Komodo National Park — Attraction in East Nusa Tenggara

One of the most sought after cruising grounds in Indonesia, Komodo National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site and its many dive sites are frequently listed as some of the best in the world. Accessed through Labuan Bajo, the park’s 29 islands are situated off the coast between Sumbawa and Flores. 26 small, mostly uninhabited isles surround the three main islands of Komodo, Padar and Rinca, their imposing ridgelines blanketed in windblown grasses and lontar palms. With an official count of more than 1,000 types of fish and 260 types of corals, the warm tropical waters of Komodo National Park are one of the most species-rich underwater environments on earth. Strong currents mean schooling fish in large numbers, while pinnacles, walls and gardens are heaven for drift-dive enthusiasts. Some of the most famous sites here include Batu Bolong, The Cauldron, the Three Sisters and Cannibal Rock – all of which offer incredibly different topographies and magnificent marine encounters. Above land, Komodo and Rinca are home to the native Komodo dragons, respected by locals who believe they descend from one born to a dragon princess centuries ago. This prehistoric creature is the largest reptile on earth and can grow to three metres and weigh up to 150 kg. The dragons stalk, ambush and devour deer, wild boar, buffalo and even horses. Visitors can go hiking in search of these beasts in their natural habitat. From the north to the central regions, and down to the south, these islands are relatively close together, making for easy cruising, yet they offer very different landscapes. The rolling hills and mangroves of the north give way to craggy mountainous rocks in the central region, while in the south, Horseshoe Bay is about as close as you can get to Jurassic Park; steep cliffs shrouded in cloud and the great force of the Pacific Ocean pounding at the rocky edifices outside the cove, it feels like the edge of the earth. Each evening, Komodo National Park delivers sensational scarlet sunsets followed by impossibly starry nights in these...

UNETHICAL and SCAMS! My partner and I traveled Southeast Asia for two months, and this is the only terrible tourist experience we had the whole time. The animals are clearly abused, and the “guides” are scammers and liars.

Komodo dragons can kill a human in seconds, and at the start of the tour, the guide said to stay back at least 6 meters (20 feet) if we saw one. Then two minutes into a supposedly 40 minute hike, we spot a dragon laying perfectly still with his head resting on a branch. The guide got within 1.2 meters (4 feet) of the dragon’s face to take pictures of the tourists standing behind the dragon. The dragon could barely even open its eyes, so I knew something was wrong. Apparently they sedate the dragons for tourist amusement. Later on, when we saw a dragon actually walking around, none of the park employees would let us even go look at it from 15 meters (50 feet) away. Gee I wonder why! I regret giving any money to this enterprise. You do not see the animals in their natural habitats. You see drugged animals in a zoo without cages.

In addition to the animal abuse, one of our tour guides tried two scams on us. First, he asked me to exchange his $30 USD for Indonesian Rupiah. Like dude, go to the damn money changer. I figured it was counterfeit money and told him no. Second, he started talking about tips less than 5 minutes into the walk. By the end, he was basically demanding tips. He pulled out a handful of big bills of his own money, pretending they were “tips” from other visitors in order to trick people into giving huge tips. When I did tip the guides out of politeness, it was a smaller amount than what he was demanding. He said, “Really? Wow.” and shook his head. What a scammer and a jerk!

For the sake of the dragons’ well being, please do not come to this park. And if for some reason you do come, please don’t tip the scam artist “guides.”

By the way, I never review anything for Google, ever. I feel so strongly about the problems with Komodo National Park that I am posting my first...

Komodo National Park was a remarkable experience that I plan to revisit in the coming years with my family. This visit, undertaken with Motul Indonesia and various influencers to test our new oils, 5100 and 7100, was more about the stunning beauty of the park.

The park exemplifies "Wonderful Indonesia" and is a must-visit for anyone. You can explore the park by traditional pinisi boat or speedboat, both offering different experiences. The pinisi boat allows for a more relaxed exploration, visiting many small islands around the park.

Notable destinations within the park include Padar Island, Pink Beach, and Komodo Island. Padar Island provides a breathtaking 360-degree view after a challenging climb of 816 steps with five rest stops. While the climb is strenuous, the view at the top is worth the effort. However, drone usage incurs a fee, so it’s best to bring enough water and a hat as prices for these items can be high on the island.

Pink Beach, with its unique pink sand, is a fantastic spot for snorkeling and swimming, thanks to its clear waters and vibrant marine life. Komodo Island is home to the famous Komodo dragons, where guided tours offer insights into these creatures' behavior, diet, and conservation.

Visitors should prepare for hot, dry, and windy conditions by bringing hats and water. While prices for items on the islands are high, supporting local businesses by purchasing souvenirs and services helps sustain the local economy.

To enhance the visitor experience, improvements could include adding more real-time and precise flight information screens at the airport, increasing the number of cafes in waiting areas, providing more shaded rest areas and accessible pathways on Padar Island, clearer guidelines and easier payment options for drone permits, and regular upkeep of restrooms and other facilities.

Overall, Komodo National Park offers a unique blend of wildlife, stunning landscapes, and cultural richness, making it an unforgettable travel...