Komodo

Arrive at Komodo Airport(30 minutes)

Multiple daily flights from Bali (1 hour). Citilink, Wings Air, Nam Air. Book early — flights sell out in peak season. The airport is tiny and right in town

Check-in to Labuan Bajo hotel(1 hour)

Stay in town near the harbor for easy access to boat departures. Budget rooms from IDR 300,000, mid-range from IDR 800,000

Lunch at Mediterraneo Restaurant(1 hour)

Italian-Indonesian on the harbor waterfront. Fresh catch grilled IDR 75,000-120,000, cold Bintang IDR 35,000. Good for orientation — you can watch the dive boats come and go

Sunset from Sylvia Hill(1.5 hours)

Labuan Bajo's best sunset viewpoint. 10-minute drive or 30-minute walk uphill. Free. Vendors sell coconuts at the top. Boats silhouetted against orange sky over scattered islands

Boat departure from Labuan Bajo harbor(1 hour)

Day trips IDR 1-2 million/person including lunch. Book through your hotel or harbor operators. Depart 6-7AM for the best Padar sunrise light

Padar Island sunrise hike(2 hours)

Steep 30-minute climb to one of Indonesia's most iconic panoramas — three bays of white, pink, and black sand. Bring water, no shade. The view at the top is extraordinary in morning light

Pink Beach snorkeling(1.5 hours)

One of few pink-sand beaches in the world — colored by crushed red coral. Excellent snorkeling right off shore. Bring reef shoes — coral fragments are sharp

Rinca Island dragon trekking(2 hours)

Guided trek with armed ranger (IDR 350,000 park entry + IDR 100,000 ranger fee). Komodo dragons up to 3 meters long. Rinca has more frequent sightings than Komodo Island. Never walk alone. 2 hours by boat from Labuan Bajo

Return to Labuan Bajo and dinner(2 hours)

Dinner at Le Pirate — waterfront bar-restaurant. Grilled seafood platter IDR 150,000-250,000. Share dragon encounter stories over sunset cocktails

Two-tank dive trip departure(1 hour)

IDR 2-3 million for 2 dives including gear. Book with reputable operators like Wunderpus or Uber Scuba. Depart 7-8AM. Current conditions checked by dive masters

Dive 1: Manta Point(1 hour)

Manta rays with 3-5 meter wingspans at cleaning stations. Best sightings December-February but possible year-round. Strong currents — intermediate+ divers. Non-divers can snorkel at Mawan for surface manta sightings

Dive 2: Batu Bolong(1 hour)

Submerged pinnacle — top 10 Indonesian dive site. Extraordinary coral coverage, schools of trevally, barracuda, reef sharks. Advanced-level due to currents. Best at slack tide

Surface interval and lunch on boat(1 hour)

Simple Indonesian lunch between dives. Fresh fruit, nasi goreng, water

Afternoon rest and dinner at Sunset Corner(2 hours)

No strenuous activity after diving. Sunset Corner Cafe has harbor views and grilled fish IDR 60,000-90,000

Boat to Kanawa Island(30 minutes)

30 minutes by speedboat from Labuan Bajo harbor. IDR 150,000-250,000 return. Entry IDR 50,000

Snorkeling the house reef(2 hours)

Outstanding reef right off the beach. Colorful coral, tropical fish, and often turtles. Snorkel gear rental IDR 50,000 if needed. The visibility is consistently excellent

Beach time and lunch on Kanawa(3 hours)

White sand beach with sun loungers (IDR 50,000). Simple restaurant on the island serves fresh fish and Indonesian staples. IDR 50,000-100,000 for a meal. Total relaxation

Dinner at Made in Italy(1.5 hours)

Surprisingly good Italian in Labuan Bajo. Handmade pasta IDR 80,000-120,000, wood-fired pizza IDR 70,000-100,000. The expat crowd's favorite

Morning fish market(1 hour)

The harbor fish market is bustling from 6-8AM when boats return. Fresh tuna, mahi-mahi, octopus. Even if you're not buying, the atmosphere is electric. Great photography

Breakfast at Tree Top Cafe(1 hour)

Hillside cafe with harbor views. Pancakes IDR 40,000, fresh juice IDR 25,000

Batu Cermin Mirror Cave(1.5 hours)

Cave 4km from town where sunlight enters through an opening and reflects off the walls, creating a mirror effect. IDR 30,000 entry. Short guided tour. The fossils in the rock are ancient coral reefs

Free afternoon and spa(2 hours)

Indonesian massage IDR 100,000-200,000/hour. Rest before the final push

Dinner at Bajo Bay Fishermen's Club(1.5 hours)

Waterfront seafood restaurant. Choose your fish fresh from the display, have it grilled or steamed. IDR 80,000-150,000. Cold beers and harbor views

Early boat to Komodo Island(3 hours)

Longer boat ride than Rinca (3 hours vs 2). Worth it for the wilder, less-visited island. Same park fees apply if ticket is from a different day

Komodo Island dragon trekking(2 hours)

Multiple trek lengths available: short (1 hour), medium (2 hours), long (3 hours). The medium trek offers the best balance of dragon encounters and landscape. Rangers guide every group

Snorkeling at Taka Makasar(1.5 hours)

Submerged sandbar that emerges at low tide with exceptional surrounding reef. Crystal water, colorful coral gardens. Between Komodo and Rinca islands

Return sail through Komodo strait(2.5 hours)

The waters between islands can be dramatic — look for dolphins, manta rays from the surface, and flying fish. Sunset on the return is spectacular

Farewell dinner at Paradise Bar(1.5 hours)

Hilltop bar overlooking the harbor. Cocktails IDR 60,000-100,000, Indonesian fusion plates IDR 80,000-120,000. A fitting farewell to Komodo

Sunrise from the harbor(1 hour)

The eastern light over the harbor and fishing boats is beautiful. A quiet farewell moment

Breakfast at Tree Top Cafe(1 hour)

Last Indonesian coffee and pancakes with the view. IDR 60,000 total

Last-minute shopping(30 minutes)

Komodo dragon wooden sculptures, pearl jewelry from nearby Lombok, and local crafts from harbor-area shops

Transfer to Komodo Airport(15 minutes)

5 minutes from town center. Arrive 1 hour before domestic flights, 2 hours before international connections

Arrive at Komodo Airport(30 minutes)

Flights from Bali 1 hour. Citilink, Wings Air, Nam Air

Check-in to hotel(1 hour)

Stay near harbor. Budget IDR 300,000, mid-range IDR 800,000

Lunch at Mediterraneo(1 hour)

Harbor waterfront. Fresh catch IDR 75,000-120,000

Sunset from Sylvia Hill(1.5 hours)

Best sunset viewpoint. Free. 10-min drive up

Boat departure 6AM(1 hour)

Day trip IDR 1-2 million/person including lunch

Padar Island sunrise hike(2 hours)

30-min steep climb. Three bays of different-colored sand. No shade — bring water

Pink Beach snorkeling(1.5 hours)

Pink sand from crushed coral. Excellent reef off shore

Rinca Island dragon trekking(2 hours)

IDR 350,000 park + IDR 100,000 ranger. Dragons up to 3m. Never walk alone

Dinner at Le Pirate(1.5 hours)

Waterfront. Grilled seafood IDR 150,000-250,000

Two-tank dive trip(6 hours)

IDR 2-3 million for 2 dives with gear. Wunderpus or Uber Scuba recommended

Dive 1: Manta Point(1 hour)

Mantas 3-5m wingspans at cleaning stations. Intermediate+ level

Dive 2: Batu Bolong(1 hour)

Pinnacle with extraordinary coral. Trevally, barracuda, reef sharks

Rest and dinner at Sunset Corner(2 hours)

Grilled fish IDR 60,000-90,000 with harbor views

Boat to Kanawa Island(30 minutes)

IDR 150,000-250,000 return. Entry IDR 50,000

House reef snorkeling(2 hours)

Outstanding reef right off beach. Turtles common

Beach time and lunch(3 hours)

Sun loungers IDR 50,000. Restaurant: fresh fish IDR 50,000-100,000

Dinner at Made in Italy(1.5 hours)

Handmade pasta IDR 80,000-120,000

Morning fish market(1 hour)

6-8AM when boats return. Tuna, mahi-mahi. Great atmosphere

Batu Cermin Mirror Cave(1.5 hours)

IDR 30,000. Sunlight reflects off walls. Fossil coral in the rock

Spa and rest(2 hours)

Indonesian massage IDR 100,000-200,000/hour

Dinner at Bajo Bay Fishermen's Club(1.5 hours)

Choose fresh fish from display. IDR 80,000-150,000

Boat to Komodo Island(3 hours)

Longer ride but wilder island

Komodo Island dragon trekking(2 hours)

Medium trek for best dragon encounters. Rangers guide every group

Snorkeling at Taka Makasar(1.5 hours)

Submerged sandbar with exceptional reef

Sunset return through Komodo strait(2.5 hours)

Watch for dolphins and flying fish

Board liveaboard at Labuan Bajo harbor(1 hour)

3-4 day liveaboards IDR 6-15 million (~$400-950). Includes all meals, diving/snorkeling, and cabin. Book 2-3 weeks ahead in peak season

Sail to southern Komodo(2 hours)

The southern reaches of the park see fewer boats. Better coral, more marine life

Dive at Castle Rock(1 hour)

Submerged seamount famous for schools of giant trevally, white-tip reef sharks, and occasional hammerheads. Strong currents — advanced divers. Non-divers snorkel at the surface

Sunset on deck(2 hours)

Watch the sun set from the boat deck among the islands. Dinner served by crew — fresh grilled fish, rice, salads. Sleeping under a blanket of stars

Early morning dive at Crystal Rock(1 hour)

Pristine pinnacle covered in soft coral. Schools of fusiliers create walls of silver. Best visibility in the morning

Manta Alley exploration(2 hours)

Alternative manta site south of the park. Cleaner water and sometimes more mantas than Manta Point. Your captain reads the conditions

Afternoon at Horseshoe Bay(2 hours)

Sheltered bay with white sand beach. Swim, snorkel, or just float. The crew prepares lunch on the beach

Night dive (optional)(1 hour)

Some operators offer night dives. Bioluminescence, sleeping fish, hunting octopus. A completely different underwater world. Additional IDR 300,000-500,000

Sunrise dive at Batu Bolong (second visit)(1 hour)

Early morning slack tide — the best time for Batu Bolong. The pinnacle erupts with life at first light

Final snorkeling stop(1.5 hours)

Captain chooses based on conditions. Often a pristine reef most tourists never visit

Sail back to Labuan Bajo(2 hours)

Lunch on board during the return. Swap dive stories and photos with fellow travelers

Dinner back on land at Paradise Bar(1.5 hours)

Hilltop bar. Cocktails IDR 60,000-100,000. Celebrate three incredible days at sea

Sleep in a real bed(3 hours)

No early alarm. No boat rocking. Just rest

Brunch at Tree Top Cafe(1 hour)

Pancakes IDR 40,000, fresh juice IDR 25,000. Hillside harbor views

Spa treatment(2 hours)

Full body massage IDR 150,000-200,000. You've earned this

Sunset at Puncak Waringin(1.5 hours)

Alternative sunset viewpoint to Sylvia Hill. Climb the stairs near the old lighthouse. Panoramic views of the harbor and islands

Drive to Cunca Wulang(1.5 hours)

30km east of Labuan Bajo. Hire a motorbike or driver IDR 300,000-500,000. The road passes through traditional Manggarai villages

Trek to Cunca Wulang Waterfall(3 hours)

2km trek through a jungle canyon, wading through ankle-deep water and scrambling over rocks. The waterfall is in a narrow gorge with turquoise pools. IDR 30,000 entry. Wear water shoes and bring dry clothes

Lunch at Wae Rebo information center(1 hour)

Simple local food near the trailhead. Nasi goreng IDR 25,000. Cold drinks IDR 10,000

Return and dinner at Mediterraneo(2 hours)

Fresh seafood on the harbor IDR 80,000-130,000

Drive to Denge village trailhead(3 hours)

3 hours east of Labuan Bajo. Hire a driver. The road is rough but passable. Register at the village office in Denge — mandatory guide IDR 150,000

Trek up to Wae Rebo(3 hours)

Steep 9km trail through dense tropical forest. Moderate-difficult. Bring water and rain gear. The village appears suddenly through the clouds — seven conical houses in a cleared ridge

Village welcome ceremony(1 hour)

Traditional coffee and snacks. The village chief welcomes visitors with a brief ceremony. IDR 350,000 per person for overnight including meals

Overnight in mbaru niang (cone house)(12 hours)

Sleep on mats in the communal cone-shaped house. Simple but unforgettable. Dinner is traditional Manggarai cooking. No electricity — stars and firelight only

Sunrise at Wae Rebo(1.5 hours)

The sunrise view from the village — cone houses emerging from clouds with forested mountains behind — is one of Indonesia's most magical scenes. Free. Just wake up and step outside

Breakfast and farewell(1 hour)

Simple breakfast of coffee, rice, and vegetables. Say goodbye to the families who hosted you

Trek back down to Denge(2.5 hours)

Downhill is faster. The forest is alive with birdsong in the morning

Drive back to Labuan Bajo(3 hours)

Stop for lunch at a warung en route. Return by late afternoon

Farewell dinner at Paradise Bar(1.5 hours)

Hilltop sunset. Cocktails and fresh catch. A fitting end

Sunrise from the harbor(1 hour)

Quiet farewell to the fishing boats and island silhouettes

Breakfast at Tree Top(1 hour)

Last coffee and view

Shopping(30 minutes)

Komodo dragon sculptures, pearl jewelry, local crafts

Transfer to airport(15 minutes)

5 minutes from town. Arrive 1 hour before domestic flights

Arrive Komodo Airport(30 minutes)

Flights from Bali 1 hour. Multiple airlines daily

Check-in(1 hour)

Near harbor. Budget IDR 300,000, mid-range IDR 800,000

Lunch at Mediterraneo(1 hour)

Harbor waterfront. Fresh catch IDR 75,000-120,000

Sylvia Hill sunset(1.5 hours)

Best viewpoint. Free. Boats silhouetted against orange sky

Boat 6AM(1 hour)

IDR 1-2 million/person with lunch

Padar sunrise hike(2 hours)

Three-bay panorama. Bring water

Pink Beach snorkeling(1.5 hours)

Pink sand, excellent reef

Rinca dragon trekking(2 hours)

IDR 350,000 park + IDR 100,000 ranger

Dinner at Le Pirate(1.5 hours)

Grilled seafood IDR 150,000-250,000

Two-tank dive(6 hours)

IDR 2-3 million. Wunderpus or Uber Scuba

Manta Point(1 hour)

Mantas 3-5m wingspans. Intermediate+

Batu Bolong(1 hour)

Top 10 Indonesian dive site. Extraordinary coral

Rest and dinner(2 hours)

Sunset Corner. Fish IDR 60,000-90,000

Boat to Kanawa(30 minutes)

IDR 150,000-250,000 return. Entry IDR 50,000

House reef snorkeling(2 hours)

Turtles, colorful coral right off beach

Beach time and lunch(3 hours)

Loungers IDR 50,000. Fresh fish IDR 50,000-100,000

Dinner at Made in Italy(1.5 hours)

Pasta IDR 80,000-120,000

Fish market 6-8AM(1 hour)

Bustling harbor market

Batu Cermin Cave(1.5 hours)

IDR 30,000. Mirror effect. Fossil coral

Spa(2 hours)

Massage IDR 100,000-200,000

Dinner at Bajo Bay Fishermen's Club(1.5 hours)

Choose fish from display. IDR 80,000-150,000

Dragon trekking medium trail(2 hours)

Rangers guide every group

Taka Makasar snorkeling(1.5 hours)

Submerged sandbar, exceptional reef

Sunset return(2.5 hours)

Dolphins and flying fish

Board liveaboard(1 hour)

IDR 6-15 million for 3-4 days. All meals, diving, cabin included

Dive at Castle Rock(1 hour)

Giant trevally, white-tip sharks, occasional hammerheads

Sunset dinner on deck(2 hours)

Stars and grilled fish

Crystal Rock morning dive(1 hour)

Pristine pinnacle. Walls of silver fusiliers

Manta Alley(2 hours)

Alternative manta site south of park

Horseshoe Bay beach(2 hours)

White sand. Crew beach lunch

Night dive (optional)(1 hour)

Bioluminescence, sleeping fish. IDR 300,000-500,000 extra

Sunrise dive Batu Bolong(1 hour)

Slack tide. Pinnacle erupts with life at first light

Final snorkeling stop(1.5 hours)

Captain's pick based on conditions

Sail back(2 hours)

Lunch on board

Dinner at Paradise Bar(1.5 hours)

Hilltop. Cocktails IDR 60,000-100,000

Brunch at Tree Top(1 hour)

Pancakes IDR 40,000, juice IDR 25,000

Full body spa(2 hours)

IDR 150,000-200,000

Sunset at Puncak Waringin(1.5 hours)

Alternative viewpoint near old lighthouse

Drive to Cunca Wulang(1.5 hours)

30km east. Driver IDR 300,000-500,000

Canyon waterfall trek(3 hours)

2km through jungle canyon. Turquoise pools. IDR 30,000. Wear water shoes

Lunch at trailhead(1 hour)

Nasi goreng IDR 25,000

Dinner at Mediterraneo(1.5 hours)

Harbor seafood

Drive to Denge trailhead(3 hours)

3 hours east. Mandatory guide IDR 150,000

Trek to Wae Rebo(3 hours)

Steep 9km through tropical forest. Village appears through clouds

Welcome ceremony(1 hour)

Traditional coffee. Chief welcomes visitors. IDR 350,000/person overnight with meals

Overnight in cone house(12 hours)

Sleep on mats. Traditional dinner. No electricity — stars and firelight

Sunrise at Wae Rebo(1.5 hours)

Cone houses emerging from clouds. One of Indonesia's most magical scenes

Breakfast and farewell(1 hour)

Coffee, rice, vegetables. Goodbye to host families

Trek down to Denge(2.5 hours)

Downhill faster. Forest birdsong

Drive back to Labuan Bajo(3 hours)

Warung lunch en route

Boat to Rangko Cave(1 hour)

30-minute boat from Labuan Bajo to a sea cave with an underground swimming pool. Sunlight filters through creating ethereal blue light. IDR 200,000-300,000 for boat. Swim inside the cave

Drive to Melo village(1 hour)

Traditional Manggarai village with a caci (whip-fighting) demonstration. IDR 100,000 donation. The whip fights are fierce but ceremonial — watch from a safe distance

Lunch at village warung(1 hour)

Simple local food in the highlands. IDR 20,000-30,000

Free morning(4 hours)

Return to a favorite snorkeling spot, laze at the hotel pool, or revisit the fish market

Afternoon at Labuan Bajo's cafes(2 hours)

Several good coffee shops have appeared. Cafe In Hit has Indonesian single-origin pour-overs IDR 30,000

Private boat to Seraya Island(1 hour)

PHP 1,500,000-2,500,000 for private boat. Or join a group tour. Seraya Kecil has a luxury resort but the public beach is accessible

Snorkeling at Bidadari Island(1.5 hours)

Close to Labuan Bajo but excellent reef. Less visited than Kanawa. Crystal clear water

Seraya Kecil beach time(2 hours)

Small island with beautiful beach. Bring supplies — limited facilities

Return and dinner(2 hours)

Bajo Bay Fishermen's Club. Fresh catch from today's boats

Drive to Cancar spider web rice fields(4 hours)

4 hours east of Labuan Bajo. Hire a driver IDR 600,000-800,000 for the full day. Mountain roads with incredible views

Spider web rice fields viewpoint(1 hour)

Traditional Manggarai land division creates circular spider-web patterns in the rice paddies. Best seen from the hillside viewpoint. IDR 20,000 entry. Unique to this region of Flores

Lunch in Ruteng(1 hour)

Highland market town. Cool mountain air. Local warungs serve Manggarai specialties. Nasi campur IDR 15,000-25,000

Return to Labuan Bajo(4 hours)

Long day but the landscapes are extraordinary — volcanoes, rice terraces, traditional villages

Two-tank dive(5 hours)

IDR 2-3 million. Tell the dive shop your experience level and what you've already seen. They'll pick the best sites for current conditions

Dive 1(1 hour)

Return to your favorite site or try Siaba Besar — good for turtles and calm conditions

Dive 2(1 hour)

Tatawa Besar or Shotgun — depending on current and experience. Every dive in Komodo is different

Afternoon rest and sunset(3 hours)

Final sunset from Sylvia Hill. The view hits different when you know it's your last

Morning at Pede Beach(3 hours)

Labuan Bajo's town beach. Calm water, views of islands. Free. Bring a book

Lunch at a new restaurant(1 hour)

Try somewhere you haven't been yet. Labuan Bajo has grown — new places open regularly

Photo organization and journaling(2 hours)

Three weeks creates thousands of photos. Sort and back up. Write down the stories while they're fresh

Dinner at your favorite spot(1.5 hours)

Return to the restaurant that won your heart

Morning boat to favorite snorkeling spot(3 hours)

Return to whichever reef impressed you most. One last swim with the mantas, turtles, or just the coral gardens

Lunch at Mediterraneo(1 hour)

Where it started. Full circle

Afternoon free(2 hours)

Pack, rest, or wander the harbor one last time

Farewell dinner at Paradise Bar(2 hours)

Hilltop sunset. The same view, but you're a different person after three weeks with dragons and mantas

Harbor sunrise(1 hour)

Last look at the fishing boats heading out

Breakfast at Tree Top(1 hour)

Final Indonesian coffee. IDR 25,000

Shopping(30 minutes)

Dragon sculptures, pearls, crafts

Airport transfer(15 minutes)

5 minutes. Deep breath — you'll be back