Practical tips: Labuan Bajo & Komodo

What I wish I'd known before my first trip.

Visas and entry

Entry rules for Indonesia depend on your passport and change from time to time. Many visitors get a visa on arrival or an e-visa in advance, usually valid for 30 days and extendable once. Check the official immigration website before you travel, and make sure your passport is valid for at least six months.

Park fees and rangers

Komodo National Park charges entrance fees for foreign visitors, plus fees for rangers, snorkelling and diving. The system and prices have changed several times in recent years, sometimes at short notice. Check current rules before booking, and ask agencies exactly which fees are included. Walking on the dragon islands is only allowed with a ranger.

When to go

The dry season runs roughly from April to November, with the calmest seas and clearest skies. July and August are the busiest months. The wet season, December to March, brings green hills, fewer visitors and sometimes rough seas that cancel boat trips. Inland Flores is cooler and wetter than the coast all year.

Money

Labuan Bajo has ATMs and many places accept cards, but outside town cash is king. Carry enough rupiah for villages, boats, guides and fees, in small notes. ATMs in smaller Flores towns can run out or fail, so don’t rely on a single card.

Getting there and around

Komodo Airport in Labuan Bajo has direct flights from Bali and Jakarta. Ende, Maumere, Bajawa and Ruteng have smaller airports. Boats are the only way into the park; agencies and dive centres sell trips. Overland, hire a car and driver or use shared minibuses; distances on Flores are long and roads winding.

Boat safety

Choose boats from established operators with good recent reviews. Check for life jackets, a radio and fire extinguishers before departure. There have been accidents in the park, especially in bad weather. A good captain will change or cancel a route if the sea is rough; don’t pressure them to go.

Health

Bring sun protection, a basic first-aid kit and seasickness tablets. Dengue occurs across Indonesia, and malaria risk exists in parts of Flores; ask a travel clinic about prevention. Medical facilities are limited, with serious cases often sent to Bali, so travel insurance that covers evacuation and diving is important.

Etiquette

Flores is mostly Catholic, while many coastal communities are Muslim. Dress modestly in villages and churches, covering shoulders and knees. Ask before photographing people. When visiting traditional villages, it is polite to bring a small gift, often betel nut or coffee, and to follow the welcome customs.

Environment

The reefs and islands are fragile. Don’t touch corals or stand on them, don’t take sand or shells, and use reef-safe sunscreen. Refuse single-use plastic where possible and refill bottles. Rubbish is a growing problem in Labuan Bajo; carry yours back to town.

SIM cards and connectivity

Local SIM cards are available at the airport and in town; Telkomsel usually has the widest coverage across Flores. Signal is good in Labuan Bajo but patchy or absent in the park, on boats and in mountain villages. Download maps and important documents before leaving town.