The Komodo Islands are best known for the Komodo Dragons, and rightly so, because seeing these awesome creatures in their natural habitat while walking across the islands is a wonderful experience. But it’s actually the islands themselves that are the real star – jagged savannah-covered mountains meet bright white sand beaches across 30 islands surrounded by gorgeous turquoise waters filled with manta rays . . . indeed, rather appealing! . . . one of the highlights of all of South East Asia . . . and a Wow Wow Wow 🌟🌟🌟 experience.
The trick though is how best to do it – especially when it comes to what kind of boat (day trip / local boat / snorkelling trip / diving trip / luxury end) and the time of year (dry season is generally April – November, with June-August and December peak months). I’ve visited twice now – once in early November 2015 and once in mid March 2025:
- November 2015 was a real 🌟🌟🌟 experience as it was right at the end of the dry season when the vegetation is parched, and the crowds were minimal because it is before the December spike. We went with a local boat from Labuan Bajo (the main hub you will fly into) for 3 days / 2 nights at fraction of the normal price
- March 2025 was fun but more like a 🌟 experience because although the landscape was gorgeously green, seas calming, and underwater visibility great, it felt super busy as the operators ramp up for the coming dry season and the cluster of holiday at that time. This was despite us going with a far more high end snorkelling boat for 3 days / 2 nights.
So, after two visits, I’m sharing some of my tips below on how to make this a Wow Wow Wow 🌟🌟🌟 experience.