Seeing Komodo dragons was something Logan wanted to do before we devised our world trip itinerary. Having always been an avid National Geographic reader he knew far more about them than me. When planning our round the world trip we asked each of the boys to name somewhere or something they wanted to see. For Logan it was seeing Komodo dragons in their natural habitat. At age 11 he got up close to Komodo dragons! Here is our guide to Komodo with children.
Read Also: Eight Months Family Adventure Travel Around the World
WHERE IS KOMODO?
Located between Sumbawa and Flores in Indonesia, Komodo National Park is all about the dragons. It’s a place with unique fauna and flora, beautiful from the top of the mountains to the bottom of the sea. But, is it safe to visit Komodo with children? How do you get to Komodo Island? Can you get close to the Komodo dragons? The answer to all these questions will convince you that Komodo is definitely worth the trip, with or without children.
Komodo National Park is actually made up of three large islands: Komodo, Rinca and Padar, plus a few much smaller islands. This makes a total of 2,321 kilometres square of protected land and sea. In 1986, Komodo National Park was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, because the majority of Komodo dragons are found here. The Komodo dragon (Ora) is a monitor lizard, growing up to 3 metres in length and weighing up to 100kg. It is the largest species of living lizard in the world. An estimated 5,700 dragons call these islands home.
The Komodo dragons are obviously the star of the show, but the natural environment in Komodo National Park goes beyond these dangerous lizards. When planning your trip, don’t miss these top things to do in Komodo National Park, all suitable for children.
TAKING A TRIP TO KOMODO WITH CHILDREN
A boat ride is the only way of getting to Komodo National Park, either by faster speedboat or slower multi-day traditional boats. We boarded a small wooden boat at Labuan Bajo in Flores, the gateway to the national park. Our trip was two days and one night, taking in the islands of Rinca and Komodo. The boat had two small cabins with bunk beds and a small bathroom. There is also a small sitting area where we ate and an upper deck for watching the splendid island scenery. Conditions were basic but comfortable enough.
First stop was Rinca, slightly smaller then Komodo. It took us two hours to get out to Rinca, during which time a lovely lunch of fresh fish, rice and veggies was served on board, followed by fresh fruit.
TREKKING IN KOMODO NATIONAL PARK – RINCA
Rinca is the second largest island in Komodo National Park, with the second biggest population of dragons. The only way to see the Komodo dragons is by trekking.
At both Rinca and Komodo Islands you have the choice of three guided walks: short walk (approx 45 minutes); medium walk (approx. 90 minutes); and the long trek (2 hours). We chose the medium length walk on both islands. This worked out perfectly for our family group as we saw Komodo dragons, admired the sweeping views from a hilltop vista at both islands and managed the walk comfortably in the heat.
We were a little nervous when we first arrived on Rinca and met our guide. Was this really a sensible thing to be doing with our children? You are only allowed to trek within Komodo National Park with a guide. Fees apply throughout the park. Your ranger carries only a forked stick as protection!
As we trekked our nerves abated and soon we saw our first Komodo dragons. Firstly a female on a nesting site. Then two females laying claim to another nest site. We watched and waited as the two females tried to outdo one another. An amazing sight. These large throwbacks to the dinosaur age are a sight to behold.
The trekking on Rinca Island was beautiful, the views from the top of the hills were stunning.
Finally, we found some lazy males sleeping by the ranger’s dormitory and kitchen. The males were quiet because they were still digesting their last dinner.
The trekking on Rinca is easy. The terrain is fine, and it wasn’t a long trek, about 90 minutes in total. Our kids were 8, 10 and 12 at the time of this trek. Children should be able to walk unaided for ninety minutes, follow instructions quickly and be silent when necessary. Mature seven and eight year olds should be fine. I would not recommend dragon trekking with younger children.
UNFORGETTABLE SUNSETS
A huge bonus of an overnight trip means a sunset out at sea. From Rinca we sailed in the darkening evening to a mooring point at Komodo Island. The views of the sunset from the upper deck of the boat were spectacular.
A lovely evening meal was served once we reached our mooring point for the night. It is unbelievable that such good food is served from a tiny open air boat kitchen with a one ring burner.
We had a pleasant enough night on board in our tiny cabins. We slept with both the windows and door open to maintain a slight breeze.
TREKKING IN KOMODO NATIONAL PARK – KOMODO
Komodo Island is the biggest island in the National Park and has the largest population of dragons, about 1,300 in total.
The main camp of Loh Liang, where boats dock and guided walks begin, is on the east coast. We set off at 7am for our trek on Komodo Island. Again we were lucky enough to see Komodo dragons. As we were here early the dragons were much more active lumbering around in the forest areas. The dragons here are larger than those on Rinca. Apparently, this is due to the more readily available cuisine of wild boar and deer, both of which we saw grazing nervously.
Again the trekking on Komdo was easy and lasted about 90 minutes in total. As at Rinca, we opted for the medium length trek, which was the perfect distance for us. Trainers or hiking shoes are needed for trekking. We would recommend trousers and t-shirts, more for mosquito protection than anything, although we did see people trekking in shorts.
SNORKELLING AT PINK BEACH AND MANTA ALLEY
Pink Beach was our next stop, still on Komodo Island. The beach is actually pink, formed by the breaking up of red coral from the sea. The beach is beautiful, as is the snorkelling. The coral was in great condition and all just a few metres from the shore. There was also a great variety of reef fish for us to see. The boys dubbed the reef ‘fish city’.
Not far from Komodo Island is Manta Alley, a dive and snorkelling spot where manta rays are commonly seen. We sailed out to Manta Alley but by now a storm was brewing, the wind and waves were picking up, so none of us felt inclined to get in the sea! In fact the boys refused point blank.
The Komodo dragons are the main attraction in the National Park, but snorkeling and diving come a close second, attracting many travellers every year.
Watch our video of the time we spent on Flores, Rinca and Komodo.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT KOMODO NATIONAL PARK?
The best time to visit Komodo National Park is during the dry season, from April to December. You can see Komodo dragons all year around, although between July and November the dragons are less active due to the mating and nesting seasons. We were here in December, a perfect month to see dragons, with great weather.
HOW MUCH TIME IS NEEDED?
We would recommend a two day/one night trip to Komodo National Park. This gives you time to do the main highlights.
It is possible to visit one of the islands on a day trip from Labuan Bajo, but there are definite advantages to spending a night on a boat. In the park you can spot dragons during their active post dawn rambles and before the first tour boat arrives at 9am. The island scenery at dusk and dawn is beautiful observed from the top deck of your boat. Day trips by speed boat also work out more expensive than the traditional wooden boats.
HOW DO YOU GET TO KOMODO NATIONAL PARK?
A boat trip is the only way to visit Komodo National Park. The closest town is Labuan Bajo on Flores, a tiny fisherman village that is now a growing hub for tourists. There are daily flights from Jakarta and Bali to Labuan Bajo. Boat options include faster speed boats and slower older style wooden boats.
DO YOU NEED A GUIDE TO VISIT KOMODO NATIONAL PARK?
You can only visit Komodo National Park with an official guide and a park ranger. You therefore need to book a tour operator that will organize the whole trip, including the boat, the guide, and also the park fees. There are many tour companies in Labuan Bajo. You can arrive and browse around until you find one that suits your travel plans and budget. Alternatively you can book everything in advance, as we did.
Top Komodo Tours organised our stay in Flores and trip to Komodo and Rinca. They are a company still learning their trade so we had a few mishaps. It is hard to recommend Top Komodo Tours as a great operator but options are somewhat limited. They will improve with experience and have a team with the right intentions.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO VISIT KOMODO NATIONAL PARK?
Fees for visitors into the Komodo National Park quickly mount up:
Landing fee for Komodo and Rinca Islands – 50,000Rp per person
Basic guided walk fee – 80,000Rp per person
Snorkelling fee – 165,000Rp per person Monday-Saturday, 240,000Rp per person Sunday
These prices are per day so if you spend two days on the islands, as we did, then you pay twice.
There are no child prices, although on speaking with the rangers we managed to get our youngest child Flynn, free at both islands.
See Also: Adventure Travelling Through Flores With Children
SPECIFICALLY FOR FAMILIES
Flores, Komodo and Rinca are all possible with children, although tourism is still relatively undeveloped. Accommodation is basic with few options and travelling distances are large. This is definitely a destination for the more intrepid traveler. The scenery and lack of development make Flores, Komodo and Rinca attractive destinations for people wanting to see the real Indonesia. Our children at 8, 10 and 12 were fine, but travelling here would be more difficult with younger children.
If you’ve travelled to Komodo with children, let us know your experiences?
45 Comments.
What an adventure Nicky! Having spent a little time in Indonesia myself I know how remote you can feel but it’s all worth it when you come face to face with these beauties. I’d love to do this one day. Thanks for sharing on#FarawayFiles
It was a fabulous experience Katy.
This is a fantastic post. I was recently offered a spot on a Komodo famil but I have a true phobia of reptiles (which I have tried to overcome) and it was just for me. If I’d been able to go with my kids – who when they were younger, delighted in bringing skinks and lizards into the house and never batted an eyelid at seeing a snake- I could have done it. I could really do this with my teens, who would love enjoying the adventure and helping me overcome my fears.
Have just shown your post to my animal mad son, who is a) wildly jealous and b) determined that we must follow in your footsteps. My daughter’s a bit young yet, I reckon, but give it a few years.
Your son sounds just like Logan. He saw Komodo Dragons in a Kids National Geographic and wanted to see them in the wild!
This is so cool! What an absolute thrill to do it with your three boys. It’s been on my wishlist for a while now. Clearly we need to head east sooner rather than later. Thanks for sharing your adventures on #FarawayFiles
We had a great time although travel in Flores in Indonesia is definitely for the more adventurous. Accommodation is basic, food repetitive and driving distances are long. Komodo is not somewhere frequented by children, exemplified by the lack of child prices!
Wow what an amazing opportunity. I might just have to add that to my ever increasing bucket list!
I’m sure our bucket lists are all very long..!
Oh wow what an incredible experience to show your boys. I would have been terrified but loved to experience the trip, thanks so much for linking up #MondayEscapes x
We were a little nervous initially but soon got into it when we didn’t see any human eating komodo’s!
Such a cool experience for your kids, and you are a great mom for helping them check off their bucket list items at such a young age! I’ve also always been fascinated with komodo dragons, and would love to see them in real life. Great guide, even for those of us without children!
Children were few and far between on Komodo, hence no child prices! This trip would work equally well for adults.
This might be the wildest thing I’ve ever heard about! First of all I had no idea there was an actual Komodo place! This is incredible. My kids would love this… if only it wasnt so far! So cool that your son reads Nat Geo, maybe we should try that always looking for stuff for little man to read
It was a fantastic family experience. Our middle son is an animal fanatic and has read Nat Geo Kids for some years now. It has led to some of our more adventurous travels searching our various animals!
What an amazing trip. I loved the pictures. cannot believe I have never heard of these islands, it looks like a once in a lifetime experience. We are currently planning our family sabbatical and coming up with a list of places we want to see and things we want to do, how nice to read that you went here, as it was on your sons wishlist. #fearlessfamilytravel
Wow his looks amazing! I would
Love to visit Komodo but wasn’t sure how easy it would be with kids
Definitely a bucket list trip.
This just looks amazing! My son would love to see the dragons!
Sorry above comment should have #fearlessfamtrav
This looks absolutely incredible Nicky! Sounds like I will need to wait a good few years until I take my boys though. Thanks for linking up to #fearlessfamtrav
I would definitely wait a few years Jenny until the boys are bigger, able to walk decent distances and follow instructions quickly and quietly (the one we still struggle with!).
Wow, this looks like an unforgettable experience #fearlessfamtrav
WOW!!! I did this pre-kids and the whole experience, sleeping on the boat, seeing the dragons and some awesome snorkelling still makes it one of the best trips of my life. I am so envious that you did it with kids. #fearlessfamtrav
We loved it, was an amazing trip. So lucky to do as a family, making memories together.
What a fun experience! I love how you let them choose something or someplace they wanted to visit! What a great choice he made!! We are actually considering Indonesia for next year. What are your thoughts on doing this with younger children who would still be carried in backpack carriers? #fearlessfamtrav
If the children are still in backpack carriers then they would probably be fine. The walking is easy and straightforward, no rock scrambling etc. Once they are our of carriers I would probably wait a few years until they are a bit bigger, able to walk for longer distances and follow instructions well. Our youngest was eight at the time and was fine. You would have to weigh up the boat side of things, not sure I would want a toddler on a boat for two days!
I really want to go there – how lucky your kids were to see the dragons in the wild! #Fearlessfamtrav
What an incredible experience! This is definitely something I’d like to do one day! Would love to see the pink bench too! #fearlessfamtrav
Komodo and Rinca are beautiful islands for the dragons, trekking and snorkelling/diving.
Wow this looks like an amazing adventure meeting real life Dragons! How magical for the boys. Your photos are fab and the beautiful sun sets are a bonus. These both look like amazing places to visit when my son is older. Mandy xxx #explorerkids
Would definitely recommend when your son is old enough to enjoy.
Wow,that’s quite an adventure. I’m not sure when we’ll even make it out of Europe, my kids are 6 and 3 and I’m not quite ready for far flung adventures with them yet. This does sound amazing though! #ExplorerKids
I’m sure you’ll make it out of Europe one day. We spent many holidays in Cornwall, France and Spain when ours were little.
This is just fantastic – what a fabulous experience. I think, like you, I would have felt a bit nervous at first. Komodo Dragons are fascinating. Sarah #ExplorerKids
Yet another fascinating trip from you! It’s so great to see you have the first hand experiences with the rangers, the trekking and the boarding on boat. It’s lovely to see that your boy is into National Geography and knows all about komodo. I have to say I would also declined the invitation to swim in the see. I don’t want to get eaten by the komodo. lol! 😉 I really like your literary of the whole trip – very well researched. Well done!
Thank you so much for linking up with us on #ExplorerKids
My son knows far more about animals than i do! It was a great trip, although we were a little nervous of the dragon hiking initially, particularly with the boys. Was a fantastic experience though…
Nicky, thank you for sharing your story. My wife and my 1 year old daughter are heading to Bali on March 1st and we leave March 13. On my bucket list is to go to Komodo and see a dragon in its natural habitat. When you say it would be tough for someone younger than 8 years old, in what ways would it be more difficult? I know it might seem obvious but I am seriously considering bringing her and I want to get a good idea, worst case scenario kind of thing. When do the first tours leave from Labuan Bajo? Thanks for your time!
Hi Keegan. In order to see the dragons in their natural habitat you have to walk. We chose the medium length trek which was 90 minutes (the shorter trek was 60 minutes). Children also have to be relatively quiet and be able to follow instructions quickly, in case of a dragon approaching. My suggested age was based on those factors and that the children would be hiking themselves. Additionally there is a fairly long boat ride to get to the islands. We did an overnight trip (2 days) but you can do a long day trip if need be. I’m presuming your daughter would be in a baby carrier so some of this may not apply. Let me know if you have any further questions.
Hi. Came upon your blog when searching for families who have done the Komodo trip with kids. I have two boys aged 10 and 7, and we’ll be heading to Bali and Labuan Bajo in a few months. My question – did you have to bring lifejackets and snorkels for the kids? I assume since there were no kids’ rates for anything, they wouldn’t have kids’ gear either? Thanks in advance!
Hi.Yes, we took kids snorkelling gear, in fact we all took our snorkelling gear, as we love snorkelling and like masks etc. to fit. We didn’t take life jackets as our kids are past these. It’s really important to check all boats before getting on that they have the necessary life jackets and that they fit the kids sabot safety is very different from what we’re used too.
I really enjoyed reading your post as it took me straight back to my trip there back in 2005 (pre kids!). It’s also good to hear that you included your children’s requests when planning your world trip. We are taking a similar approach to a grand adventure we’re planning in 2020…meaning a detour of a fair few thousand miles so that our eldest achieves his dream of going to the Amazon!
Tell me about your grand adventure for 2020…where are you heading? It sounds as if you have an animal mad child too! Makes for some interesting destinations. We went to Equador a couple of years ago for a trip to the Amazon. Loved it.
We have an Komodo Dragon obsessed 6 years old and are thinking of doing the trip with him and our three year old, but not sure if we are crazy?! Thanks for your post, it was full of great information! We would have never considered the boat option but it actually looks very comfortable!
So glad to have helped. We loved our trip to Komodo. The trip will very much depend on you and your kids. Let me know if you decide t go for it either now or in the future.