Can you really book Komodo Island tours from Bali? Is this plausible though?
Some people knows Komodo Island from travel journey, some others heard it when they are staying in Bali. People who make Komodo Island and Flores as their main destination usually take a direct flight from Jakarta, the capital city of Indonesia. The direct flight will take them to Komodo International Airport, Labuan Bajo, Flores. This is the shortest means of transportation for those who want to get straight to the point. From there, they will continue the journey to Komodo Island and around by boat.
But what if you belong to the second group? What if you want to spend some time in Bali before going to Komodo or just heard about the trip during your days in the island? Worry not, my fellow travelers. There are many tour provider that opened their branch in Bali for easy access. It can be quite tricky, though. These simple tips of booking a Komodo Island tours from Bali can be your little help.
1. Do A Research of Komodo Island Tours from Bali
Just as I mentioned before, there are several Komodo tour provider who opened their service on the island. Not all of them are five-starred rated, though. You need to do your own research to find the most comfortable boat for you. It’s good to meet directly with the owner while you are still in Bali. You can discuss about the boat and the tour package before going to Labuan Bajo—and maximise your preparation.
This way, you can also have wider chance to compare one boat with another. It doesn’t have to be the priciest. I know a Komodo Island tours from Bali that are just the comfiest and very stylish, with a great deal of price. The owner was very friendly and let me know all the options they have to offer. It might worth a try!
2. Do Travel By Plane
As soon as you have book your Komodo tour operator, book a direct flight from Denpasar to Labuan Bajo. This is by all means the quickest and safest way to reach Flores from Bali. The flight only take about 90 minutes. Make sure you book the window seat! The scenery is very amusing—you will get to see series of island rising from the blueness of ocean. You will realise how translucent the water is, and how it hides healthy corals underneath. Such a magnificent view to see!
3. Don’t Book A Shady Boat
Visiting all the attractive island in Komodo National Park is bound to sea excursion. Of course, that means you will spent half of your days on the ship/ liveaboard. You will want a ship that’s not only catering your need, but is also comfortably to live in. That’s why point number 1 is very important. Always research your options and choose the comfiest boat that suits your budget
4. Do Discuss the Price Coverage
Know what you pay. Always talk with the Komodo Island tours from Bali that you meet about price coverage. Does it include the Komodo National Park entrance fee? Will you pay for ranger guide by yourself or get it arranged by the tour? How much extra cost you need for activities in the National Park? Discussing every little details will save you from future disaster.
5. Don’t Go to Flores by Ferry
Before you want to go all out and take the big excursion, think again. This option is indeed the cheapest option to reach Flores from Bali. It also guarantee the chance to see Indonesia’s many beautiful island and diverse culture on a single trip. However, it might not be the safest and comfiest option. First of all, the ferry trip take around 36 hours from Bali to Labuan Bajo. That’s one of a long ride! The route is neither the safest—the ferry is sailing in rocky waters and it’s quite hard to navigate. You don’t want to die before seeing the ferocious Komodo Dragon, do you?
