What to See & Do in Komodo National Park

Komodo Island is the largest island in the park and one of only two places where you can see the famous Komodo dragons (the world’s largest lizard!) in the wild. It’s also the only inhabited island in the park, home to the indigenous Ata Modo people in Komodo Village.

You’ll go trekking with a local ranger (often from the Ata Modo tribe), which gives you the best chance of spotting these prehistoric creatures.

👉 Tip: Most boat trips visit either Komodo Island or Rinca Island. If you prefer a wilder, more rugged adventure, choose Komodo Island!

Rinca Island may not be as famous as Komodo Island, but it’s actually easier to spot Komodo dragons here! With over 1,000 dragons roaming around a much smaller island, you have a higher chance of an up-close encounter.

Unlike Komodo Island, Rinca has a boardwalk and is a little more developed, making it a more accessible option for those who prefer a less strenuous trek.

👉 Tip: If you want a more rugged and natural setting, Komodo Island is the better choice. If you want a guaranteed sighting with easier terrain, Rinca Island is ideal.

You’ve probably seen the famous photo — an epic landscape of rolling hills surrounded by turquoise waters, with beaches of different colours. That’s Padar Island, and it’s the most breathtaking viewpoint in Komodo National Park.

The 45-minute trek to the top is relatively easy and absolutely worth it for the panoramic views. If you look closely, you’ll spot a pink beach, a black sand beach, and a white sand beach all in one frame! You might even spot the Timor deer / Sunda Sambar (which are the prey of the Komodo dragons, but don't worry, there are no Komodo dragons on Padar!)

👉 Tip: If you’re doing an overnight boat trip, you’ll arrive earlier than those doing a day trip and catch the beautiful sunrise — it’s quieter and even more magical.

Komodo National Park is home to multiple pink beaches, but the most famous one is near Komodo Island. The sand gets its unique hue from crushed red coral, but unfortunately, it’s been fading as travelers take coral home as souvenirs.

To see the pinkest sand, walk to the far end of the beach where fewer tourists go — you’ll find a much deeper shade of pink there!

👉 Tip: If you’re on a private boat or if conditions allow, visit Short Beach near Padar Island — it’s the pinkest and most untouched pink beach in the park. Just remember: leave the red coral behind! 🙈

One of the most surreal experiences in Komodo National Park is snorkelling with majestic manta rays. These gentle giants love the colder waters here, and during Manta season, you can often see them gliding all around you.

The best time to visit is December to March (rainy season) when there are strong currents and where waters are at their coldest, but you can still spot mantas up to June. If you visit between July and September, sightings are rare.

👉 Tip: If seeing manta rays is a priority, plan your trip between December and March for the best chances!

Besides mantas, you can also see turtles at Siaba Bay, also known as Turtle Bay! This area is filled with stunning marine life and coral reefs, and because of the abundant seagrass, giant sea turtles love hanging out here.

Diving or snorkelling here is a peaceful experience, as you’ll often see multiple turtles lazily swimming by or munching on their favourite snack.

👉 Tip: Not all boat trips include Siaba Bay, so do check the itinerary. If you’re a turtle lover, opt for a private boat where you can customise your route!

This is one of our favourite parts of the Komodo boat tour. Kalong Island offers one of the most otherworldly sights in the park—millions of bats taking flight against a glowing sunset sky.

It starts slowly, with just a few bats flying out. But within minutes, the entire sky is filled with them. Watching this natural phenomenon unfold is nothing short of magical.

👉 Tip: Only 3D2N boat trips and private speedboat tours visit Kalong Island. If you’re only doing a one-day speedboat or a dive trip, you’ll miss this incredible experience!

Taka Makassar is a tiny, crescent shaped sandbar in the middle of the ocean, surrounded by crystal-clear waters. This is the smallest island that you’ll visit in Komodo National Park, where you can just chill and relax.

If you’re bringing a drone, this is one of the iconic spots!

👉 Tip: Only 3D2N boat trips go here.

Kanawa Island is famous for its pristine white sandy beaches, making it an ideal spot to relax. The crystal-clear waters are perfect for snorkelling, where you can spot colourful fish, vibrant corals, and even sea urchins!

👉 Tip: Only 3D2N boat trips visit Kelor Island, and depending on your itinerary, it could be one of your first or last stops.

In addition to hiking up Padar Island, you can also trek to the top Kelor Island for a stunning view of the surrounding islands. The hike is shorter but steeper, so make sure to wear proper footwear.

If you're lucky, you might even spot baby sharks in the waters below!

👉 Tip: Only 3D2N boat trips visit Kelor Island, and depending on your itinerary, it could be one of your first or last stops.

There are a couple of companies that offer boat trips from Lombok-Komodo (and vice versa). But here’s why you shouldn’t do the Komodo Island tour from Lombok.

The Lombok to Komodo boat trip is known for “ecotourism” whale shark sightings, but Seek Sophie doesn't offer it due to unethical and unsustainable practices. Tour operators feed the sharks, which disrupts their natural migration and feeding patterns, making them dependent on humans. Tourists also get close for selfies, which is harmful as it disrupts the sharks' natural behaviour and increases the risk of poaching.

We strongly advise against booking any Lombok-Komodo boat trips.

The best way to explore Komodo National Park is on a Seek Sophie boat trip, which can be a one-day speedboat tour or a multi-day liveaboard adventure. All boat trips depart from Labuan Bajo.

1-Day Speedboat Trip – Great if you’re short on time, as it covers the highlights like Komodo Island, Pink Beach, Padar Island and some snorkelling, but you’ll miss other spots like Kalong Island.

3D2N Boat Trip – The best way to see it all, including sunrises, night skies, and the bat exodus at Kalong Island.

Private Boat Charter – Ideal if you want a flexible itinerary with off-peak timings, and to visit off-the-beaten-path spots like Short Beach or Siaba Bay.

Diving liveaboard – best if your main goal is to scuba dive and see Komodo’s rich biodiversity and marine life! They usually are only diving focused and they'll take you to some of the top dive sites but usually won't go sightseeing to the various islands.

Getting there: How to get to the Komodo Islands & Insider Tips

Best Tours: 10 Best Komodo Island Tours

Itinerary breakdown: What to Expect on a 3 Day Komodo Boat Trip

Why you shouldn’t do the Komodo Island tour from Lombok

Labuan Bajo: 12 Cool Things to Do + Helpful Tips

Planning your trip? Check out our Komodo Islands Cheat Sheet for expert tips for an unforgettable experience!