If you’re planning a trip to Indonesia, you should really look at putting a trip out to Komodo Island on your ‘to do’ list. It’s a part of Indonesia that feels a bit forgotten, away from the party-fueled streets of Kuta and the 
resorts dotting the coastline of Bali. Steeped in myth and legend, as well as rugged scenery, Komodo Island is one of three main islands in Komodo National Park that is home to over 5000 of the great Komodo Dragons. It is located in the middle of the Indonesian archipelago of islands and is in between Sumbawa and the increasingly-popular Flores. In 1986 the Park was named as a World Heritage Site and a Man and Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO due to its biological status. On Komodo Island, Komodo dragons are obviously the main attraction. Usually visitors will walk around the island (always with a guide) to find the best places from which to observe and photograph the animals in their natural habitat. Snorkeling is also one of the best here in the waters of Komodo Island. There is a little bit for everyone, here on Komodo Island Indonesia.
Komodo Island Weather (When to Visit)
The climate on Komodo Island is tropical, and is based on an alternating wet and dry season. During the months of January, February, March, and the beginning of April, is the rainy season. The Komodo weather during these months typically see about 31 – 39 inches of rain. The rest of the year is tropically dry and arid. The temperatures of the island during the summer months gets up to 110°F and the cooler months will dip down to about 62°F.
The overall best time to go to Komodo Island is between June and August. It is an ideal time to visit the dragons as it is mating season, temperatures are the coolest they will get all year (minimums of 22C/ 75F and maximums of 33C/ 90F and it is dry season. Visiting around this time will ensure that you also get 8-9 hours of sunshine a day and it rains on average one day per month during their time period
Best Islands & Beaches Near Komodo Island
Pink Beach
Pink Beach is one of seven pink beaches on the planet, and is just one of the many amazing features of Komodo Island. The sand is pink on these certain beaches in the Komodo Islands because of a red colored coral that thrives in the shores nearby. When the red coral breaks off, it eventually breaks into tiny pieces which wash up on shore along with the other coral and shell particles.
Padar Island
Padar IslandPadar Island is located between Komodo Island Rinca Island, small but the third largest island in Komodo National Park. Mostly covered by savannah, Padar Island offers one of the most stunning panoramic views from the top of its hill, overviewing the blue ocean and golden sunset over four crescent-shaped beaches shimmering under the sun – making it one of the best beaches around Komodo Island. The hike takes about 30-45 minutes with an upward trajectory, with no ladder or fence, until the top of the hill – so make sure to hike with caution.
Rinca Island
Rinca IslandRinca Island has located nearby the Komodo Island, the second largest island in Komodo National Park, and is still inhabited by some Komodo dragons. Some people prefer to visit Rinca Island compared to Komodo Island because it is closer to Labuan Bajo, and you are much more likely to spot the Komodo dragons in Rinca Island with fewer crowds compared to Komodo Island. Trip to Rinca Island can be easily organized from Labuan Bajo.
Kalong Island
Kalong IslandCovered by the mangrove forest, it is a perfect home for the thousands or millions of bats, which will fly out of the island to search for food during the sunset, and then come back in the morning. To keep the original condition of the island as the habitat for the bats, no one is allowed to either cut the trees or catch fish illegally, so the island retains its beauty and nature. There are many tour operators that can arrange a boat trip to see this island during sunset time, to capture the most picturesque sight of the bats leaving the coastline.
Kalor Island
Kalor IslandKelor Island is a small island located between Labuan Bajo and Rinca Island, where you can do a short hike of 15 minutes leading you to the top of the hill, where you can have a panoramic view of Flores Island, Rinca Island, and many other smaller islands and beaches around Komodo Island. Most of the people will just walk around the island, or jump to swim in the water. When you see its crystal clear water and step on the white sandy beaches, you might not want to leave soon.
Kanawa Island
Kanawa IslandIf you want to visit a pink beach and stay on that particular island, Kanawa Island might be the best option. This island is closer to Labuan Bajo and has accommodation along the pristine beach and clear seawater. If you are keen on snorkeling or doing scuba diving, its underwater also offers a great marine life, such as a school of fishes, sea turtles, or even reef sharks and dolphins.
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Best Komodo Island Restaurants
Le Pirate
Officially part of the hotel of the same name, this restaurant offers a range of western and Indonesian food that would satisfy even the fussiest of eaters. Add in a rooftop terrace complete with swimming pool and you’ve got a great spot for sunset, dinner and drinks. Telephone: 62 361 845 2780 Web: Le Pirate.
Mediterraneo
One of the best restaurants in Indonesia. Incredible pizza, pasta, salads and more that are straight out of a 5* Mediterranean restaurant. Beautiful presented and reasonably priced, make sure you eat here at least once during your stay. Telephone: 62 8214 6161 663 Web: Mediterraneo.
Happy Banana
Japanese fusion restaurant that are renowned for their sashimi and sushi. Slightly on the pricier side, but well worth a visit. Telephone: 62 812 3849 5329 Web: Happy Banana.
Warung Mama
Set above Bajo’s main drag, this wooden restaurant is ideal for those who wish to dip their toe into local food. Vegetables are cheap, but paying by piece for the rest adds up. Portion sizes are smaller than more authentic warung and you’ll rub shoulders with travelers, not locals, at communal tables. Daging rendang (dry beef curry) is the signature. Telephone: 62 822 3926 4747 Web: Warung Mama.
MadeInItaly
Bajo’s best Italian is known for thin-crust pizza and fresh pasta. Sit in a stylish, semi-open dining room or air-conditioned cellar with river-stone walls. Ingredients are imported from Italy and grown on restaurant-owned organic farms, plus there’s a a bottle shop on-site and produce store on the way. For a luxury experience, inquire about the Culinary Journey island boat trip. Telephone: 62 385-244 0222 Web: MadeInItaly.
Best Komodo Island Nightlife & Coffee
De’Flo Cafe & Ole-Ole
Owned and operated by enthusiastic university graduates from Jakarta, this tranquil coffee shop a level down from Tree Top is the best place in Bajo for a caffeine fix. De’Flo serves local Manggarai and limited-edition, single-origin coffee any way you like it, along with traditional cakes, snacks and ethical handicrafts, packaged for all your souvenir needs. Telephone: 62 822 8888 9118 Web: De’Flo Cafe & Ole-Ole.
Catur’z Kopi Club
Unwind over a couple of hours at this rustic, double-story coffee house in Bajo’s backstreets. Try Indonesian spiced coffee while challenging staff to a game of chess. This is the town’s only dedicated vegetarian and vegan cafe. For breakfast you can scramble eggs or tofu, and peruse the veggie bar later on. Telephone: 62 812 4620 9890 Web: Catur’z Kopi Club.
Le Pirate
This colorful 1st-floor bar is a popular space for a drink after a day on the water. There’s live music (8pm to 10pm Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday) and film nights (Monday and Wednesday). There’s also a decent restaurant, rooftop bar and stylish but poky accommodations. Telephone: 62 361 845 2780 Web: Le Pirate.
Paradise Bar
“Come to Paradise” is a common phrase in Bajo, referring to a bar-slash-nightclub famed for sea and sunset views. It’s a preposterously lovely place for an arak cocktail, but come nightfall live music provides a party vibe. Saturdays demand a 65,000Rp cover charge, including a drink. Paradise is a 10-minute stroll uphill from central Labuan Bajo. Telephone: 62 812 1341 5306 Web: Paradise Bar.
Cafe In Hit
Labuan Bajo’s answer to Starbucks, this casual coffee house serves ice-cold frappes alongside strong wi-fi. People-watch from above the street or browse shelves of local beans and second-hand books. Order from the giant blackboard. Telephone: 62 385 41279 Web: Cafe In Hit.
My best friend and colleague Gail just got back from a 2-week vacation in Bali, Indonesia and today in the office, she told us so many great things about the place. She also took a lot of photos and I thought the place is really something worth visiting. So I started looking into what Indonesia can offer to tourists. Thank goodness, your site has some great information about Komodo Island.
I am thinking of visiting Komodo Island in early March next year because that’s when my husband can file for office leave. But you mentioned that from January until beginning of March is the rainy season. I don’t think we will enjoy visiting these beautiful Komodo Island attractions when it’s going to be raining most of the time. In case my husband’s leave during the months of June to August next year will be approved, this will be my first time to set my foot on a “pink beach.” I wonder how pink it really is.
Thank you for introducing Komodo Island in Indonesia. I haven’t heard about it before because people always seemed to be talking only about Bali.
And this is just as beautiful as Bali Alice. The beach look pretty pink, and definitely one reason to visit 🙂 Of course the place is beautiful and has so much to offer. I hope your husband can get the time off. It is really much more enjoyable when it is not constantly raining.
I am an Australian who is currently holidaying throughout SE Asia with my wife. We are in Kuala Lumpur for a while now but Komodo Island is a place that has always fascinated me. Friends of ours have recently dived the area and by all accounts, the diving is fantastic and the water clarity is superb. Do you know if there are any live aboard dive vessels which cater for this area? It may be a destination for 2019.
Best wishes,
Gary
It is a great place and the Komodo Dragon are a site all by themselves. On the bottom of my post I list three highly TripAdvisor rated liveaboards. Any of these would be great for you. Than ks for visiting beach travel destinations.
Wow, I have always wanted to see the Komodo Dragons, especially when they are roaming around in the wild. This alone must make it an awesome experience to visit the Komodo Island in Indonesia.
Another great thing about visiting this island is the best time to go between June and August, makes it a great excuse to escape the winter here in South Africa for a nice warm holiday.
I think I would definitely choose the ferry over the plane, as that sounds both safer and more fun and you get to see more of the coast and surrounding areas this way.
Thanks for this informative article on an island we might otherwise never have known existed.
You are very welcome Michel. I am glad you enjoyed learning about Komodo Island Indonesia. I hope you can escape your winter and visit soon!
These Komodo Dragons that you mentioned are they any harmful to people because it is something one has to consider before coming to such a place to relax and have fun. It sure is an amazing place that I would like to visit. I have another question. When we arrive at the island is there anyway you can recommend a tour guide for us or is it possible to easily find them at the port?
Hi Jay, and as I mentioned in the article, it is best to go to Komodo National Park with a tour guide. Because yes, the Komodo Dragon is dangerous. I do also have tour companies listed (the best ones) that you can set up before you head to the island. They are all TripAdvisor highly rated, so you won’t go wrong with any of them.
Every year as the days grow shorter and the weather turns cold, I look to escape the wintery mix wet cold weather that Pittsburgh has to offer. Typically we would go to Disney World, but as my kid gets older, the magic seems to fade.
I’ve been looking for something a little different than the same old beach, and Komodo Island Indonesia might just be a great adventure for the whole family. Komodo Island National Park seems like a great place to visit while we are there.
On a side note, we had a Komodo dragon here at our local zoo whose name was, “Noname.” When I took my kid to the zoo for the first time, he was actually her favorite animal!
The komodo dragon is pretty cool for sure, and your kids would love the Komodo National Park and Komodo Island for that matter. Thanks for reading.
I must say that this article is wonderful. Although I was once in Indonesia I really did not heard about this island. When I see this pictures, I want to be there immediately. I would like to visit that national park, and maybe I will next year. I think that summer is great time to visit this beautiful island.
Anytime is probably a great time to visit this beautiful island 🙂 I hope you can make it there. Thanks for stopping by!
I live in South Florida and have been surrounded by beaches my whole life…but pink beaches is something I’ve gotta see! I’d definitely love to take a vacation to Komodo Island sometime soon to experience some of these awesome attractions and just unwind, even though Komodo Dragons kinda freak me out! A place like this just looks perfect for escaping the hustle and bustle of everyday life to just enjoy nature and the aesthetics of Indonesian culture.
Yep Ryan, I totally agree and I live in south Florida too. I have seen black, brown and white sand beaches. But I have yet to see a pink beach. There really are not a whole of places that have pink beaches, but I love the beach and this would be amazing!
This article is loaded with great information. I am intrigued by Komodo Dragons and Komodo Island looks awesome! I did not know there are over 17,000 islands in Indonesia, seems like the view from the plane alone woud be worth the trip! Thanks for all the incredible detail about the Nightlife, restaurants and thing to do!! Have you been here yourself? What do you recommend as a good amount of time to spend here to get a good feel for the area? Seems like a lot to see and do.
Hi Dave and thank you for visiting Komodo Island Indonesia. No, this is one place I have not been. It is on my bucket list because I know friends who have went, and they said it is absolutely beautiful. I would love to see the Komodo Dragons myself, what an awesome sight! In my personal opinion, 2 weeks is what I would recommend. That way you can do a good amount of just relaxing, and still have plenty of time for exploring and possibly doing a couple tours. My friends did a week, and they said that was definitely not enough time.
Komodo Island, the way you have described it and all of the beautiful pictures make it sound like a great place to see. I have never been to Indonesia, but I will add Komodo Island to my list of places to see. The pink beach looks absolutely beautiful, and to be able to see a Komodo Dragon in its natural habitat would be so amazing. I like how you have included best places to eat, and their price points, it sounds like the restaurant Warung Mama is perhaps one to avoid, if you don’t want to be among tourists. When travelling I like to experience local culture, and eat where locals eat.
Thanks for visiting Jenny. And yes a great vacation destination with a good variety of things to do and see. I am with you, I love to eat with the locals. Always ends up being an amazing experience.
Looks like a lot of fun things to do on the komodo island. It looks very beautiful from the pictures you posted. I would’nt want to run into one of those komodo dragons though lol. I would really love to go see that Cunca Rami Waterfall that looks amazing and the reefs as well. Would you recommend one of those touring outfits over another? Think I might take a trip there someday just looks breathe taking. Thanks for the information!
Hi Cory and thanks for visiting Komodo Island Indonesia. Yes, the komodo dragons are pretty good sized and are dangerous, definitely why you want a tour guide. Every company I listed is rated by TripAdvisor as the best, so you would be happy with any you choose.
Hello Leah, another great travel post as always. This is my first time hearing about Komodo Island, and it looks incredible!!! Reading this article made me want to go so badly, and swim around on the pink beach. Also, I want to visit Komodo nationals park to see some dragons as well. Thanks again, I will definitely keep this place in mind!
It’s a wonderful place Ahmad and the komodo dragons are a wonderful site in themselves. That and Pink Beach 🙂 Thanks for stopping by beach travel destinations.
Thank you for sharing with us those beautiful places found in Komodo Island in Indonesia.Everybody needs to take a time to relax and forget a bit about work. Travelling is one way to relax and it helps to avoid stress caused by work or other stuff like broken relationship, losing job contract….
Komodo seems to be a great place especially Cunca Rami Waterfall which is very attractive .
I wish I could visit this Island because it looks attractive.
I love waterfalls, and to just relax there and let the water hit….truly wonderful! And yes beautiful places, to me, are the best way to relax 🙂
I can’t wait to visit Cunca Rami Waterfall. How beautiful and impressive Cunca Rami waterfall is with those abundant beautiful pools that offer a refreshing, natural swimming experience. I can’t wait to enjoy a fantastic day trip from Labuan Bajo.
I truly want to see that Batu Bolong Reef, because it is truly world class dive site. I like how your site provides education. I thought that sands were either white or black. What great knowledge you impart by telling us readers that Komodo Island is a Natural Wonder of Nature and that it’s one of seven pink beaches on the planet. I’m taking my children on this vacation because of the beauty and education value.
This is a great trip for a family! I think any age would love to visit Komodo Island. All the natural beauty…just breath taking. Please let me know if you have any further questions. Thanks for visiting Komodo Island Indonesia.