ULTIMATE GUIDE TO FLORES + KOMODO NATIONAL PARK: MY FAVOURITE TRIP TO DATE
When I left for Bali mid-April, I had never even heard of Flores and little did I know it would soon become the highlight of my travels so far! Located on the eastern half of Indonesia, its rich biodiversity attracts divers from all over the world. Not to mention its stunning mountains and volcanoes, pristine beaches and beautiful national parks. It's hard to believe how I ever planned a trip to Indonesia without Flores on my bucket list!
View of the islands from Ciao Hostel.
Komodo National Park Tour
To visit the Komodo National Park, I stayed on Labuan Bajo on the west coast, about a 90 minutes flight from Bali. Known for its shipping, it's not the kind of town you really want to hang around and chill. The town itself is pretty dirty with gaping holes as you walk along the street with chaotic traffic. It's mainly used as a hub to dive or visit the Komodo National Park.
Whilst planning I really wasn't sure how many nights to stay and book. It seemed like I could be there for days just wandering and exploring. As it turned out, my initial intention of staying 4 nights was reduced to 2 nights which was more than enough time to do everything I wanted to do. I generally found that those who decided to stay longer mainly stayed for the diving or the liveaboard boat tours. As I'm one to get seasick, a liveaboard was out of the question and snorkelling is more my thing than underwater diving. I decided to book a one day tour with a speedboat.
Flores + Komodo Islands
Padar Island
I booked an awesome one day tour with Alexandria Cruises. A speedboat was more expensive than going out on a wooden boat but highly recommended if you suffer from seasickness and really want to get as much as possible into one day.
Our day started at 5:30 am where I was picked up from my accommodation and we began with a hike up Padar Island. The third largest island in the national park, it's located between Komodo and Rinca islands. Taking around 30 minutes to get to the top, the views of the pink, black and white beaches are breathtaking! It's a good idea to bring some hiking shoes/solid trainers as it can get a little slippery after the steps.
If you're someone who is used to doing hikes, the climb to the top is relatively easy. Although it's best to get on a tour which covers this part first thing in the morning after sunrise as it can get really hot (almost too hot) later on in the morning.
Flores + Komodo Islands | Oops I Booked Again
Komodo Island
Getting up and close to one of the longest living species on earth, Komodo Dragons are by far one of the most impressive creatures I have seen. Careful not to peeve one off. They're great swimmers, fast runners and the small ones can even climb trees! As my guide explained, the females are the most active looking for food and taking care of their young. The males pretty much don't do much unless they're hunting, chilling or it's mating season. Whilst the females can live to around 40 years, the males usually live to around 50+ years.
Flores + Komodo Islands
It's a tough life!
Pink beach
Komodo National Park is famous for its pristine pink beaches. There are many public and private pink beaches in the park. Our tour stopped off for lunch at an uninhabited one and with clear turquoise waters, it was a great little snorkelling pit stop. When tiny particles of red coral combine with the pristine white sand, this produces a pinkish tint along the shoreline.
Flores + Komodo Islands | Oops I Booked Again
Flores + Komodo Islands | Oops I Booked Again | Pink Beach
Manta point
A spot to witness and snorkel with the incredible Manta Rays which can reach up to 7 metres in width. Our tour was great at spotting the majestic creatures which glide along the bottom of the ocean.
Taka Makassar
A unique pink beach shaped like a moon with sparkling clear waters. I honestly have never seen waters so crystal clear and sand so immaculate and flawless.
Kanawa Island
A beautiful tropical island, the snorkelling is easily accessible from the beach and is truly stunning! Snorkelling gear can be rented or provided by your tour group. If you have time, watch the sunset! It's spectacular!!
How to get there
The most popular route is to fly to Labuan Bajo on the island of Flores which is easily accessible on a direct flight from Bali. There are many airlines doing multiple flights a day. However, the only airline that seemed to take my foreign bank card when booking online was the national carrier Garuda.
On arrival, it will probably be too late to do a tour the same day as most start around 5:30-7am. So the best thing to do if you haven't booked ahead is to head into town and get yourself set up for the next day.
Tour Packages
The prices of tour packages varied depending on what was included and the type of boat. For speedboat tours which generally included all of the above, the price was pretty standard at around USD 85 (IDR 1,200,000).
The slower boats were cheaper at around USD 25-35 (IDR 400,000 - 500,000), however, they don't cover as much ground. One of the reasons why I also chose the speedboat over the slower boats was due to the strong winds and currents preventing the slower boats from getting to Komodo Island. Double check before you book your tour as plans can change if the weather takes a turn.
I didn't do any of the diving packages however many of the girls at my hostel recommended Komodo Dive and Uber Scuba. Prices again are also pretty much the same where ever you go and some of the diving tours include a visit to one of the islands with the Komodo Dragons.
Where to stay
There are many accommodation options including guest houses and hostels. I booked last minute and went with Ciao Hostel located at the top of a hill with the most stunning views overlooking the national park.
It can be a good idea to book ahead as accommodation can be snapped up quickly and it's definitely a pricier place to stay if you're coming from Bali.
If you're looking for a more relaxing stay, Sudamala Resort, Seraya is incredible! With villas right on the beach, staying here is incredible!
Seaesta Komodo Hostel & Hotel: Pool, bar and insane views! This is a gorgeous boutique hotel with stunning rooftop views and chill out areas.
Budget breakdown
Flight from Bali to Labuan Bajo: USD 95 (flight booked the night before)
Transfer from airport to and from the hostel: Free (provided by Ciao hostel)
One day tour package for Komodo National Park: USD 85 (IDR 1,200,000)
Total for food and drinks (2 days): USD 10
Flight from Labuan Bajo to Ende: USD 55 (flight booked the night before)
Cost of a sim card: USD 11 (my sim card from Bali didn't work on this island)
Cost of 2 nights stay: USD 28 total at the Ciao hostel
Travelling tips
Visit this island!!! It's truly beautiful! And this was just the first part of staying on Flores!
Bring a lot of sunscreen, good shoes and a hat if you need one!
And of course, bring a camera!