Komodo and Alor

About the region

Komodo National Park sits between Flores and Sumbawa. Alor is a separate island group east of Flores — less visited, but often stronger dives per site. Both are reached via Labuan Bajo (Komodo) or by direct flight to Kupang/Alor.

Choosing between them: Komodo is easier, has the broadest range, and more tourism. Alor is wilder, with less traffic on the dive sites and more local character. A 14-night liveaboard can cover both via the Ombai Strait.

When to go

April to November. June–August is windy in the south (Manta Alley) but calmer in the north. October–November is often the best combination of weather and visibility. January–February is best avoided.

What to know

• Komodo has both warm (28°C in the north) and cold (22°C in the south) water. Pack a 5 mm.
• The currents are among the strongest in Asia. A reef hook is standard kit.
• Land-based diving from Labuan Bajo works for northern Komodo but doesn’t reach Manta Alley well.
• Liveaboard is the right choice for serious diving. 7 nights covers Komodo, 10–12 for Komodo+Alor.

Good fit if you

Have 40+ dives, can handle drift conditions, want to combine diving with one easy land activity (the dragons take half a day).

Skip if you

Are under 30 dives, are traveling January–February, or want platform comforts between dives — Alor is simply more remote.

Land activities

Monitor lizard viewing on Rinca (wilder) or Komodo Island (more touristy). Padar Island’s three-bay viewpoint is the classic park photo. Waerebo — a traditional village with peaked-roof houses in the Flores interior — adds a couple of days but is worth it.