FAQ'S                           KOMODO NATIONAL PARK

  • What is Komodo National Park like?

Komodo National Park is a wonderful area situated between Flores and Sumbawa with the komodo dragon and diving and snorkling as the main attraction. It is one of the most beautiful areas of Indonesia. The biggest islands are Komodo, Rinca and Padar. On Komodo and Rinca you can spot the komododragons and do trekkings. Padar has famous because of the thousands of pictures from where photo's have been taken for an overview. Although it can be quite busy in particular in the months June to September it is worthwhile a visit.

 

  • What is a reasonable price for a boattrip?

Not so easy to answer as this very much depends on what you want to do. The very cheapest tours start with Rp 800.000 per person for a one day trip on an shared open deck slowboat boat. Prices for shared speedboats start with 1,2 million. 
These prices not yet include the entrancefee for the national park which are Rp 400.000 to Rp 600.00 per person.
Apart from this there are boats in shapes and sizes including very luxury phinisi with "French cote d 'azur prices" eg millions of Rupiah. Please be aware that if you book via the internet when payment in advance is asked as you are not protected by law in case there is a problem. Also a few huge scams have been reported and people lost a lot of money (as high as 46 million Rupiah!)

 

  • What  choices for a trip do I have to visit Komodo National Park?

- simple open deck slow boats (recommended) on shared base, up to 14 people

   starting at Rp 800.000 for a trip     

- simple open deck private slow boats for 2 million Rupiah and up for a daytrip  

- multi day trips shared on an open deck boat start around 2,5 million Rupiah.

- multi day trips private on an open deck boat

- speedboats for half a day, shared or private

- speedboats for a whole day, shared or private

- speedboats multi day, shared or private

- big scooners and phinisi and anything in between

 

  • Should I book in advance?

Outside the months July, August and September there is no need to book in advance unless you have high demands. Labuan Bajo is full of boats (more than 700 in 2024!), agents and touts. Prices on the internet can be high, a deposit is often asked (but you are not protected by law in case of any problem).

 

  • What about safety?

This is a sensitive issue. The authorities try to control everything but this is not yet of a professional standard. A lot of things you can do yourself.

- check the weather one day before
- currents and whirlpools which are strongest during new moon and full moon 
   check dates of moonphases for Labuan Bajo here

- when shopping around ask the agent about the permit for the next day

- be keen on a minimum of two engines when hiring a small open deck boat, even
   better three

- (enough) lifevests

- check communication on board (radio, mobile phones and the ability of English)

- check crew, usually a minimum of 2 or 3 people

- be aware when hiring an open deck boat with a storey on top as for the balance
   the base of the boat has to be strong and heavy enough

- Keep the emergency call number with you 115

- also check this part

 

  • What when the weather is not fine?

In case of strong winds and currents most agents cancel your trip and you will get your money back or you get offered an alternative (be keen to discuss that) or the captain will choose for another route.

 

  • What about trips fro Lombok to Labuan Bajo?

To be honest I do not recommend these 3, 4 or 5 night trips because for some reasons. Unfortunately safety on board is often not of an international standard. Some boats are barely seaworthy and equipment on board is not always sufficient and with sometimes an not adequate crew. Of course there are decent trips but you need to be willing to pay for that. When sailing on a calm sea everything will be fine. But there are many dangerous currents and whirpools in particular near the islands of Komodo and Padar and weather can be unpredictable. There have been a number of incidents in the past; since January 2023, 18 in total.

 

  • Am I allowed to use a drone in Komodo NP?
Yes you can but you need to register first via https://siora.id

See also Komodo NP drones
Requirements are:

-application letter for Komodo NP

-copy of passport

-copy of drone license from your country

-statement letter which can be downloaded from the previous website

In case you need help you can contact them via tel. +62 81138290000 (WhatsApp) but probably best to call them since they are very slow with responding.

Photo's

Anne Mieke  -AM PHOTONESIA©-