Best One-Day Komodo Tour: See Red Whales and Explore Islands

Price: 1.45 million (negotiable) + Komodo National Park entrance fee (charged separately, cash only)
Pros: With a fleet of three speedboats, the schedule is well-organized and flexible (see Figure 2). Enjoy unlimited snacks and soft drinks on board, along with meticulous service, making your day trip an unforgettable experience.
PS: The number of passengers per speedboat can vary, so try to choose one with fewer people for a more intimate and enjoyable journey.

1. Padar Island
This is the most physically demanding part of the trip, with a 30-minute climb up and a 40-minute descent. While it’s manageable with a good pair of sports shoes, the scenery might not be as breathtaking as you imagined. Expect less of the blue skies, white clouds, green grass, and crystal-clear sea, and more of a need for post-editing. However, the unique terrain, featuring three bays connected by two mountains, is a sight to behold.

2. Pink Beach
The highlight of the trip, Pink Beach lives up to its name and is the main draw for many visitors to Komodo. The jelly-like seas and pink sand create a surreal and enchanting beauty that will leave you in awe.

3. Komodo Island
Upon landing, a guide will lead you to find the legendary Komodo dragons. There are even a few actors at the park entrance for photo opportunities, ensuring you won’t leave disappointed.
PS: While the dragons you see may seem lazy and harmless, they are capable of running up to 40 km/h. It’s crucial to follow the guide’s instructions and maintain a safe distance. If they are hungry and decide to attack, there’s no chance of escaping.

4. Taka Makassar
Similar to a sandbank, Taka Makassar is incredibly beautiful. The waist-deep water is safe and serves as a perfect warm-up for manta watching.

5. Manta Point
There’s a possibility you might not see any mantas; the guide mentioned they hadn’t been spotted for three consecutive days. However, statistically, we should have seen them, and indeed, we spotted one right after entering the water. For those who aren’t strong swimmers, wearing life jackets and staying close to the guide is essential, as areas where mantas are found often have currents.

6. Turtle Bay
Turtle Bay is the place for turtle watching, and whether you see them or not is a matter of luck. Turtles usually come up for air or rest on the seabed, munching on coral. A large turtle resting on the seabed can look like a rock, perfectly camouflaged.