A Travel Guide to
Komodo National Park
When it comes to popular tourist destinations from the past couple of years, Indonesia is definitely among the top contenders. It has quite a lot to offer, whether you’re just a traveler or an explorer who wants to learn a bit of history and culture.
And despite the fact that most tourists opt to just visit Bali and be done with it, we’ve got another idea for you – Komodo National Park.
The national park comprises three major islands, Padar, Rinca, and Komodo, and is located within the Lesser Sunda Islands geographically. The goal behind the national park was mainly to protect the Komodo dragon, which is the largest species of lizards that still lives, but UNESCO declared it a World Heritage Site eleven years after it was originally founded, in 1980.
But here you can also spot much more of the amazing and endemic wildlife and enjoy untouched nature. You can also witness a natural phenomenon that makes Komodo Beach a pink paradise.
So if you are thinking of visiting, here is a bit of geography, as well as information on when to visit it and what you should do when there.
Location & Climate
The Komodo National Park has quite a few islands on its territory. Padar, Rinca, and Komodo are the largest ones, but there are also 26 smaller islands scattered throughout, for a total area of 1,733 kilometers square.
Terrain-wise, the islands are all rather rugged, with steep hills that reach rather high altitudes. And when it comes to the climate, the area within the park is considered to be among the driest climates in the entire country.
If you visit during the dry season, which is from May until October it’s a prime time for destinations like and you can expect temperatures of up to 40 degrees Celsius.
What Is There to Do?
The national park is rather versatile when it comes to things to do, and even if you’re only there for a couple of days you’ll find plenty to enjoy.
The name is a bit of a giveaway, but the main thing to do in the national park is to head to either Rinca or Komodo Island, and get up close and personal with the Komodo dragons. We already mentioned they’re the world’s largest lizard species, and they can grow up to 3 meters in length, and up to 135kg in weight.
On the islands’ territory, they’re the dominant predator, and that’s the place they call home. Heading to the Komodo National Park and not checking them out is a big mistake.
Next, you should head to Padar Island, which is the go-to destination for hiking thanks to the variety of spectacular landscapes. And if you aren’t really the active type, don’t worry – it won’t take you more than 30 to 40 minutes to reach the viewpoints, but what you’ll get to see is more than impressive.
Here’s an idea to make the most of it – if you can, head out either during sunset, or sunrise, both are equally impressive.
And then there’s our last suggestion which is perfect for those of you who prefer the underwater. Komodo National Park has incredibly pristine coral life, and from the fish life to the reefs, it just gets better the more you explore it.
It’s a brilliant underwater world and one that you should dedicate a day or two to. And when you’re done snorkeling, Pink Beach is where you can relax and enjoy yourself.
The Right Time to Visit
One of the beauties of the Komodo National Park is the fact that you can visit it at any point throughout the year. It’s going to be a different experience depending on when you plan to visit, so read on – you’ll see what works best for your expectations.
April – November
Many travelers would say that the “right” time to visit is from April to November. This covers the entire dry season, and if you’re keen on enjoying a calm sea and green landscapes that stretch as far as the eye can see, go between April and June.
And while yes, it is considered the right time, you still don’t get to share the experience with too many people, making it even better.
July – August
July and August are the popular months, with most tourists deciding to visit in those two months. Not only do you need to share the beauty of Komodo with all the tourists, but prices are also much, much higher.
Yes, the temperatures might be a bit milder, but the windy climate means the sea won’t be too calm. And lest we forget, this is the Komodo dragons’ mating season, so you won’t see too many of them.
September – October
Last but not least, you can also visit from September through October, which is another time period when the weather is nice, the waters are calm, and you aren’t sharing the national park with thousands of others.
Of course, when you actually go to visit is completely up to you, but this should give you an idea of what to expect.
