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Manila to Flores: Labuan Bajo and Komodo National Park

Manila → Labuan Bajo → Komodo National Park

Padar Island
"Pulau_Padar_1.jpg" by YUS JULIADI, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons· licence
Labuan Bajo, a port in West Flores, Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia; January 2020 (Labuan Bajo)
Photo: Tiket2, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Komodo dragons & diving Best season (general guide): Apr–Nov (best May–Sep)

Komodo National Park lies between Sumbawa and Flores in eastern Indonesia, and it is the only place to see Komodo dragons in the wild. This short trip uses Labuan Bajo, the harbour town on the western tip of Flores, as its base. From Manila you'll connect through Bali or Jakarta to reach the small airport at Labuan Bajo.

Spend the first two nights in town. Watch the sunset over the harbour, compare boat operators and check what each trip includes, as the choice ranges from simple day boats to liveaboards with cabins. Rangers lead every walk on Komodo and Rinca, so join a guided trail and keep your distance from the dragons.

The next two days are spent at sea. Padar island has a steep path to a viewpoint over three bays, and the snorkelling stops in the park are known for coral, turtles and, at the right sites, manta rays. Currents can be strong, so follow the crew's briefing before you get in the water.

The best conditions are between about May and September, with April and the autumn months still workable. December to March is the wet season, when some trips may not run. Bring reef-safe sun protection and plenty of water for the island walks, as there is very little shade.

Pacing: book the boat trip with an operator that holds a park licence and has life jackets and a radio on board. Liveaboard trips give more time in the park, but day boats suit those who prefer a hotel bed. Ask whether park fees are included in the price.

Back in Labuan Bajo, the harbour's evening fish market is a simple place to eat grilled seafood after a day at sea.

Suggested outline

  1. Manila

    Start

  2. Labuan Bajo

    By air · 2 nights suggested

    Harbour town on Flores with sunset viewpoints and dozens of boat operators to choose from.

  3. Komodo National Park

    By boat · 2 nights suggested

    Ranger-led dragon walks, the Padar viewpoint and snorkelling stops, visited on a two-day boat trip.

    Komodo National Park
    "Komodo_dragon_at_Komodo_National_Park.jpg" by Adhi Rachdian from Indonesia, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons· licence

Day by day

  1. Day 1 · Labuan Bajo — Arrive; sunset over the bay· Manila → Labuan Bajo (by air)
  2. Day 2 · Labuan Bajo — Arrange your boat
  3. Day 3 · Komodo National Park — Boat into the park; ranger-led dragon walk· Labuan Bajo → Komodo National Park (by boat)
  4. Day 4 · Komodo National Park — Padar hike and snorkelling
  5. Day 5 · Komodo National Park — Travel home from Komodo National Park· Komodo National Park → Labuan Bajo (by boat), then Labuan Bajo → Manila (by air)

A suggested pace only; expedition days are set by the operator.

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Labuan Bajo

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Komodo National Park

Nearest airport: Labuan Bajo Search fares · Labuan Bajo ↗

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