Labuan Bajo is the main gateway to Komodo National Park, renowned for its stunning hills and underwater beauty. With its breathtaking landscapes, this tourist destination often attracts both local visitors and international tourists. Have you ever visited it? If you haven’t been to Labuan Bajo yet, here are three main islands in Komodo National Park that you absolutely must visit. Their captivating natural beauty will surely make you reluctant to leave!
Your itinerary
1. Rinca Island
Rinca Island is one of the three main islands within Komodo National Park. For those visiting Labuan Bajo for the first time, make sure this island is on your itinerary! To get to Rinca Island, a sea journey takes about 2 hours from Labuan Bajo. If you want the best views along the way, consider scheduling your departure in the morning, as the scenery will be clearer at that time. Additionally, the morning air is not too hot, making it perfect to start your adventure. Speaking of Rinca’s attractions, you are likely familiar with its images shared widely on social media, right? The island features expansive savannas and is home to the Komodo dragons. However, the Komodo dragons on Rinca Island are not as large as those found on Komodo Island. Another highlight of Rinca Island is its beaches, which offer stunning views. Interestingly, some of the beaches here have light red sand and a soft texture. The entrance fee to Rinca Island is IDR 50,000, which does not include the ranger or guide who will accompany you to meet the ancient reptiles.
2. Padar Island
Another destination you must visit during your trip to Labuan Bajo is Padar Island. Who hasn’t heard of this place? Although its size is smaller than Komodo Island or Rinca Island, Padar Island will surely steal your heart. Like Rinca and Komodo, Padar Island is also listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. One of the island’s main attractions is its natural scenery. The beauty of Padar Island becomes even more striking when viewed from the peak of the hill. To reach the summit, visitors must climb hundreds of stairs—around 300 steps. While it’s a bit exhausting, trust me, the effort is well worth it. From the top, you’ll get a view of three beach coves separated by hills. If you visit during the dry season, the hills will appear exotic, covered in dry, brownish grass. The coastline and the gradient of the ocean’s colors will also be much clearer. During the rainy season, the hills transform into a lush green landscape. In the evening, Padar Island offers a mesmerizing sunset view.
3. Komodo Island
For those wanting to see the Komodo dragons up close in their natural habitat, Komodo Island is the place to be. According to data from 2021, over 3,000 Komodo dragons live on the island. Although your curiosity may be high, visitors are prohibited from getting too close to these ancient creatures. Komodo dragons are wild animals with venomous saliva. To ensure your safety, visitors must observe them from a distance of at least 300 meters. Additionally, female visitors who are menstruating are advised not to approach the Komodo dragons, as their keen sense of smell may detect the scent of blood, potentially causing them to become aggressive. Similar to Padar and Rinca Islands, Komodo Island is home to vast grasslands and surrounded by beautiful beaches. So, will you still skip Labuan Bajo from your next travel list? In addition to these three islands, Labuan Bajo has other equally stunning attractions such as Taka Makassar, Pink Beach, Kanawa Island, Manta Point, and Batu Bolong Reef.
1. Rinca Island
Rinca Island is one of the three main islands within Komodo National Park. For those visiting Labuan Bajo for the first time, make sure this island is on your itinerary! To get to Rinca Island, a sea journey takes about 2 hours from Labuan Bajo. If you want the best views along the way, consider scheduling your departure in the morning, as the scenery will be clearer at that time. Additionally, the morning air is not too hot, making it perfect to start your adventure. Speaking of Rinca’s attractions, you are likely familiar with its images shared widely on social media, right? The island features expansive savannas and is home to the Komodo dragons. However, the Komodo dragons on Rinca Island are not as large as those found on Komodo Island. Another highlight of Rinca Island is its beaches, which offer stunning views. Interestingly, some of the beaches here have light red sand and a soft texture. The entrance fee to Rinca Island is IDR 50,000, which does not include the ranger or guide who will accompany you to meet the ancient reptiles.
2. Padar Island
Another destination you must visit during your trip to Labuan Bajo is Padar Island. Who hasn’t heard of this place? Although its size is smaller than Komodo Island or Rinca Island, Padar Island will surely steal your heart. Like Rinca and Komodo, Padar Island is also listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. One of the island’s main attractions is its natural scenery. The beauty of Padar Island becomes even more striking when viewed from the peak of the hill. To reach the summit, visitors must climb hundreds of stairs—around 300 steps. While it’s a bit exhausting, trust me, the effort is well worth it. From the top, you’ll get a view of three beach coves separated by hills. If you visit during the dry season, the hills will appear exotic, covered in dry, brownish grass. The coastline and the gradient of the ocean’s colors will also be much clearer. During the rainy season, the hills transform into a lush green landscape. In the evening, Padar Island offers a mesmerizing sunset view.
3. Komodo Island
For those wanting to see the Komodo dragons up close in their natural habitat, Komodo Island is the place to be. According to data from 2021, over 3,000 Komodo dragons live on the island. Although your curiosity may be high, visitors are prohibited from getting too close to these ancient creatures. Komodo dragons are wild animals with venomous saliva. To ensure your safety, visitors must observe them from a distance of at least 300 meters. Additionally, female visitors who are menstruating are advised not to approach the Komodo dragons, as their keen sense of smell may detect the scent of blood, potentially causing them to become aggressive. Similar to Padar and Rinca Islands, Komodo Island is home to vast grasslands and surrounded by beautiful beaches. So, will you still skip Labuan Bajo from your next travel list? In addition to these three islands, Labuan Bajo has other equally stunning attractions such as Taka Makassar, Pink Beach, Kanawa Island, Manta Point, and Batu Bolong Reef.
