Komodo National Park: what to know before you go
Home to the world's largest lizard, Komodo National Park is reached through Labuan Bajo on Flores. Visits to dragon habitat are always guided by park rangers.
Photo: Charles J. Sharp / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Komodo National Park in East Nusa Tenggara covers the islands of Komodo, Rinca and Padar along with many smaller islands and the sea around them. It was established in 1980 to protect the Komodo dragon and was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1991.
The dragons
The Komodo dragon is the largest living lizard. Adults can grow to about three metres long. They are ambush hunters with a venomous bite, and in 2021 the International Union for Conservation of Nature listed the species as endangered, citing its small range and the threat of rising sea levels.
Visitors walk dragon habitat only with park rangers, who carry forked sticks and keep groups at a safe distance. Follow their instructions, stay with the group and keep away from the animals.
Getting there
Most trips start in Labuan Bajo on the western tip of Flores, which has an airport with flights from Bali and Jakarta. From the harbour, day boats and overnight liveaboard boats visit the islands.
Planning tips
- The drier months, roughly April to October, usually bring calmer seas.
- Entry rules and fees change from time to time. Check the latest requirements with the park authority or your tour operator before you book.
- Bring sun protection, water and sturdy shoes. The Padar viewpoint trail is short but steep.
- The park's reefs are protected too. Use reef-safe sunscreen and do not touch coral when snorkelling.
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