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With some of the most unique landscapes in the world, there are so many incredible things to do in Komodo National Park! The beautiful Komodo Islands are located in Indonesia off the coast of Flores Island. During your trip you can hike to gorgeous viewpoints, swim with manta rays and even see a Komodo Dragon in the wild.
Below we’ve detailed the best things to do in Komodo National Park (and a few things not to do) to help you plan your trip!
Things to do in Komodo National Park – overview
- Hike Padar Island
- Swim with Manta Rays
- Visit the Pink Beach
- Trek Kelor Island
- Chill on Taka Makassar sand bank
- See Komodo Dragons on Rinca or Komodo Island
What to do in Komodo National Park
1. Hike Padar Island
Hiking to the top of Padar Island was our favorite thing to do in Komodo National Park. While the hike has a nice trail, it is a solid 25-30 minute hot uphill trek to the top. Don’t worry, though, because the views are certainly worth every step!
From the top of Padar Island you can see some of the most incredible landscapes in the world. You can also see three of the island’s beaches in distinct inlets. These beaches are the most unique part of the view since one has black sand, one has pink and one has white!
Pro tip: watch the sunset here! The sunset at Padar Island is definitely in our top 5 sunsets in the world.
>>Read: How to visit world’s largest Buddhist temple in Java, Indonesia
2. Swim with Manta Rays
Swimming with Manta Rays in the wild is easily one of the best things to do in Komodo National Park. At certain times of day you can go to “Manta Point” and try to spot one of these magnificent creatures.
While seeing them is not guaranteed, the chase is half the fun. The act of spotting them, chasing them in a small boat and swimming after them is an absolute thrill!
It goes without saying, though, that you should keep appropriate distance and respect these beautiful animals in their natural habitat.
>> Read: Everything you need to know before visiting Komodo
3. Visit the Pink Beach
Pink Beach in the Komodo Islands is what dreams are made of! The mountain backdrop looks like it is out of a Jurassic Park movie and the pink sand looks like cotton candy.
The Pink Beach gets its unique color from the corals, but unfortunately it’s getting less pink over time as the corals are dying. Make sure to pack reef-safe sunscreen to help do your part to save the corals!
>>Read: What to pack for the Komodo Islands
4. Trek Kelor Island
The 10-15 minute trek up Kelor Island is one of the best things to do in Komodo National Park because of the views. From the top you can see the mountainous landscape of the surrounding islands, the bright blue water and the small white beach peninsula.
On Kelor Island you can also take a quick swim or snorkel and relax on this completely uninhabited island!
>> Read: Komodo Tour – how to choose what’s best for you!
5. Chill on Taka Makassar Sand Bank
Taka Makassar is a sand bank in the middle of Komodo National Park that is pink and teardrop-shaped. This spot is completely surrounded by water and also changes shape with the tides. It’s unique topography is definitely worth seeing!
Here you can snorkel, swim, build sandcastles, and just enjoy this slice of paradise. Do note, though, that there is no shade so you should limit your time in the intense Komodo sun.
Tip: Drones are allowed and provide the best vantage for photographing this place.
>>Read: Our travel camera and drone gear
>>Learn how to take photos like us in our online Photography Course!
6. See Komodo Dragons on Rinca or Komodo Island
We couldn’t make a list of the top things to do in Komodo National Park and leave off seeing Komodo dragons! Komodo Dragons live on both Rinca and Komodo Islands and are protected under UNESCO and the national park.
These dragons are native to these islands and are insane animals to learn about. They’re technically lizards, but their giant size, cannibalism, and venomous bite put them into a league of their own.
They are a must-see in Komodo National Park, however you should have a guide and be smart when you’re on Rinca or Komodo Island.
>>Read: Is Komodo Island Safe?
**Also note that it is rumored that they will close one or both of Rinca and Komodo Island in early 2020 for conservation efforts. The date and certainty are yet to be confirmed, but both were open in October 2019 during our visit. Regardless if these islands close, though, the other islands and the rest of the top things to do in Komodo National Park will remain open.
Things not to do in Komodo National Park
- Don’t spend much time at Kanawa Island – Kanawa Island isn’t worth spending much, if any, time at. The entrance fee is $7 USD per person and they have one “restaurant” (shack) that was out of stock of everything. They do, however, have a beach swing and a few chairs to lay out on, as well as calm water for snorkeling. We would have cut this from our tour itinerary and spent more time elsewhere.
- Don’t feed the animals! This should go without saying but it’s important not to feed the wild life you encounter in Komodo National Park.
- Don’t litter! It is so sad how much trash we saw floating in different areas. One of the pink beaches is also now completely covered in litter, which is incredibly disappointing. We all need to do our part to keep our world clean and beautiful.
Map of Komodo National Park things to do
Below is a map of the best things to do in Komodo National Park so you can see their relative locations. Click the ‘star’ next to the map name in order to save this map under “your places” in Google Maps.
Highlight video of Komodo National Park
>> Make sure you read this before you visit!
We know you’ll love experiencing the best things to do in Komodo National Park. Enjoy your trip!
Kylie & Scott
(If you liked this article or have any questions, please comment below! And make sure to follow along on Instagram @LoveHardTravelOften)
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Great blog! I am a local here and love giving tours as well. If you have to come back and want to do a do Kelor Island Tour or see anywhere else in the Park, please let me know! Covid hit us hard, so now we have to push forward. Thank you and much love! – Maika
Thank you! So sorry to hear how Covid affected you all and I hope this year is better! XO