Quick facts
Budget breakdown
| Category | Budget | Midrange |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | $10–20 | $25–50 |
| Food | $5–10 | $10–25 |
| Liveaboard (per day) | $40–55 | $60–100 |
| Day Trip | $25–45 | $45–80 |
| Park Fees | $10–15 | $10–15 |
| Daily Total | $40–80 | $80–160 |
Daily per-person estimates. Costs vary by season and travel style.
Practical info
Entry & Visas
- Visa on Arrival 30 days — Rp 500,000 at immigration, extendable once
- Fly into Labuan Bajo (Komodo Airport, LBJ) from Bali, Jakarta, or Surabaya
- Komodo National Park entry fees: Rp 150,000/day for foreigners plus Rp 50,000 per activity
Health & Safety
- Komodo dragons are genuinely dangerous — never approach without a ranger and maintain 3m+ distance at all times
- Travel insurance is essential — the nearest hospital is in Labuan Bajo, which has limited facilities. Serious injuries require evacuation to Bali
- Bring reef-safe sunscreen, insect repellent, and motion sickness tablets for boat travel
Getting Around
- Labuan Bajo is small enough to walk — harbour, restaurants, and guesthouses are within 15 minutes' walk
- All park visits require a boat — there is no independent access to the islands
- Scooter rentals (Rp 70,000–100,000/day) are useful for exploring the hills around Labuan Bajo
Connectivity
- Mobile data in Labuan Bajo is usable but slow. Telkomsel has the best coverage in the region
- There is no mobile signal inside Komodo National Park — download offline maps and content before departure
- WiFi at guesthouses and cafes is available but speeds vary significantly
Money
- Currency: IDR (Rupiah). 1 USD ≈ Rp 15,800. ATMs available in Labuan Bajo but sometimes run out of cash
- Bring sufficient cash from Bali — liveaboards, rangers, and island vendors are cash only
- Tip your boat crew and ranger — Rp 50,000–100,000 per day is appreciated for good service
Packing Tips
- Sturdy walking shoes for dragon treks — the trails are rocky and uneven, not flip-flop terrain
- Dry bags are essential for boat trips — spray and splashes are constant on open boats
- Underwater camera, reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, and at least 2 litres of water per day on the boat
Cultural tips
Respect the Dragons
Komodo dragons are wild predators, not tourist attractions. Follow your ranger's instructions exactly, do not make sudden movements, and never turn your back on a dragon. Their bite delivers venom that prevents blood clotting — any bite is a medical emergency.
Marine Conservation
Komodo National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the world's most biodiverse marine environments. Never touch or stand on coral, do not feed fish, and take all rubbish back to the boat. The park's health depends on every visitor treating it with respect.
Local Communities
Komodo Village and other settlements in the park are home to communities who have lived alongside dragons for centuries. Photograph respectfully, ask before entering homes, and buy local handicrafts to support the community.
Language
Bahasa Indonesia is the national language. English is understood at dive shops and tourist businesses in Labuan Bajo. Terima kasih (thank you), Berapa? (how much?), and Bagus (good/beautiful) cover most interactions.
Support Local Operators
Choose locally-owned liveaboards and tour operators over international booking platforms. Local crews know the waters, the weather, and the best spots — and your money stays in the Flores community rather than going to Jakarta or overseas.
Plastic-Free Travel
Labuan Bajo and the surrounding waters have a growing plastic waste problem. Bring a reusable water bottle, refuse plastic bags, and take all rubbish back from island stops. Some liveaboards provide refillable water — ask when booking.
