There are two accommodation scenarios if you want to visit the Komodo National Park area, East Nusa Tenggara. The first is to stay at a hotel located in Labuan Bajo. The second is to stay on the boat which is often called Live on Board (LOB). Both have their own advantages in terms of both cost and time.
So for example on Friday, go straight to the boat not to the hotel. Later on Sunday, we will go straight back to the airport. In terms of time efficiency, LOB is indeed superior. The choice of boats also varies. Starting from a boat with one cabin, two cabins, to luxury boats such as a phinisi equivalent of a five star hotel.
This boat functions as floating accommodation as well as island hopping transportation for tourists visiting the Komodo National Park. No need to worry, food is also provided for tourists on board.
LOB prices vary. it depends on the type of boat, the number of tourists and the duration of the trip. LOB prices start from IDR 2.5 million for three days and two nights per person for standard boats. There is pinisi boat which is equivalent to a five-star hotel with a rental price of IDR 25-60 million per night, which can accommodate 6-12 people.
The downside of LOB is for people who have problems with seasickness. For those who are not accustomed to staying on a boat, especially during high wave season, LOB seems to be a challenge.
Alternatively you can stay on land, and take part in a one-day island hopping boat tour. Accommodation prices in Labuan Bajo, the gateway to the Komodo National Park, also vary widely. Starting from IDR 100,000 per night for the homestay class. As for daily boats, again the choices are very diverse. Starting from the bemo boat (what local people call a wooden boat engine klotok) which costs around Rp. 2 million for eight people. There are also yachts with two motorized engines with a speed of 4,500 rpm, for IDR 20-35 million per day which can accommodate six people. If you don’t want to be bothered, you can use an agent service which is of course a bit more expensive.
So which is your choice, staying on a boat, on land, the luxury version, or a backpacker when traveling to Komodo National Park?
Happy Responsible Travel!
