The following content was provided by fellow traveler Astrid Chang and rearranged by us:
Real-life photos (provided by Astrid Chang)
The Beginning: Meeting the Travel Agency
This day trip was organized through a local travel agency in Komodo. Originally, my two friends and I wanted to charter a boat and customize our itinerary on Labuan Bajo Island, but we couldn’t gather enough people. So, we decided to join their standard speedboat day trip. This journey allowed us to experience Indonesia’s unique natural wonders and the warm hospitality of the locals, and we wanted to share our experience.
Getting to Komodo: How to Arrive
Komodo National Park is located east of Bali, about an hour’s flight away. Since there are no direct flights, you need to take a domestic flight from Bali’s DPS airport to Labuan Bajo’s LBJ airport, and then start the island hopping day trip from Labuan Bajo port. Komodo is famous not only for being the only habitat of Komodo dragons but also for having one of the few pink beaches in Asia—these sights are truly eye-opening.
No editing, no filters, every beach at the six stops was stunning, and there weren’t many people so it wasn’t crowded. Right image: Pink Beach is actually quite prickly because it’s a combination of coral fragments and fine white sand. In person, it looks slightly pink, and at noon it turns more reddish. The overly pink colors you see online are probably edited 😉 (provided by Astrid Chang)
The Truth About Pink Beach
(Provided by Astrid Chang)
Itinerary Overview and Costs
⚠️ Timings and locations may be adjusted slightly due to weather and sea conditions.
This standard one-day tour includes six main attractions and costs approximately USD$97 (prices may vary due to exchange rate fluctuations and new government taxes; final price subject to travel agency quotation). The itinerary is as follows:
- 6:00 Hotel pickup and departure to the port
- 8:00 First stop: Hike to the summit of Padar Island
- 10:00 Second stop: Enjoy the scenic beauty of Pink Beach
- 11:20 Third stop: Komodo dragon adventure (on-foot observation)
(Provided by Astrid Chang)
- 12:20 Lunch served on board
- 13:30 Fourth stop: Walk and snorkel at Taka Makasar
- 14:30 Fifth stop: Snorkeling with manta rays (Manta Spot)
- 15:30 Sixth stop: Walk and snorkel at Kanawa Island
The tour concludes with a return to the port around 16:00-17:00. ASRI Labuan Bajo also offers a three-day, two-night tour and a sunset viewing itinerary, with the bat sunset at Kalong Island said to be particularly spectacular.
What’s Included and What to Bring
💡 The package includes:
- One-way transfer from airport to hotel
- Round-trip transfer for the day’s itinerary
- Lunch, water, and beverages
- Snorkeling equipment
- English guide service (Chinese guide may be available)
(Provided by Astrid Chang)
💡 What to Bring:
- Hat (preferably with a strap to prevent it from blowing away)
- Swimsuit
- Sunscreen
- Comfortable walking shoes and flip-flops
- Water bottle or drinking water
- Change of clothes or easy-to-wear cover-up
Travel Experience: Dreamlike Scenery and Cultural Charm
The colors of the sunset kept changing, leaving us in awe (Provided by Astrid Chang)
The highlight of this Komodo island-hopping tour was undoubtedly the breathtaking scenery. Compared to Bali, this place is less crowded and more serene, with each beach feeling like a pristine paradise. The sunset we witnessed at Ayana Resort was undoubtedly the most beautiful sight of the trip, as if we were in a magical world.
👍 Reasons to Recommend the Local Tour Company:
- Professional Service: Arda, the owner of the local tour company, is very polite and patient with guests, especially Taiwanese visitors, offering attentive service. We contacted him via Line, and he responded quickly, arranging the itinerary thoughtfully.
- Thoughtful Care: The boat crew and guides were very attentive to each guest’s needs. We were fortunate to have a Chinese-speaking guide on this trip, which was a pleasant surprise since Chinese-speaking guides are rare in the area.
In summary, this day trip to Komodo National Park was undoubtedly an unforgettable experience. Besides the stunning natural scenery, the professional service from the tour company added great value to the journey. If you also want to explore this unspoiled paradise, consider choosing their services!
Let the pictures tell the story:
Left: We had to gather at the dock by 6:15 AM, where all passengers for the boat trip assembled. It seemed the tour agency tried to group tourists by language. Right: First stop - the guide suggested climbing to the fifth point for the best view, but due to time constraints, we only reached the fourth. Fellow travelers who went up said the scenery was similar. (Provided by Astrid Chang)
Left: The entire path had wooden plank stairs, not difficult to climb but a bit tiring. Right: Unedited colors - pinkish in the morning, turning redder as the sun got stronger. (Provided by Astrid Chang)
Left: The ground was actually quite prickly, and my swimsuit brought home many tiny red coral particles. Right: Misleading description - this was actually the third stop. Those who don’t want to walk can wait outside. (Provided by Astrid Chang)
Left: Fourth stop: Taka Makasar crescent bay, you can just walk around without snorkeling. Right: Manta chasing! (Provided by Astrid Chang)
Right: Fifth stop: Manta chasing - this is more dangerous, recommended for experienced divers. Don’t force yourself if you’re not a strong swimmer. Our friend who went in said the waves were strong and the current was powerful. (Provided by Astrid Chang)
Left: Final stop: Kanawa Island also has crystal clear waters, perfect for snorkeling or beach walking. Right: Incredible beauty (Provided by Astrid Chang)
Left: Overall, I think Ayana Komodo’s service doesn’t quite reach five-star standards, probably because it’s on an outer island and relatively new. The facilities are indeed plentiful and the views stunning, but you must book a sea view room or it’s not worth it. Right: Thanks to Arda, owner of Asri Labuan Bajo, for the arrangements and care 🥰🙇🏻♀️ (Provided by Astrid Chang)
Editor’s note: The Indonesian government has announced that Komodo Island will close in 2025. It’s unclear for how long, so take this opportunity to visit this paradise!
Offering an all-inclusive 5-day/4-night package including direct flights from Taiwan to Bali, Bali to Komodo Island flights, 4 nights accommodation, private car service for two throughout… etc: ⭐⭐Bali + Komodo Dragon Island, 4 Nights Luxury Stay/No Shopping/No Extra Fees/5-Day Tour⭐⭐
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