Everything you need to know about visiting one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature — from dragon trekking to pink beaches, diving with mantas, and the new SiOra booking system.
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Komodo National Park was established in 1980 to protect the world’s largest living lizard — the Komodo dragon (Varanus komodoensis). Today, approximately 3,000 Komodo dragons roam freely across the park’s three main islands. But the dragons are just the beginning. The park’s marine biodiversity rivals the world’s best dive destinations, with over 1,000 species of fish, 260 species of coral, and regular sightings of manta rays, sea turtles, dolphins, and even whale sharks during migration season.
The landscapes are equally breathtaking. Padar Island offers one of Indonesia’s most iconic viewpoints — a panoramic vista of three differently-colored beaches visible from a single summit. Pink Beach (Pantai Merah) is one of only seven pink sand beaches on Earth, its distinctive color created by microscopic organisms called Foraminifera mixing with white sand. The surrounding waters shimmer in every shade of blue and turquoise, creating a photographer’s paradise at every turn.
The gateway to Komodo National Park is Labuan Bajo, a small coastal town on the western tip of Flores island. Getting there from Bali is straightforward — multiple airlines operate daily flights from Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS) to Komodo Airport (LBJ), with flight times of approximately 1 hour 20 minutes. Airlines serving this route include Citilink, Wings Air, Batik Air, and Lion Air, with round-trip tickets ranging from $80 to $240 depending on season and booking timing.
From Labuan Bajo, you’ll need a boat to reach the park islands. Options range from shared day-trip boats ($85-150 per person) to private speedboat charters ($400-800 per boat) and luxury liveaboard cruises ($500-8,500 per person for multi-day voyages). The boat journey to Komodo Island takes approximately 2-3 hours, while Rinca Island is closer at about 1.5 hours.
One of the planet’s last truly wild frontiers — explored the right way.
Bali → Komodo
The park fee structure was overhauled in 2023 and has remained stable through 2026. Understanding the fee structure is essential for budgeting your trip. All visitors must pay a conservation fee plus activity-specific charges. The new SiOra booking system, mandatory since April 2026, requires advance online registration before visiting. The daily visitor cap of 1,000 people means booking early is critical, especially during peak season (April-October).
Park Entry (weekday): IDR 250,000 foreign / IDR 100,000 domestic. Park Entry (weekend): IDR 350,000 foreign / IDR 150,000 domestic. Ranger Guide: IDR 150,000 per group. Diving Permit: IDR 350,000/day foreign / IDR 200,000/day domestic. Most organized tours include all of these fees in the package price.
The ideal time to visit depends on your priorities. The dry season (April to October) offers the best weather, calmest seas, and peak visibility for diving and snorkeling. However, this is also peak tourist season, meaning higher prices and the need to book further in advance. The months of April-May and September-October represent the sweet spot — good weather with fewer crowds than the July-August peak.
The wet season (November to March) brings occasional rain and rougher seas but offers advantages including lower prices, fewer tourists, greener landscapes, and an increased chance of spotting whale sharks. The Komodo dragons are also more active during the cooler wet season months, making for better wildlife encounters. Learn more in our detailed best time to visit guide.
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