From Our Journal
Travel Stories
Insider tips, hidden gems, and inspiration for your next Komodo adventure.
The Ultimate Guide to Labuan Bajo: Everything You Need to Know Before You Go (2026)
Planning a trip to Labuan Bajo? This comprehensive guide covers how to get there, the best time to visit, what to pack, budgeting tips, cultural etiquette, and insider advice from local guides.
Top 10 Things to Do in Komodo National Park (2026)
From hiking the iconic Padar Island at sunrise to swimming with manta rays and walking among Komodo dragons - here are the 10 best experiences waiting for you in Komodo National Park.
Is Labuan Bajo Worth Visiting in 2026? An Honest Local's Take
Yes — but with caveats. We live here. Here's our honest answer to whether Labuan Bajo deserves your money, time, and the long flight, plus what to expect and what to skip.
Labuan Bajo vs Bali: Which Indonesian Destination Should You Choose?
If you have one trip to Indonesia and can only pick one, here's how to decide between Bali's beaches+culture+nightlife and Labuan Bajo's dragons+diving+wild islands.
How to Get from Bali to Labuan Bajo (2026 Flight & Ferry Guide)
The fast way (1-hour flight, USD 50-100) and the adventurous way (36-hour ferry via Lombok). Schedules, prices, airlines, and which flight to actually book.
Are Komodo Dragons Dangerous to Humans? A Local's Honest Safety Guide
Komodo dragons have killed people. They also let thousands of tourists walk past them every year without incident. Here is what actually happens, plus the safety rules our rangers swear by.
Best Time to Visit Komodo Island: Month-by-Month Guide From Locals
April to October is the dry season and the busy season. June, July, and September hit the sweet spot. November to March has fewer crowds but rough water on the boats. Real talk on what each month actually delivers.
Padar Island Sunrise Hike: Honest Difficulty Rating, Time, and What to Expect
Padar's three-bay viewpoint is doable for anyone reasonably fit. The climb takes 30 to 45 minutes, the trail has 838 steps (yes, we counted), and the wooden boardwalk near the top is the part most people remember. Here is everything you should know before 4:30 AM hits.
21 Komodo Dragon Facts That Sound Like Lies (But Are Not)
Komodo dragons can run faster than you. They smell blood from four kilometres away. Females can reproduce without a male. And that is barely scratching the surface.
Wae Rebo Village From Labuan Bajo: How to Get There, What to Expect, and Whether It Is Worth It
Wae Rebo is the traditional Manggarai village with seven conical houses that earned a UNESCO Asia-Pacific cultural heritage award. From Labuan Bajo it is a four-hour drive plus a three-hour uphill hike. Here is what the trip actually involves.
Labuan Bajo Airport (LBJ) to Harbour: Distance, Time, Cost, and How to Avoid Getting Ripped Off
The harbour is 2 km from the airport. A taxi costs IDR 100,000. Most arriving tourists pay IDR 250,000 or more. Here is exactly what to do.
Komodo vs Rinca Island: Which Is Better for Seeing Dragons (Honest Local Comparison)
Komodo Island has the bigger dragons and the bigger crowds. Rinca has higher dragon density per visitor and shorter ranger walks. Most day tours visit one or the other. Here is which to choose.
Kelimutu From Labuan Bajo: How to Visit the Three Coloured Lakes (and Whether You Should)
Kelimutu is the volcanic crater with three lakes that change colour (turquoise, green, black, occasionally red). From Labuan Bajo it is a serious commitment: 10 to 12 hours of driving each way, plus an overnight near the summit for sunrise. Here is whether it is worth it.