Quick facts
Budget breakdown
| Category | Budget | Midrange |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | $5–15 | $25–70 |
| Food | $3–10 | $12–30 |
| Transport | $5–15 | $20–50 |
| Activities | $15–30 | $40–80 |
| Entry Fees | $10–25 | $25–35 |
| Daily Total | $38–95 | $120–265 |
Daily per-person estimates. Costs vary by season and travel style.
Practical info
Entry & Visas
- Visa on Arrival (VOA) costs 500,000 IDR (~$35) for 30 days, extendable once
- Komodo Airport (LBJ) has direct flights from Bali (1.5 hours), Jakarta, and Surabaya
- Komodo National Park entrance fee is 350,000 IDR for foreign tourists — paid at the island ranger stations
Health & Safety
- Travel insurance with diving and water sports coverage is essential — the nearest decompression chamber is in Bali
- Apply reef-safe sunscreen and reapply after snorkelling — sunburn is the most common health issue
- Sea conditions can be rough between November and March — boat trips may be cancelled during storms
Getting Around
- Labuan Bajo is small enough to walk — the main town is just 1km along the waterfront
- Motorbike rental costs 80,000–100,000 IDR per day for trips to nearby waterfalls and viewpoints
- All Komodo NP visits require a boat — speedboats, day trip boats, and multi-day live-aboards are available from the harbour
Connectivity
- Telkomsel has the best coverage in Labuan Bajo town. Signal is patchy to nonexistent at sea and on islands
- WiFi is available at most accommodation and cafes but speeds vary. Download offline maps before island trips
- Share your boat trip itinerary with someone on shore — satellite communication on small boats is rare
Money
- Currency: IDR (Indonesian Rupiah). Cash is preferred for most transactions outside upmarket restaurants
- ATMs are available in Labuan Bajo town centre. Withdraw enough cash before multi-day boat trips
- Tipping boat crews is customary — 50,000–100,000 IDR per day per person is appropriate for good service
Packing Tips
- Reef-safe sunscreen, reef shoes, rash guard, and a good quality snorkel mask are essential
- A waterproof dry bag protects electronics on boat trips where sea spray is constant
- Quick-dry clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, and polarised sunglasses make long boat days comfortable
Cultural tips
Respect Marine Life
Do not touch, stand on, or collect coral. Do not chase, touch, or ride sea turtles and manta rays. Maintain a respectful distance from all marine life and follow your guide's instructions. The health of Komodo's reef depends on responsible visitor behaviour.
Leave No Trace
Pack out all rubbish from beaches and boat trips. Plastic waste is a serious problem in the Komodo archipelago. Bring a reusable water bottle, refuse single-use plastics, and participate in beach clean-ups if you encounter them.
Photography Etiquette
Ask permission before photographing local fishermen and villagers. Drone flights over Komodo National Park require permits and are restricted in many areas. Underwater photography should never involve touching or moving marine life for a better shot.
Language & Communication
Basic Indonesian is appreciated — selamat pagi (good morning), terima kasih (thank you), and ayo (let's go) are useful on boats and in town. English is widely spoken in tourist businesses but limited in local warungs.
Support Local Communities
Choose locally-owned boat operators, guesthouses, and restaurants. The tourism boom in Labuan Bajo has brought economic opportunity but also challenges — directing your spending to local businesses helps ensure benefits reach the community.
Pace & Patience
Boat schedules depend on weather, tides, and conditions. Flexibility is essential — a cancelled trip today may lead to an even better experience tomorrow. Trust your captain's judgment on sea conditions.
