Cunca Wulang
Another great activity near Labuan Bajo is a trip to one of the waterfalls, our favourite is Cunca Wulang. A bit further to go at 2 hours from Labuan Bajo, this impressive waterfall gets it’s name from the nearby village. It’s a great place to swim and cool off in the area.
Plan Your Komodo Adventure
With this list of diverse activities to see and do around the Komodo islands we think there is something for everyone. There are many operators that will take you to all of them so look about for the combination of ones that you want to do and hunt around for the best price. It really is up to you based on your likes and there are a lot of ways to combine the right package for you.
Just be sure to book with the right operator, one that knows the park and helps protect what makes it special. That way, your visit won’t just be memorable. It’ll be meaningful too.
Frequently Asked Questions
The best time is between June to September when the seas are calm and visibility is high—perfect for diving, snorkeling, and island-hopping.
Yes. Komodo dragons can be spotted year-round on Komodo Island and Rinca. Just make sure to go with a certified guide.
Not at all. Snorkeling, hiking, and boat tours offer great experiences for non-divers, too.
Fly into Labuan Bajo, then take a boat tour or liveaboard into the park. Check our full how to get to Komodo island for more info.
Yes, as long as you follow park guidelines, go with certified guides, and respect local wildlife.
