Getting to Flores and Komodo

Flores Island

By Air, By Sea, By Land & Sea

Today, there are several ways how to get to Flores and Komodo National Park

Most of our guests arrive in Labuan Bajo first. Labuan Bajo is the town in the west of Flores Island and is the starting point for diving and other tours to Komodo National Park.

Depending on your travel preferences, your budget and time, you can choose to go to Labuan Bajo, Flores by air, by sea or by the combination of land & sea.

The main airport connecting Flores with other major islands such as Bali or Java is located in Labuan Bajo. Labuan Bajo’s airport called Komodo Airport due to town’s major attraction point is operating domestic flights only. Yet, there are plans to make the airport international in near future. Also the main ferries such as PELNI arrive in Labuan Bajo.

Therefore, you can enter Indonesia internationally either in Jakarta/Java or in Denpasar/Bali where you can get a direct connection to Labuan Bajo/Flores.

A number of international airlines brings you to Jakarta/Java or Denpasar/Bali from the UK, Germany, the Netherlands, the US and Canada, Australia, or Japan. TUI Nordic connects Indonesia with NorwayDenmarkSweden and Finland.

From the airport in Labuan Bajo it is only about 15 minutes by car to our dive center at Bintang Flores Hotel. You can either take a taxi from the airport, or pre-arrange your pick-up with us. Simply send us your arrival details.

We are looking forward to you and wish you a safe arrival.

By Air

Labuan Bajo airportThe fastest and probably the most convenient way to travel to Flores is by air. There are daily flights from Denpasar, Bali and Jakarta, Java and weekly from Surabaya, Java. Several airlines serve the route offering economy and even business class.

You can book a flight online directly at the airline’s webpage, through a travel agent or directly at the airport. Several search machines can help you to find the currently available airline and their schedule.

It is a fact that the schedule can change fast and without prior notice, there are some delays and sometimes other local issues that might make your travel a bit longer. Just take it as an adventure and be patient.

However, we recommend allowing yourself one day as a backup, especially when flying back from Labuan Bajo to catch your flight back home.

Currently operating airlines are Air Asia, Citilink, Lion Air, Wings Air, Batik Air and Garuda Indonesia.

Airport Code: LBJ
Flight time: Denpasar – Labuan Bajo         => 50 minutes to 1h20
  Jakarta – Labuan Bajo             => 2h 20
Baggage allowance: 10 – 25 kg, depending on the airline. Please check when booking

Have a safe flight and see you soon.

By Sea

For those who have more time and would like to make an adventure out of their travel, can choose to take the national ship PELNI or do the boat trip between Lombok and Flores. The journey on the PELNI ship starts at the Benoa Harbor in Bali and takes up to 36 hours to reach Labuan Bajo. Several classes, including the economy class with a large dormitory are offered on the PELNI vessel. There are some restaurants, cafeterias, kiosks and even movie theaters besides a huge amount of people, animals and vehicles.

For schedules and current information on PELNI services it is best to check their webpage www.pelni.co.id , or contact their office in Kuta, Bali.

The boat trips between Lombok and Flores differ from operator to operator but generally might take between one or two nights to reach Labuan Bajo.

We are happy to assist you in this organization, simply send us an email.

By Land & Sea

Alternatively, there is the opportunity to travel from Bali via Lombok and Sumbawa that combines ferry, boat and bus service. It is a rather longer journey and you would need to plan and check it in advance. Only choose this option if you have plenty of time to travel as the schedules of ferries, boats and busses are rather unreliable. 

You can start your journey from Bali and cross over to Lombok. There to go overland from harbour in the west to the harbour in the east, you can either take a public bus or a taxi. And for the sea crossing between Lombok and Sumbawa and then from Sumbawa to Flores you have an option of taking either a local boat, or a ferry or a speedboat – this will depend on the local availability on spot.

However, remember that besides being a long journey, it might also be an exhausting one. While you will see beautiful landscapes and meet many different people, just be careful and enjoy the experience.

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