Still jet-lagged as we made our way back from SE Asia just yesterday after our Indonesia, Singapore and Malaysia adventures of the past 5 weeks, we can’t wait and are truly excited to share some very good news with you all.
As we told you in a previous article, last month we had the incredible fortune of being invited to explore 6 of the most known Indonesia spots: Bandung, Borobudur, Yogyakarta, Bromo Mountain, Bali and the drop-dead gorgeous paradise on earth that is Komodo Islands.
Why Komodo islands, at the doorstep of the Flores region, was our favorite could be explained in the following numbered list:
WHAT MAKES KOMODO NATIONAL PARK OUR FAVORITE INDONESIA SPOT
LABUAN BAJO
This small town in West Flores island is the perfect base to explore the archipelago and where everybody traveling by plane and boat to the area are likely to arrive to.
Take for instance its cozy cafes and restaurants, the port where you will leave for your island-hopping adventures and the always welcoming Indonesian people that populates the area. You will want to move there I tell you!
- Kids fishing in Labuan Bajo at sunrise
- Beach in front of La Prima hotel, Labuan Bajo, Indonesia
- La Prima Hotel, where we stayed for two nights in Labuan Bajo, West Flores, Indonesia
- La Prima Hotel, where we stayed for two nights in Labuan Bajo, West Flores, Indonesia
- Labuan Bajo pier
- Views from our hotel window at Labuan Bajo, Indonesia
- Labuan Bajo pier, West Flores Island. Indonesia
- Traditional Indonesian boats at Labuan Bajo pier
2. KOMODO NATIONAL PARK IS A HEAVEN ON EARTH
Komodo National Park ticks all the boxes that would make ‘The perfect paradise spot’.
Located between the tropics, the weather is pretty humid and hot but great news is that you can jump in the pretty clean – and turquoise – waters that surround the many islands anytime, and feel just awesome and refreshed.
- Indonesian Islands from above
- Under Loh Liang’s pier in Komodo National Park
- Indonesian islands from above
- Komodo National Park awesomeness
- Loh Liang in Komodo National Park is pure paradise
3. AND A DIVING WONDERLAND
As lush and diverse flora grows everywhere above the sea level, colorful corals do the same under it.
More than 300 types to be precise, as well as mangrove forests, thousands of fish, sponges, dolphins, whales, green turtles, sharks and stingrays.
Its fascinating underwater world is pure bliss for snorkeling and scuba diving!
Komodo islands = Paradise. #inatopbucketlist #wonderfulindonesia Una foto publicada por A World to Travel (@aworldtotravel) el
4. THERE ARE UNIQUE SPECIES WORTH THE TRIP ON ITS OWN
The fauna is nothing short of spectacular as well and the islands feature a unique star, the Komodo dragon. These gigantic creatures are famous for being a patient predator capable of killing you in a couple of days. Thanks to them being an endangered species that can only be found in this region of East Nusa Tenggara, the Komodo National Park was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO almost three decades ago, in 1986.
- Komodo dragon in Rinca Island, Komodo National Park, Indonesia
- Monkeys in Rinca Island, Komodo National Park, Indonesia
- Rinca Island, Komodo National Park, Indonesia
- Komodo dragon at Loh Liang’s beach, Komodo National Park, Indonesia
- Komodo National Park, Indonesia
- Rinca Island, Komodo National Park, Indonesia
- Rinca Island, Komodo National Park, Indonesia
- Komodo dragon in Rinca Island, Komodo National Park, Indonesia
- One of Rinca Island’s rangers, Komodo National Park, Indonesia
- Komodo National Park, Indonesia
- One of Rinca Island’s rangers, Komodo National Park, Indonesia
- Komodo National Park, Indonesia
- Komodo dragon in Rinca Island, Komodo National Park, Indonesia
- Komodo dragon at Loh Liang’s beach, Komodo National Park, Indonesia
- Komodo dragon in Rinca Island, Komodo National Park, Indonesia
- Komodo dragon at Loh Liang’s beach, Komodo National Park, Indonesia
5. IT IS HOME TO PULAU PADAR
Every ‘Pulau’ (aka ‘island’ in Indonesian) we came across during this trip was great but believe us here, Padar was the most stunner of them all. No one but your own legs are likely to transport you on top of this one, but all the sweat will be highly compensated with the views you will get afterwards. Promised.
- Pulau Padar, Komodo National Park, Indonesia.
- Pulau Padar, Komodo National Park, Indonesia.
- Pulau Padar, Komodo National Park, Indonesia.
- Pulau Padar, Komodo National Park, Indonesia.
- Pulau Padar, Komodo National Park, Indonesia.
- Pulau Padar, Komodo National Park, Indonesia.
- Pulau Padar, Komodo National Park, Indonesia.
6. SUNSETS HERE ARE MAGICAL
As they are everywhere else you might be thinking.
Well, get yourself to Komodo and then please come and tell us if you think any different.
- Sunset as we were leaving Komodo National Park, Indonesia
- Sunset as we were leaving Komodo National Park, Indonesia
- Sunset caption from the beach in front of La Prima hotel, Labuan Bajo, Indonesia
- Sunset as we were leaving Komodo National Park, Indonesia
- Sunset caption from the beach in front of La Prima hotel, Labuan Bajo, Indonesia
- Sunset as we were leaving Komodo National Park, Indonesia
7. KOMODO IS A LAID-BACK ARCHIPELAGO
And a great place to chill, unwind and relax. You could be stepping on a few islands without seeing anyone else than the people in your boat as most of them seem to be recondite and, luckily, well-preserved and free of any man presence or trace.
- One of the Indonesian bloggers that came along in this adventure.
- Calm waters as we approach Komodo National Park, Indonesia
- Only a few islands in Komodo National Park are populated.
- A yoga classic in Rinca Island, Komodo National Park, Indonesia
8. ISLAND – HOPPING KOMODO IS EASY AND FUN
We departed from Labuan Bajo soon after sunrise, headed to Rinca Island for some Komodo dragon spotting, had lunch at Loh Liang, went snorkeling at Pink Beach and did some serious trekking at Pulau Padar to catch sunset from the hill and returned to Labuan Bajo by boat – and under the starts! – all on a full day trip. Basically, this route became the best and most memorable day of our 3 week Indonesia trip.
- Komodo National Park, Indonesia
- Loh Liang, Komodo National Park, Indonesia
- Komodo National Park, Indonesia
- Loh Liang, Komodo National Park, Indonesia
- Komodo National Park, Indonesia
- Komodo National Park, Indonesia
- Komodo National Park, Indonesia
- Komodo National Park, Indonesia
- Loh Liang, Komodo National Park, Indonesia
- Rinca Island, Komodo National Park, Indonesia
- Rinca Island, Komodo National Park, Indonesia
- Komodo National Park, Indonesia
- Island hopping Komodo National Park, Indonesia
- Loh Liang, Komodo National Park, Indonesia
- Komodo National Park, Indonesia
- Komodo National Park, Indonesia
- Komodo National Park, Indonesia
As you can see in the above galleries, we had an absolute blast at these islands and can’t wait to go back and continue exploring Flores and Komodo National Park. Not that this fact makes any difference to you, right? Good that here comes the best and the reason you are most likely reading this post today:

Pulau Padar, Komodo National Park, Indonesia.
INSPIRED? ADD THIS PIN TO YOUR TRAVEL PINTEREST BOARDS:
YOU CAN TRAVEL TO KOMODO ISLANDS FOR FREE TOO!
Keep reading below the related articles box to know everything about the EPIC CONTEST Indonesia Tourism has just put together to bring you and other 9 lucky contestants there next month.
I got to say this is a really good post. Can I ask how much did the one-day tour to see the Komodo Dragons cost?
Thanks so much!
We were invited by the Tourism Board so the best you can do is check their website over at http://www.indonesia.travel for the latest infos and prices π
Alright, thanks
Love Komodo, we did a full sailing adventure. When we visited we had a Volcano erupt, lots of ash but still gave for great photos.
I bet so David! Would love to check them out! π Thanks for your comment!
So great shot! It is real on dragons habitat island much more to see in magical underwater coral reef and unique species.
Thanks so much!
Wow these pictures are amazing! I’m living in Singapore, so I definitely will keep this in mind for my next long weekend. The islands are so beautiful and island hopping is the best way to see this part of the world!
Do it π
This underwater photo is really stunning! These are the images to die for – I love diving, I love warm places, I love beaches…. seems like the place I should visit!
Thank you! Glad you like them. It was a paradise for diving indeed!
Happy you have enjoyed it. So you are welcome to Indonesian magical highlight!
Thanks so much!
what a wonderful trip! I’m really jealous – Komodo looks amazing!
Thanks so much! It was awesome indeed!
You can also get there for free – winning the competition!
Good luck if you enter it π
I’m in love. I need to visit Komodo!! Amazing!! Love all the pictures too.
Also, I’m going to be cheeky and ask you: Which plugin do you use to be able to display your photography in posts like that?
Thanks!
Just used the galleries provided with my theme π
Wow! Komodo Island looks like the perfect paradise spot – I would love to visit.
They ARE a paradise on earth. Go for it!
You had a great weather in Indonesia!
Looking at your pictures, I’m not surprised why you love Indonesia π
Thanks so much!
I’ve heard a LOT of great things about Indonesia and it’s a shame really that I haven’t been there yet… though I hope to correct that in the near future! Komodo looks like an absolutely lovely place and your photos capture the beauty of that place perfectly!
It is Aileen!
Good luck if you decide to give it a go and apply! π
It was so beautiful here, it really is an awesome prize for whoever wins it!
Should we try? π
I can see why you thought it was so great on Komodo. The natural beauty there is unbelievable. I would love to go!
Then apply!
Great photos, guide and tips, enjoyed it.
Thanks so much Noel!
It was grand to share this trip with you! π
Hope to cross paths again soon.
awesome picturessssss!
Thanks so much Fickry!
We had an awesome time in your country in these pictures are just reflecting it π impossible to take bad pictures with such a gorgeous backgrounds!
Thanks once again for everything you did for us there. You are always invited to Galicia and hope to be able to show you around too. Meanwhile, have a lovely November!