Komodo

Komodo National Park is a group of volcanic islands east of Bali, the largest being Komodo, Rinca and Padar. It has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1991, and it is where the Komodo dragon, the world's largest lizard, lives in the wild.

The gateway is Labuan Bajo on the island of Flores, about 1 h 15 by domestic flight from Bali. From its harbour, private boats leave for day trips or for overnight cruises on a comfortable boat.

A typical day starts with a short climb to the Padar viewpoint in the morning, then swimming and snorkelling at the pink beach, then seeing the dragons on Komodo or Rinca with a park ranger. The dragons are wild animals, so you always watch from a safe distance and follow the ranger.

We suggest two or three nights in Labuan Bajo, ideally between April and November, when the sea is calmer.