If Komodo National Park has been sitting on your travel list, 2026 is a great time to finally go.
With renewed conservation efforts and better flight access, visiting this remote part of Indonesia is now more straightforward and more rewarding than ever.
We’re already seeing demand pick up, especially for the best sailing yachts and phinisis in Komodo during the dry season (April to October), so it’s worth booking early if you’re hoping to travel then.
In 2026, Komodo National Park is introducing a number of changes aimed at protecting its landscapes and wildlife, as well as enhancing the overall experience for visitors. The government is capping visitor numbers to 1,000 people per day on Komodo and Padar Islands, helping reduce footfall and create a quieter, more intimate experience on the trails.
There’s also a stronger focus on ranger-led visits, which means better structure, more insightful guiding, and a direct way to support local conservation. In the marine zones, new protections are being introduced at key snorkel and dive sites, ensuring that Komodo’s coral reefs and marine life stay healthy for years to come.
These updates make planning ahead more important, especially for the peak season, but they also mean the experience is likely to feel that bit more special.
What’s new in Komodo in 2026
Getting to Komodo
Getting to Komodo has always taken a little extra effort, but recent flight developments have made it much easier. Scoot now operates twice-weekly direct flights from Singapore to Labuan Bajo (around 3 hours 20 minutes), while AirAsia runs three direct flights a week from Kuala Lumpur, typically on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, with a flight time of approximately 3 hours 40 minutes. Together, these routes make Labuan Bajo much more accessible for both regional and international travellers. Once you land, it’s just a 10-minute drive to most hotels.
Labuan Bajo itself is a small gateway town on the western tip of Flores Island, facing the Flores Sea. If you’d rather be based on land, Labuan Bajo offers a great base for day trips to the Komodo dragons, Pink Beach, Manta Point, and nearby snorkelling sites. It’s also ideal for spending a day or two pre- or post-cruise at one of the area’s top hotels.
For a land-based stay, we recommend two options, each offering its own appeal depending on your style of travel.
Ta’aktana is the newest addition to the area’s luxury scene and has quickly become a favourite among Lightfoot travellers. With generous space, contemporary design, and polished service, it offers a more elevated resort experience just minutes from the airport and the main harbour. We’ve secured exclusive benefits here for Lightfoot guests, making it a particularly appealing option before or after a cruise.
Plataran Komodo Resort & Spa sits slightly further along the coast in a quiet, secluded bay. Its standalone beachfront villas and relaxed, boutique atmosphere appeal to those who are looking for privacy, value for money, and a more traditional, low-key style. While it doesn’t offer the same level of luxury as Ta’aktana, it has an intimate, laid-back charm.
Both properties are within easy reach of Labuan Bajo and work well as a base for day trips or for winding down before or after exploring the park by yacht.
Where to stay in Komodo
Best yachts to explore Komodo
Komodo isn’t just about the dragons, although seeing them in the wild is incredible and the highlight of my recent trip. The park covers a huge area of land and sea, with islands that feel prehistoric, beaches in every shade from white to pink, and incredible diving and snorkelling. If you’re lucky, you’ll see manta rays, turtles, and reef sharks all in one day.
The best way to see Komodo is by private yacht. Traditional phinisi boats give you the freedom to reach remote islands, dive sites and anchorages that can’t be accessed on day trips, all at your own pace. For families or groups, boats like Dunia Baru or Rascal offer spacious cabins and curated itineraries, while couples often love the intimate feel of Alexa or Alila Purnama.
To deep dive into your boating options, read our comprehensive guide to phinisi yachts and Indonesia’s best sailing routes here.
• Best time to go: April to October – dry season, calm seas, good visibility
• How long to spend: Minimum 4 nights if you’re cruising; longer if you want to combine it with Sumba, Flores or Bali
• How to book: Visitor numbers to Komodo Island are now capped daily, so we’ll help secure permits and plan around access
Planning tips for Komodo
Visit Komodo in 2026
Komodo has changed a lot over the years, and these new steps feel like a move in the right direction. If you're looking for a trip that combines wildlife, sailing, snorkelling and proper off-grid beauty, this is a special one.
Please get in touch with our experts if you'd like help planning a tailormade adventure to Indonesia’s gorgeous Komodo Islands.
Photography credits: Unsplash
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