FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

EXCELLENCE – we don’t do mediocre, we serve up the best without breaking the bank. Your holiday is all about having the time of your life: soaking up the sun, making memories, and discovering new lands & seas.

EXPERIENCED – Our services offer an all-encompassing experience for those seeking to explore the wonders of Flores Island and Komodo National Park, both on land and in the ocean depths. With extensive experience garnered from years of managing and working for various companies, we offer highly customized travel services to our guests.

CUSTOMIZED – whether you’re flying solo, with a bunch of buddies, or the whole family, we’ve got shared and private packages to suit any budget.

ENVIRONMENTAL CARING – we love planet Earth and want to make sure she sticks around for a while, so we take environmental travel seriously. We’ll show you how to be responsible and follow local rules and regulations, so we can keep exploring for years to come.

SUPPORT A LOCAL BUSINESS – by supporting us, you also contribute to the local community.

To enter Indonesia for tourism purposes, visitors must possess a passport valid for at least six months past their arrival date and a valid return or onward ticket. It’s important to note that entry requirements may vary depending on the individual’s country of origin. For the latest and most accurate visa information, please refer to the Directorate General of Immigration website at www.imigrasi.go.id.

The most convenient mode of transportation to reach Labuan Bajo is by taking a direct flight from Bali or Jakarta Airport. Labuan Bajo serves as the entry point to commence your voyage to Komodo National Park and Flores Island. For domestic flights, we recommend booking through reliable online platforms such as www.nusatrip.com or www.traveloka.com.

The necessary vaccinations and immunizations for your travels are dependent on various factors such as the duration of your stay, intended activities, and personal health conditions. It’s highly recommended to consult with your doctor in advance, as most vaccinations require several weeks to take full effect before your departure. While traveling to Flores, there are potential risks of contracting Malaria and Dengue fever. Therefore, it’s advisable to seek travel and vaccination recommendations from your physician or local health institution.

There are different hospitals (called “Rumah Sakit”) and health stations (called “Puskesmas”) on the island. The best hospitals are Siloam Hospital in Labuan Bajo, in Cancar (near Ruteng) in the western part, and in Lela (near Maumere) in the eastern part of the island.

The first hyperbaric oxygen chamber in Komodo was officially opened at the end of 2019. The chamber is located in the Siloam Hospital in town.

Tap water in Flores is not fit for direct drinking. Generally, you would have to buy bottled mineral or distilled water from supermarkets or convenience stores or bring your tumbler as many places provide free refill stations to reduce the use of plastic bottles. 

The electrical voltage in this location is 220v, and the plugs require a socket with two small round pins, consistent with the Indonesia/European Type C standard.

Telecommunications, including 4G, are widely available throughout Flores, including Komodo National Park, except in remote areas such as Wae Rebo Village. The majority of hotels and restaurants provide complimentary Wi-Fi services to their guests. A local prepaid SIM card, inclusive of a 4GB data bundle, is typically priced at less than 150,000 IDR. Telkomsel has the most extensive coverage in Flores, and its SIM card brand is known as SimPATI.

The official currency used in the local area is the Indonesian Rupiah, abbreviated as IDR or Rp. Payments are accepted in cash using Indonesian Rupiah (IDR) or via credit card payments, including VISA and Mastercard. Alternatively, Wise transfers are also accepted using the Indonesian Rupiah. Payment via a secured payment link is also available for credit card transactions.

While visiting Flores, you will notice many cultural differences, also in matters of behavior. Visitors who respect the local customs and traditions will find heartwarming hospitality from their Indonesian hosts and get an unforgettable travel experience. It is therefore an advantage if you consider some basic cultural do’s and don’ts for Flores:

Dress conservatively:

For female travelers, it is highly advisable to dress rather conservatively – a shirt covering the shoulders, and a lower body garment to the knees – especially when visiting villages and cultural objects. Unless you are on a dive boat or on one of Labuan Bajo’s beaches or islands frequently visited by tourists, you should wear more than just a bikini to swim. 

Smile a lot:

Probably the most important thing is smiling. Smile is an indicator of friendliness. visitors who do not reply the smiles or greetings will find it hard to get close to the local people.

Reduce the use of your left hand:

Use your right hand to bring food to your mouth as well as to pass on and receive things. The left hand, being used to wash after going to the bathroom, is considered to be dirty. Try to avoid passing food, money, shaking hands, or touching people with your left hand as it will be considered offensive. Avoid touching men, women,or even children’s heads as well as this is considered offensive.

• Do be mindful of your fins; avoid kicking up sediment or touching the reef, as this can damage delicate coral and disturb sediment-laying creatures.
• Do practice good buoyancy and secure your equipment while scuba diving; as this can damage delicate coral and disturb sediment-laying creatures.
• Do protect yourself; from sunburn and stings from marine life by wearing a wetsuit, rash guard, or coral-friendly sunscreen.
• Don’t wear gloves; these are not permitted in Komodo National Park
• Don’t touch, tease, or harass marine wildlife; as it can cause stress and harm their natural behaviors.
• Don’t collect souvenirs; from the site; leave shells, corals, and artifacts where they belong.
• Don’t litter; do not throw anything into the ocean, or land, or leave it on the islands. Please use the bins provided, or keep it with you until you can deposit it in a bin.

In general (all tourism purposes):

• Insurance documents (travel & health).
• Power plugs adapter for non-European plugs and chargers for your electric devices.
• All personal toiletries that you will need for the duration of your stay.
• Mosquito repellent.
• Sunscreen (preferably reef-safe), sunglasses & hat.
• Swimwear.
• A rash guard for snorkelers.
• A small waterproof bag.
• Sandals/flip-flops.
• A pair of walking shoes for hiking is mandatory for Komodo Dragon trekking.
• A light sweater (as the evenings or early morning can be chilly).
• Long-sleeved light clothes (for land tours).
• A raincoat (can also be used as a wind stopper)

Divers:

• Dive certification cards & logbook.
• Dive gear if you have your own set, rental gear is available.
• Dive Insurance documents (recommended).

In general (all tourism purposes):

• Warm clothes, as the air temperature is usually between 28-32 degrees Celsius.
• Excessive plastic packaging – please pack items carefully and remove excess packaging to minimize any rubbish you bring.
• Non-rechargeable batteries – whenever possible, please choose re-chargeable.

Divers:

• Diving gloves – these are not permitted in the Komodo National Park.

Tipping is a discretionary practice, and should you feel satisfied with the services of your guide, driver, divemaster/instructor, and crew, a gratuity would be greatly appreciated and support their income for their families. As a standard, a customary tip usually amounts to 10% of the total cost of the service.

The area experiences a tropical climate that alternates between wet and dry seasons. The ideal time to visit is between March and December to avoid the heaviest rainfall. The average air temperature is typically around 32° Celsius, while the water temperature averages between 26-28° Celsius.

The optimal area to visit and length of stay are contingent on the season and preferred activities. Central Komodo is accessible throughout the year, while North Komodo is primarily available from April to November. Conversely, the Southern regions, including Padar, South Rinca, and South Komodo, present the most favorable conditions between November and April.

A visit to Komodo National Park is an extraordinary adventure that offers a diverse range of experiences. The primary attraction, of course, is witnessing the impressive Komodo dragons and other wildlife in their natural habitat. You can observe these magnificent creatures on Komodo Island and Rinca Island. Additionally, the park features breathtaking landscapes, including Padar Island and Gili Lawa, pristine beaches such as Pink Beach on Komodo Island or Long Pink Beach on Padar Island, and crystal-clear waters. During sunset at Kalong Island, you can catch a glimpse of thousands of flying foxes. Snorkeling and diving are popular activities that allow you to explore the park’s rich marine life, including vibrant coral reefs, manta rays, turtles, sharks, and an array of exotic fish species.

The recommended duration of your visit to the Komodo National Park is dependent on the available holiday time and the type and purpose of your travel. If you have limited time and are looking for a leisurely experience, a one-day trip by speedboat is suggested to cover the highlights of the park. Alternatively, if you have limited time and want to dive, a one-day trip by speedboat or wooden boat would be suitable and typically includes a 3-dive program.

For those with more time to spare, a 3-day/2-night program is recommended for a more relaxed pace and a chance to explore all the highlights of the Komodo National Park. As for scuba diving, a liveaboard program of a minimum of 3-days/2-nights is recommended, which includes 9 dives and a visit to Padar Island to see the Komodo Dragons. If you plan to explore the Southern part of the Komodo National Park, a minimum of 5-days/4-nights is suggested.

For detailed information about fees, regulations for children, and Kitas/Kitap holders, you can access them by clicking on the following link: https://komodoadventuredivetravel.com/colibri-wp/komodo-national-park-fees/.

The ideal time to plan a visit to Flores is during the non-rainy season, which spans from March to November. While the attractions remain open year-round, it’s important to note that the rainy season, spanning from December to February, may result in muddy roads and overcast skies.

The primary towns and destinations in Flores are linked via well-maintained paved roads that are mostly free of potholes. Nonetheless, owing to the mountainous landscape, these roads tend to be narrow, steep, and winding, with an average speed limit of 30km/hr. The majority of other routes in Flores are unpaved and plagued with potholes, necessitating the use of a four-wheel-drive vehicle or one with exceptional suspension capabilities.

Flores Island boasts an abundance of natural wonders and cultural experiences that are worth exploring. Among its top attractions is Kelimutu National Park, home to the awe-inspiring tri-colored crater lakes. For those who prefer the beach, there are plenty of options, such as Koka Beach, Penggajawa Beach, and the beaches at 17-Islands Marine Park. To learn about the local culture and way of life, consider visiting traditional villages like Wae Rebo, Bena, and Saga. Trekking to waterfalls like Cunca Wulang and Cunca Rami is another popular activity, as is relaxing at Malanage or Soa Mangeruda Hot Spring. Whatever your choice, Flores Island promises an unforgettable experience that will leave you enchanted with the Island of Flowers.

The recommended duration for an overland visit is contingent on the time you have available and the destinations you intend to explore. If you have limited time, it’s advisable to allocate a minimum of 4-5 days to explore Flores, while ideally, a 7-day itinerary would be more comprehensive. You can commence your overland Flores itinerary from either the west (Labuan Bajo) and proceed towards the east (Ende or Maumere) or vice versa. Keep in mind, that travel may take longer than anticipated due to Flores’ mountainous terrain.

For detailed information about fees, regulations for children, and Kitas/Kitap holders, you can access them by clicking on the following link: https://komodoadventuredivetravel.com/colibri-wp/komodo-national-park-fees/.

The water temperature in the Komodo region generally varies between 26-28 degrees Celsius, with minor fluctuations depending on the season. However, the temperature in some areas, such as the southern part of Komodo, can drop to 22-26 degrees Celsius. A 3mm full wetsuit is typically adequate to protect against the cold.

Several dive spots in Komodo are more protected and less turbulent, making them suitable for beginners. The strength of the current is also heavily influenced by the lunar cycle, with the strongest currents occurring during the new and full moon, persisting for up to 3-4 days after. Dive spots are typically selected based on the level of certification and experience. In cases where the conditions are not ideal, we will select a more suitable and enjoyable spot to ensure a safe and positive experience.

We provide Discover Scuba Diving as an option for guests who have time constraints or are first-time divers. For more detailed information, please click on the following link:https://komodoadventuredivetravel.com/colibri-wp/scuba-diving/padi-scuba-diving-course/.

Indeed, we offer a comprehensive range of PADI courses. To view our offerings, please click on the following link: https://komodoadventuredivetravel.com/colibri-wp/scuba-diving/padi-scuba-diving-course/.

We are delighted to inform you that we also provide daily diving packages. For more information, please visit the following link: https://komodoadventuredivetravel.com/colibri-wp/scuba-diving/daily-trip/.

We understand the importance of feeling comfortable, safe, and confident in the water during your diving day. To that end, we offer an abbreviated refresher course that aims to refresh your diving skills while minimizing any impact on your diving experience. We typically recommend a refresher for individuals who haven’t dived in over a year, although the need may vary depending on your experience level. Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions or require further clarification.

We have selected a list of dive sites available at Komodo National Park, taking into consideration their geographic location, diversity, and suitability for varying levels of experience. Please visit the following link for more comprehensive information: https://komodoadventuredivetravel.com/colibri-wp/dive-sites-komodo-national-park/.

The first hyperbaric oxygen chamber in Komodo was officially opened at the end of 2019. The chamber is located in the Siloam Hospital in town.