How to Get to Komodo Island from Bali, Lombok & Beyond

Dreaming of walking among real-life dragons?  Komodo Island in Flores, Indonesia, is the only place on Earth where you can see the legendary Komodo dragons in their natural habitat, alongside pink-sand beaches, turquoise waters, and dramatic viewpoints like Padar Island.

This remote paradise is part of Komodo National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that also protects Rinca, Padar, and dozens of smaller islands rich with wildlife and world-class diving spots. But here’s the catch: Komodo Island has no airport, you can’t fly there directly.
Instead, every journey begins in Labuan Bajo, the gateway town on Flores with flights, hotels, and Komodo boat tours that take you into the park. Whether you’re starting from Bali, Lombok, Jakarta, Singapore, Malaysia, Australia, or even Ubud and Denpasar, there’s a perfect route for you.

In this updated 2025 guide, you’ll discover step-by-step how to get to Komodo Island, compare routes with a handy table, and get answers to the most common traveler questions, so you can plan your trip with confidence and make the most of your adventure.

Best Way to Reach Komodo Island (2025)

The easiest and most convenient way to reach Komodo Island is by flying into Labuan Bajo (LBJ Airport), the gateway town on Flores. Unlike Bali or Lombok, Komodo Island has no airport of its own, so every trip starts here.

From March 2025, you can fly directly to Labuan Bajo from Bali, Jakarta, Lombok, and Singapore, with multiple daily options from Indonesia’s major hubs.

Once you arrive, it’s best to spend a night in Labuan Bajo, a lively fishing town with hotels, restaurants, and tour operators, before heading out on your island adventure.

The next morning, choose a boat tour in Komodo National Park:

• Day trips (speedboats): Perfect if you’re short on time.
  
• Liveaboard tours (2–4 days): Ideal for visiting Komodo, Rinca, Padar Island, and Pink Beach while enjoying diving or snorkeling along the way.

 Labuan Bajo’s airport is small, with limited daily seats. Book your flights early, especially during the high season (April–December).

Before booking your Komodo trip, it’s worth learning how to get around Lombok itself. Our Lombok travel guide helps you plan routes, transport, and hidden stops.

Comparison: Main Ways to Get to Komodo Island

Route Option	Duration	Approx. Cost (USD)	Comfort Level	Best For	Notes
Flight + Day Trip Boat (Bali/Jakarta/Singapore → Labuan Bajo → Speedboat)	Flight: 1–2.5 hrs + 1-day tour	$150–$300 total	★★★★☆	Most travelers	Fastest & most reliable
Overnight Liveaboard (2–4D) from Labuan Bajo	2–4 days (boat only)	$200–$700+ depending on boat	★★★☆☆ to ★★★★★	Divers, photographers	Includes Padar, Pink Beach, manta snorkeling
Lombok → Komodo Backpacker Boat	3–4 days	$150–$250	★★☆☆☆	Backpackers, adventure seekers	Unreliable seas, basic facilities
Overland + Public Ferry (Bali → Lombok → Sumbawa → Flores)	2–3 days	<$100	★★☆☆☆	Budget travelers	Time-consuming; requires multiple transfers

Many travelers combine a Komodo trip with a stop at Lombok’s most unique spot, the famous Pink Beach, where the sand glows in shades of rose under the sun.

How to Get to Komodo Island from Bali

Bali is the most popular starting point for travelers heading to Komodo National Park, thanks to its international airport and strong connections across Indonesia.

Option 1: Direct Flight (Fastest & Easiest)

The quickest way is to fly directly from Denpasar (DPS Airport, Bali) to Labuan Bajo (LBJ Airport, Flores).

• Airlines: Batik Air, Garuda Indonesia, AirAsia, and Citilink.
  
• Flight time: ~1 hour.
  
• Frequency: Multiple daily flights.
  

For most travelers, this is the best choice: fast, affordable, and reliable. Book early, as Bali–Labuan Bajo is a high-demand route.

Option 2: Overland & Ferry Adventure

For backpackers or slow travelers, there’s an adventurous alternative:

1. Travel by bus or car from Bali → Lombok, → Sumbawa.
   
2. Take the ferry from Sape (Sumbawa) to Labuan Bajo (Flores).
   

• Duration: 2–4 days, depending on stops.
  
• Best for: Budget travelers, those seeking an off-the-beaten-path journey.
  

While scenic, this route is long and tiring—most travelers skip it in favor of the quick flight.

 Pro Tip: If you’re short on time, fly. If you’re long-term backpacking through Indonesia, the overland route offers a more immersive experience.

How to Get to Komodo Island from Lombok

Coming from Lombok (LOP Airport)? You’ve got two main ways to reach Komodo National Park—quick flights or adventurous boat journeys.

Option 1: Direct Flight (Fastest)

• Route: Lombok (LOP) → Labuan Bajo (LBJ).
  
• Flight time: About 1 hour.
  
• Airlines: Wings Air and sometimes Batik Air (check seasonal schedules).
  

 This is the most practical choice if you want to maximize your time exploring Komodo, Rinca, and Padar Island instead of being stuck in transit.

Option 2: Multi-Day Boat Trip (Adventure)

For backpackers, a popular alternative is the Lombok–Flores boat trip.

• Duration: 3–4 days.
  
• Stops: Usually includes snorkeling spots, deserted islands, and sometimes Rinca or Komodo Island itself before arriving in Labuan Bajo.
  
• Experience: A mix of adventure, stunning views, and basic living conditions (think simple cabins or shared dorm-style sleeping on deck).
  
• Warning: Seas can be rough, schedules are not always reliable, and safety standards vary by operator.
  

Pro Tip: If you choose the boat, book with a reputable tour company in Senggigi or Kuta, Lombok. Read recent reviews—cheap options can sometimes compromise on safety.

How to Get to Komodo Island from Labuan Bajo

Labuan Bajo on Flores is the official gateway to Komodo National Park—and once you’re here, the dragons are just a short boat ride away.

You have three main ways to explore Komodo from Labuan Bajo:

Option 1: Day Trips (Most Popular)

• Speedboats can cover multiple highlights in just one day, including Komodo Island, Rinca Island, Padar Island, and Pink Beach.
  
• Perfect if you’re short on time or prefer returning to a hotel each night.
  
• Departures: Daily from Labuan Bajo harbor.
  

Option 2: Liveaboards (2–4 Days)

• Travel aboard traditional phinisi wooden boats or modern dive liveaboards.
  
• Sleep under the stars while visiting multiple islands, snorkeling, or diving at world-class sites.
  
• Great for travelers who want a deeper experience of the park.
  

Option 3: Private Charters (Luxury & Flexibility)

• Charter a private boat for your group.
  
• Offers the freedom to design your own itinerary and enjoy privacy.
  
• Best suited for families, honeymooners, or luxury travelers.
  

Pro Tip: No matter which option you choose, always book tours with licensed operators. This ensures safety and compliance with Komodo National Park regulations.

Every Komodo adventure begins in Labuan Bajo, it’s where flights land, tours depart, and the magic of the islands truly starts.

How to Get to Komodo Island from Jakarta

If you’re arriving in Indonesia through Jakarta (Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, CGK), getting to Komodo is straightforward.

Direct Flights (Best Option)

• Route: Jakarta → Labuan Bajo (LBJ, Flores).
  
• Flight time: ~2.5 hours.
  
• Airlines: Garuda Indonesia, Batik Air, and Citilink operate several daily flights.
  
• Why choose this: Ideal for international visitors landing in Jakarta before connecting to Komodo.
  

Pro Tip: If you’re flying long-haul into Jakarta, consider staying overnight before your Labuan Bajo flight. Delays are common on international routes, and it’s safer than risking a missed connection.

How to Get to Komodo Island from Singapore

For travelers from Singapore (SIN Airport), reaching Komodo National Park is about to get much easier.

Option 1: New Direct Flights (Starting March 20, 2025)

• Airline: Jetstar Asia.
  
• Route: Singapore (SIN) → Labuan Bajo (LBJ).
  
• Flight time: ~3.5 hours.
  
• Why it matters: First-ever direct link from Singapore to Flores, making Komodo far more accessible for Southeast Asian and international travelers.
  

Option 2: Current Route (Until March 2025)

• Route: Singapore (SIN) → Bali (DPS) → Labuan Bajo (LBJ).
  
• Duration: 6–8 hours (depending on layover).
  
• Airlines: Scoot, Singapore Airlines, and AirAsia for SIN → Bali, then Batik Air, Garuda Indonesia, or Citilink for Bali → Labuan Bajo.
  

 Pro Tip: If you’re planning a Komodo trip in 2025, consider booking after March 20 to take advantage of the new nonstop flight.

How to Get to Komodo Island from Malaysia

Coming from Malaysia (Kuala Lumpur International Airport, KUL)? While there are no direct flights to Labuan Bajo (LBJ), you have two easy connection routes:

Option 1: Via Bali (Most Popular)

• Route: Kuala Lumpur (KUL) → Bali (DPS) → Labuan Bajo (LBJ).
  
• Airlines: AirAsia, Batik Air, and Garuda Indonesia.
  
• Why choose this: Ideal if you’d like to spend time in Bali before continuing to Komodo.
  

Option 2: Via Jakarta (Fastest Transit)

• Route: Kuala Lumpur (KUL) → Jakarta (CGK) → Labuan Bajo (LBJ).
  
• Airlines: AirAsia, Batik Air, Citilink, Garuda Indonesia.
  
• Why choose this: Often slightly quicker than the Bali route, depending on schedules.
  

Pro Tip: AirAsia frequently offers budget fares between Kuala Lumpur and Bali/Jakarta, making this one of the most affordable international gateways to Komodo National Park.

How to Get to Komodo Island from Australia

There are no direct flights from Australia to Labuan Bajo (LBJ), but you can reach Komodo easily with one connection in Indonesia.

Option 1: Via Bali (Most Popular)

• Route: Sydney/Melbourne/Perth → Bali (DPS) → Labuan Bajo (LBJ).
  
• Example: Sydney → Denpasar (~6 hrs) + Denpasar → Labuan Bajo (~1 hr).
  
• Why choose this: The most straightforward and widely available route.
  

Option 2: Via Jakarta

• Route: Sydney/Melbourne → Jakarta (CGK) → Labuan Bajo (LBJ).
  
• Why choose this: Sometimes cheaper than flying via Bali, especially with budget carriers.
  

 Pro Tip: Flights from Perth to Bali are often the cheapest and fastest, making Perth a great starting point for Australians heading to Komodo.

How to Get to Komodo Island from Ubud

Ubud, Bali’s cultural heart, doesn’t have an airport. But reaching Komodo is still simple:

1. Car/Shuttle: Ubud → Denpasar Airport (DPS). Travel time: ~1.5–2 hours (depending on traffic).
   
2. Flight: Denpasar (DPS) → Labuan Bajo (LBJ). Flight time: ~1 hour.
   
3. Boat: From Labuan Bajo harbor → Komodo National Park (speedboat or liveaboard).
   

 Pro Tip: Book a private driver or airport shuttle from Ubud to DPS early in the morning to avoid Bali’s notorious traffic.

How to Get to Komodo Island from Denpasar

If you’re already in Denpasar (Bali’s capital), you’re in luck, it’s the easiest starting point for Komodo trips.

• Route: Denpasar Airport (DPS) → Labuan Bajo (LBJ).
  
• Flight time: ~1 hour.
  
• Airlines: Batik Air, Garuda Indonesia, Citilink, AirAsia.
  
• Why choose this: The fastest and most reliable way to start your Komodo adventure.
  

Pro Tip: Flights sell out quickly during peak season (July–September). Book your DPS → LBJ ticket at least a few weeks in advance.

After figuring out how to get to Komodo Island, most travelers naturally have a few burning questions before booking their trip. Things like: Is the park even open in 2025? Can you stay overnight? Is it safe to swim?

Let’s clear up the most common concerns travelers ask about Komodo National Park—starting with the biggest rumor of all.

Is Komodo Island Closing in 2025?

You may have heard headlines in the past about Komodo Island shutting down to protect the Komodo dragons. These stories caused a lot of confusion for travelers.

The good news: Komodo National Park remains open in 2025. The Indonesian government continues to regulate tourism with entrance fees and visitor limits, but there are no plans for a full closure. Always double-check with official park announcements or your tour operator in Labuan Bajo for the latest updates before you fly.

Are 2 Days Enough for Komodo Island?

Yes—but it will feel a little rushed. With 2 days in Komodo National Park, you can join a speedboat tour and still hit the highlights:

• Komodo Island → See the legendary Komodo dragons.
  
• Rinca Island → Another great dragon-spotting location, often less crowded.
  
• Padar Island → Famous for its dramatic viewpoint.
  
• Pink Beach → Relax or snorkel in crystal-clear water.
  

 Ideal Duration: 3–4 days gives you more time to explore at a relaxed pace—especially if you join a liveaboard tour (sleeping on a traditional phinisi boat) or want to combine Komodo with Flores highlights like Kelimutu volcano or local villages.

Pro Tip: If you only have 2 days, base yourself in Labuan Bajo and pre-book a day tour to maximize your time.

Can You Swim at Komodo Island?

Yes, you can swim and snorkel in designated safe areas, but not directly on Komodo Island itself, where dragons roam.

Popular swimming/snorkeling spots in Komodo National Park:

• Pink Beach → Iconic pink-tinted sand, perfect for swimming and coral snorkeling.
  
• Manta Point → Famous site where you can often snorkel with graceful manta rays.
  
• Kanawa Island → Clear waters, coral reefs, and calm conditions for beginners.
  

 Important Safety Note:
Never swim near Komodo dragons—they are strong swimmers and dangerous predators. Always follow your tour guide’s instructions about where it’s safe to enter the water.

 Pro Tip: Bring your own snorkeling gear for better comfort, although many Labuan Bajo tour operators provide equipment.

FAQs

Can You Stay Overnight on Komodo Island?

No, tourists cannot stay overnight on Komodo Island itself due to safety regulations and conservation efforts. Instead, travelers stay in Labuan Bajo or join a liveaboard tour, where you sleep onboard a traditional phinisi boat while exploring multiple islands in Komodo National Park.

Are There Sharks in Komodo National Park?

Yes, Komodo National Park is home to reef sharks, mostly harmless to humans. Divers often spot blacktip and whitetip reef sharks around dive sites like Batu Bolong and Castle Rock. Shark encounters here are considered safe and exciting for snorkeling and scuba diving enthusiasts.

What Country Owns Komodo Island?

Komodo Island belongs to Indonesia, located in East Nusa Tenggara province within Komodo National Park. The park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is managed by Indonesia’s Ministry of Environment and Forestry, focusing on both tourism and conservation of Komodo dragons.

Are There Crocodiles in Komodo National Park?

Yes, saltwater crocodiles are occasionally found in parts of Komodo National Park, mostly in mangrove areas. However, sightings are rare, and tourist zones are considered safe. Guides advise avoiding swimming in river mouths or mangroves and sticking only to designated snorkeling and diving spots.

Is There Wi-Fi on Komodo Island?

No, Komodo Island itself does not have Wi-Fi or mobile coverage. Internet access is available in Labuan Bajo hotels, cafés, and tour offices. If you join a liveaboard tour, expect limited or no connection during your trip, making it a great digital detox experience.

How to Get to Komodo Island: Is Komodo Island Worth Going?

Absolutely, Komodo Island is worth going to for any traveler seeking a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. From encountering the legendary Komodo dragons in their natural habitat to hiking Padar Island’s iconic viewpoints, snorkeling at Manta Point, and relaxing on Pink Beach, the park delivers experiences you won’t find anywhere else.

When planning how to get to Komodo Island, the journey itself becomes part of the adventure. Most visitors fly to Labuan Bajo, then continue by boat into Komodo National Park. Whether you start in Bali, Lombok, Jakarta, Singapore, Malaysia, or even Australia, there are convenient routes to make your trip possible in 2025.

With its rare wildlife, pristine coral reefs, and dramatic landscapes across Flores, Komodo Island isn’t just another destination, it’s a memory you’ll treasure forever. If you’re wondering whether it belongs on your bucket list, the answer is a definite yes.