What you MUST know about a sailing trip in the incredible Komodo National Park
Have you ever heard about the Komodo National Park? The Komodo National Park is one of the most beautiful areas of Indonesia, a hidden gem in a province called East-Nusa Tenggara. In the past years, the National Park has become more and more popular and even though it can still be seen as one of the remote areas, it becomes well-known among travellers. The best way to explore the Komodo National Park, is to book a sailing trip and spend a few days in the area. But what do you need to know about a sailing trip in the Komodo National Park?
Get ready for your very own Komodo adventure and plan your trip to one of the most scenic National Parks in all of Indonesia.
Introducing the Komodo National Park
Let´s get to know the National Park first. The Komodo National Park is mainly known because of some famous inhabitants – the Komodo dragons. If you want to witness these unique creators, the only way to do so is in the national park. But it is not only the Komodo dragons which make a visit absolutely worth it. The landscape is incredibly beautiful and you could spend days or weeks exploring the different islands.
The best way to travel to the Komodo National Park is by plane
First on the list of what you need to know about a sailing trip in the Komodo National Park is your arrival. How do you even get there? The best way to reach the starting point of your sailing adventure is to book yourself a plane ticket to Labuan Bajo. Labuan Bajo is a small fishing town, located at the entrance of the Komodo area. This is the place where all the boat trips start.
Of course, the airport is fairly small but you can reach it from almost everywhere in Indonesia. Most flights depart from Bali or Lombok and will cost you between 50 and 100 Euros one way. Even though, you might hear from taking the boat to Labuan Bajo, this is not an option. You can book one night on a ferry leaving from Lombok, but this includes a long trip plus extra hassle. The easiest way is by plane.
You need to book your sailing trip in advance
To be sure you get the sailing tour you are looking for, you should book a little in advance. Depending on when you are visiting, it can be quite busy and many dates sell out pretty fast. Especially, if you are committed to a certain date, it is advised to look for a tour to book as soon as possible.
Most of the agencies which sell the sailing trips can be found online. They either have their own websites or you can find them on Indonesian tourism sites, Booking.com or Instagram.
Please note, that you might need to pay for the trip in advance (or at least some of it). This does require having a transferwise account as you are sending money to an Indonesian bank account. Make sure to check that out, before booking and set your profile up.
What budget travellers must know about a sailing trip in the Komodo National Park: you can find a tour for any budget
If you have seen some pictures from travellers on a sailing trip in the Komodo National Park, you might have noticed some quite luxurious looking boats. Of course, you can book yourself a room in one of the luxury boats.
But do not worry, there are offers fitting any budget. From small boats with basic cabins to luxury sailing ships with suites – there is something for everybody. As the tourism started to increase in the Komodo National Parks, more and more agencies have decided to open their own Komodo business. You will notice that as soon as you start your trip and see the countless other tours leaving for the national park.
For budget travellers, there are cheaper options. Your sailing trip should start from about 140 € for a two-night adventure. If you book on a smaller boat, this might mean you need to share your cabin with other travellers.
You should book for at least 2 nights in the Komodo National Park
The different tours do not only vary in prices and comfort but as well in the length of the sailing trip. It is best to spend at least 2 nights on the boat to get the real experience.
Of course, you can stay even longer. But two nights will allow you to see the best of the Komodo National Park and get your own experience of it.
The best time to visit the Komodo National Park is the off-season
When is the best time to visit the Komodo National Park and do a sailing trip? If you want to get the best experience and avoid the crowds, you should focus on travelling in the off-season. Or even better: shortly after or shortly before the high season. During these weeks you will not only get even better prices, but as well good conditions to not miss out on any highlights on your sailing trip in the Komodo National Park.
From mid-September to the end of October, you can take advantage of the low-season. If you are budget travelling, this might even be a real advantage. If you are lucky, the tour not booked out at all and you can enjoy the sailing trip with a much smaller group. Boats who would normally fit up to 12 tourists, are often only booked by 4 people. Sounds like paradise, doesn’t it?
But not only on the boat, you can enjoy the benefits of the low season. The main spots to visit in the Komodo National Park will be much quieter and you can enjoy the views with less people.
Going snorkeling is an absolute must on a sailing trip in the Komodo National Park
There are a couple of must-do experiences in the Komodo National Park which you cannot miss out on. Therefore one of the most important points of what you need to know about a sailing trip in the Komodo National Park is the underwater world. One of them is going snorkeling. Most tours do include the snorkeling gear so you do not need to bring your own.
Snorkeling in the Komodo National Park means as well getting the chance to see some unique fishes, such as the manta rays. Yes, if you are lucky, you will witness manta rays while snorkeling in the area.
It is worth to book a boat with friends and explore the Komodo together
This option is only reasonable if you are travelling with a group of friends. From up to 5 people, you can rent a boat on your own. If you split the price between the group, this actually becomes affordable. Of course, it is way more expensive than the budget versions, but it offers a unique experience. Sailing on your private boat with only your friends through the breathtaking landscape of the Komodo National Park – if that isn´t on everybody´s bucketlist.
You should check out the different options. Many agencies offer private tours and you can choose between different boats and prices. Again, there are either budget versions or more luxury options.
What you absolutely need to know: ever miss out on a sunrise or sunset during your trip in the Komodo National Park
This is the number 1 rule when travelling the Komodo National Park – never miss out on a sunrise or a sunset. It is absolutely worth to get up early during your sailing trip to watch the first hours of the day on the boat and see the sun rise over the ocean. The feeling of waking up in the middle of the ocean can be quite impressive and you do not want to miss out on enjoying that as much as possible.
The sunsets are beautiful as well. Especially of you are visiting the bat point on one of the evenings and see the millions of bats flying to the main land shortly after the sun set.
And those are just some of the unique moments you will experience during your trip.
Do not fly out of Labuan Bajo the same day your sailing trip ends
Last but not least on the list of things you need to know about a sailing trip in the Komodo National Park is your departure. Your sailing trip will most likely end after lunch on the last day. After visiting one last island, the captain will drive back to the harbor of Labuan Bajo. Some travellers have booked their flights for the same day and leave Labuan Bajo and the Komodo National Park immediately.
Here is a tip: do not do that. Rather, spend another night in Labuan Bajo and get to know the village a little more. Yes, there is only very little to see but still, there are some nice hotels where you can enjoy the view or visit the local market in the evening. This is your chance to see another area of Indonesia. A more remote area which gives you a new perspective on what the country is about. You will get to know Indonesia even better and see if off the beaten path.
Book your flight for the next morning.
Is a sailing trip to the Komodo National Park worth it?
YES. Yes and yes. It is absolutely worth it. As it can easily be reached from Bali or Lombok, you should absolutely take the opportunity when travelling Indonesia. If you want to see as much as possible from the country and get different impressions of the landscape and the locals, the Komodo National Park needs to be on your list.
You will for sure not regret it. Plus, living on a boat for some days and being close to the ocean and a stunning surrounding is an absolutely dream.
Are you up for even more fun trips in Indonesia? Most of them can easily be done from Bali, click here to get more information on absolute bucketlist-destinations in the country.
