Are you planning to visit Komodo, but having a hard time to find the affordable, comfortable and safe way to get there? There are some options to get to Komodo Island from Bali, the most known place in Indonesia.
If you are backpacking to Indonesia, then spending three or more days in Flores should be on your list. Its location on the most east part of Indonesia makes it as a fantastic place to visit. There are so many interesting spots you can visit here, from the terrestrial to the underwater life. However, due to its faraway location, many tourists find it hard to figure out what is the most affordable, comfortable and safe ways to get to Komodo Island from Bali.
You can choose whether you want a land, sea or air trip. It all depends on your budget and which one will make you comfortable. Whatever your choice is, you can easily get the ticket from many travel agencies in Bali. After you get the information about how long it will take and how much its cost, do not forget to gather the information from other agencies as many as possible so that you can compare and choose the best. Tips: bargaining is totally recommended since many agencies will crazily increase the price, especially in high season.
Flying from Bali to Komodo
This option possibly will be quite expensive, yet it is the simplest, fastest and safest option of all. It usually costs IDR 700,000 to 1,800,000 for a one-way ticket. You can purchase the ticket departing from Ngurah Rai Airport, Bali and arrive at Labuan Bajo Airport and it takes approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes to get to the Labuan Bajo Airport. Upon arrival, you will continue with a short overland route by taxi. However, if you want to relish marine environment and some interesting spots, you are very not recommended to go with this option.
Sailing from Bali to Komodo
The sailing trip might be more expensive and take more time than flying. It will take exactly two days and two nights to reach Labuan Bajo—things that make it more expensive but still worth to choose. First, it is always fascinating to be in a cabin with air conditioner. Second, it can take you to some jaw-dropping stops for snorkeling or just enjoying the marine life activity from the surface. Please bear in mind that it might get risky since the boat will go to the north, crossing the Gili Island, Lombok, Sumbawa and the Flores Sea where the navigation is sometimes hard to find along with the difficult track to pass. Please make sure they provide emergency equipment on the boat, such as life jackets that you can ask and see where they keep them.
Bus and Ferry
Going with this option is the cheapest way of all. However, it consumes much more time, up to 45 hours, depends on the overland bus speed and stops. You will have three ferry crossings, Bali to Lombok, Lombok to Sumbawa, and Sumbawa to Labuan Bajo harbor. Be advice, you have multiple buses to go to the next harbor. Once again, please bear in mind that waiting while changing the bus might happen. However, please make sure in advance that all overland buses ticket you purchased from Bali has included all three ferry crossings and those multiple buses. Thus, before you hand over your money, ask them to write it down on your ticket, so that they are not going to deceive you in the middle of the trip by asking any extras. This option is incredibly exhausting, but it is quite worth to give yourself a try, at least once.
Labuan Bajo to Komodo Island
Once you have touched down on Labuan Bajo, you can join an organized tour. Don’t forget to bargain to save more. Please note that tour package supposed to be cheaper if you could bring more people in your team. Or you could charter a boat for some days, like three days two-night excursion is recommended here since you can use one day to say ‘hi’ to Komodo in Komodo National Park or Rinca Island, and two other days will be totally worth to spend snorkeling or diving.
There are too many amazing sites here but you just need to visit several sites. Thus you need two days or even more if you wish to visit more sites. Night dive is also worth to try to see the Komodo's marine life in a new way. Foods and beverages are all included in the boat price, except for the entrance fee to the National Park. You can consider any option based on your budget and your need. Make sure to prioritize safety of the transportation, rescue equipment and the cleanness of the food and beverage.
