Looking for a once-in-a-lifetime family adventure in Indonesia?
A day tour to Komodo National Park is packed with incredible experiences—from panoramic views over island peaks and snorkelling with manta rays to standing just meters away from wild Komodo dragons. It’s the kind of day that leaves everyone wide-eyed, salt-soaked, and buzzing with excitement.
Komodo National Park: Home of the Dragons
Komodo National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site made up of volcanic islands and vibrant coral reefs. But what it’s most famous for is its most fearsome resident—the Komodo dragon, the largest lizard on Earth.
These prehistoric predators can only be found on five islands in the region. The two most popular places to view them are Komodo Island and Rinca Island, each home to over 1,000 dragons. On average, Komodos grow up to 10 feet long and weigh around 155 pounds. They’re powerful, carnivorous, and capable of running and swimming. That’s why all visitors must stay with a guide when trekking near them.
Seeing one up close isn’t just impressive—it’s surreal. These ancient creatures look like they stepped out of a different era.
Tour Highlights
We opted for a one-day speedboat tour from Labuan Bajo, which was packed with six unforgettable stops and became one of our family’s favourite days in Indonesia.
Padar Island: A Stairmaster with a View
An hour and a half offshore, we arrived on Padar Island early in the morning while it was still cool and overcast. Perfect weather for the 815 steps up to the top to take in the incredible views. This was what I imagined Indonesia to look like—lush green islands surrounded by clear blue water and white beaches. From the top of Padar, we snapped the famous photo overlooking three horseshoe-shaped coves.
The climb was surprisingly easy, with wide steps and several landings for rest and photos. Because most overnight tours had already come and gone for sunrise, we had much of the trail to ourselves.
Tip: If planning a one-day tour, avoid weekends when possible. Saturdays are especially busy.
Pink Beach: Blush Sand & Dolphins
On the opposite side of Padar, we stopped at the Pink Beach, named for its light pink sand—a mix of white sand and crushed red coral. The boys splashed in the ocean while Derek and I strolled along the beach. Just offshore, vibrant coral reefs meant fish were visible within just a few feet of the sand. As a bonus, we saw three dolphins surface near our boat as we left.
Komodo Island: Meeting the Dragons
This was it—what we had come for. Before leaving Pink Beach, our group decided on the one-hour trekking option (there are 30-minute and 2-hour options). All treks must be done with a guide, and you must stay with your group—a good reason to go with a small tour company!
As we approached Komodo Island, Derek teased the boys, saying he had “sent word” to the dragons that we were coming. And wouldn’t you know it, just as we walked along the pier, an enormous male Komodo dragon came strolling across the beach.
Even with all our research, the sheer size of the lizard was shocking. They really do look like dinosaurs. Most of the dragons we saw were along the beach, some sunbathing, some slowly moving about. The guides were firm about keeping our distance. We saw male and female dragons, from five-month-olds to full-grown adults. Time is limited on the island to prevent disturbing the animals.
Taka Makasar: A Perfect Photo Op
Our next stop was the tiny island of Taka Makasar. Surrounded by turquoise waters and a vast stretch of white sand, it was ideal for family photos. The boys also spotted a turtle while snorkelling.
Manta Point: Gliding Giants
Manta Point is known for frequent manta ray sightings, though we were warned that sightings had been rare in recent weeks. Luckily, three large manta rays swam below us when we jumped in. The water here is deep, with no coral, and the current is strong, but the experience was unforgettable. The rays glided beneath us, their 6-foot wingspans casting shadows on the sea floor.
Siaba Island: Turtle City
Our final stop was Siaba Island, a reef known for its turtle population. We saw one large turtle swimming gracefully across the coral. If not for the chilly water, we could have floated above it all day. After a quick swim, we warmed up in the sunshine and enjoyed the 45-minute boat ride back to Labuan Bajo.
Tips for Visiting Komodo National Park with Kids
• Choose a small group tour: Fewer people = easier logistics, more personal experience, and better visibility for kids.
• Start early: Early departures beat the crowds and offer calmer waters.
• Ask about child-sized snorkel gear: Some tours don’t provide kid-friendly equipment.
• Be sun ready: Sunscreen, hats, and rash guards to protect from the intense sun.
• Pack dry clothes & snacks: After multiple snorkel stops, extra snacks and fresh clothes can help everyone warm up.
• Prepare them for dragons: Explain the rules ahead of time and build excitement. This is a rare wildlife moment they won’t forget.
Tour Details: Why We Chose a One-Day Trip
There are many options for exploring Komodo National Park, from one-day speedboat tours to multi-day liveaboard trips. After plenty of research, we chose a one-day boat tour with Bintang Komodo Tours, and we’re glad we did. The itinerary was nearly identical to the longer tours, and groups are only allowed about two hours on Komodo Island regardless of tour length.
What set Bintang Komodo apart was their small group size (we had just six people total) and early departure. We were the first boat out of the harbour and consistently ahead of the crowds. It meant an early start—5:20 a.m. pickup—but it was worth it.
Getting There: What Nervous Flyers Should Know
We flew to Labuan Bajo on Flores Island from Bali. The airport is nestled between hills, which can create strong crosswinds during landing. Our pilot aborted the landing less than 200 feet above the runway, then circled before a successful second attempt. The flight crew later explained that this is common in this area.
If you’re a nervous flyer, it helps to know this in advance. It caught us off guard, but the approach is standard for the location.
Labuan Bajo: Where We Stayed
Labuan Bajo is a small hillside town with winding streets and a growing range of accommodations. We stayed at Manta Manta Guesthouse which overlooked the harbour and was close to restaurants in town.
Things to Do in Labuan Bajo
If you’re spending a few days in Labuan Bajo before or after your Komodo tour, there are a handful of worthwhile activities to fill your time:
- Visit Batu Cermin Cave – Just 15 minutes from town, this cave features shimmering rock walls and interesting formations. Go early to catch the sunlight filtering through the cracks.
- Sunset at Amelia Sea View or Paradise Bar – Grab a drink and watch the sun dip behind the islands with spectacular ocean views.
- Stroll the Harbourfront – The town’s waterfront has cafes, souvenir shops, and bakeries. It’s a nice place for a walk and people-watching. Don’t miss the chocolate chip banana bread at Café Melinjo for the perfect post-snorkel treat!
If you haven’t had enough water adventure, you can check out Island-Hopping Day Trips to visit smaller islands and snorkel or join a scuba tour.
What a Day!
From racing up the steps of Padar Island to standing face-to-face with Komodo dragons, our day was full of adventure. Each experience brought new excitement and a chance to explore Indonesia’s wild beauty. We ended the day sun-kissed, salty, and smiling ear to ear.
Whether travelling with kids or looking for an unforgettable wildlife and snorkel day, a Komodo Island tour is a highlight of any Indonesian itinerary.
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