# Complete Komodo Travel Guide 2026 > Everything you need to know before visiting Komodo National Park in 2026 — SiOra regulations, visitor quotas, how to get there, and what to expect. Komodo National Park is one of the few places on earth where a single trip delivers ancient reptiles, world-class diving, pink-sand beaches, and open-ocean manta encounters — all within a 1,700 km² marine park in the eastern Indonesian archipelago. Planning that trip in 2026 requires understanding a regulatory landscape that has changed significantly since the pandemic, with stricter visitor management now in place to protect the ecosystem for the long term. ## The SiOra System: What Visitors Need to Know Since 2022, Komodo National Park has operated under the **SiOra online booking system** (siora.btnkomodo.id), managed by BTNK (Balai Taman Nasional Komodo). Every visitor entering the park must have a pre-registered ticket purchased through this system — walk-in entry is no longer available. Key points: - **Daily quota**: The park enforces a cap of approximately **1,000 visitors per day** across key sites including Komodo Island, Rinca Island, Padar, and Pink Beach. - **Booking window**: Tickets can be purchased up to 30 days in advance. Peak season (July–August) sells out weeks ahead. - **Operator responsibility**: Most liveaboard operators, including those listed on KomodoExplorer, handle SiOra registration as part of your booking. Confirm this with your operator before departure. - **Entry fees**: Subject to annual review. In 2026, park entrance and conservation levies are included in SiOra tickets. Budget approximately IDR 150,000–250,000 per person per day depending on nationality and site accessed. ## How to Get to Labuan Bajo Labuan Bajo, the gateway to Komodo National Park, is served by **Komodo Airport (LBJ)** with direct connections from: - **Bali (Denpasar/DPS)**: Multiple daily flights, 1h15m. The most common entry point for international visitors. - **Jakarta (CGK/HLP)**: Direct and connecting services, 2.5–3.5 hours. - **Lombok (LOP)**: Available via Bali or direct with some carriers — particularly useful for the **Lombok→Komodo sailing route**. - **Surabaya (SUB)**: Connecting via Bali or direct on certain schedules. International visitors typically fly into Bali first, then connect to Labuan Bajo. Book LBJ flights early — the airport operates at capacity during peak season and last-minute fares spike significantly. ## Best Time to Visit: A Quick Overview **April to November** is broadly the dry season and the peak window for Komodo visits, with the clearest underwater visibility and the calmest sea conditions. The optimal window varies by what you're prioritising: - **Manta ray season**: Year-round at Manta Alley (Komodo) and Manta Point (Nusa Penida), with peak frequency April–November when current patterns concentrate plankton. - **Whale sharks at Saleh Bay (Sumbawa)**: Year-round resident population — a reason to consider the Lombok→Komodo sailing route. - **Dragon sightings**: Best in the cooler dry months (April–October) when the Komodo dragon is more active during daylight hours. - **Peak crowds**: July–August. If avoiding crowds is a priority, May–June or September–October offers the same conditions with fewer visitors. - **Wet season (December–March)**: Rougher seas, lower visibility, some sites inaccessible. Not recommended for first-time visitors, but experienced divers find exceptional soft-coral visibility at certain sites. ## Choosing Your Vessel Komodo charter options range from budget open-trip speedboats to VVIP superyachts. The right choice depends on group size, budget, and the kind of experience you want. - **Open trips**: Shared charters, typically 4–10 guests. Best for solo travellers and small groups on a budget. Blackbeard Phinisi is a strong 2026 option. - **Private charters**: Full boat hire. Offers flexibility, privacy, and the ability to customise your itinerary. Starting from mid-range phinisis to flagship vessels like Lamima. - **Day trips**: Fast-boat day cruises departing Labuan Bajo. Suited to travellers with limited time — East Cruise Fast Boat reaches the main sites in a single day. KomodoExplorer Indonesia lists and operates vessels across all categories, with verified specifications and 2026 pricing available for each boat on the platform. ## Entry Requirements for 2026 Indonesia operates a **visa-on-arrival (VOA) system** for most nationalities at LBJ airport, currently priced at IDR 500,000 (approximately USD 32) for a 30-day single-entry visa, extendable once. Check the latest requirements through the Indonesian Directorate General of Immigration — regulations are reviewed periodically. --- *This guide reflects conditions as of March 2026. Regulations, fees, and quotas are subject to change. KomodoExplorer Indonesia recommends confirming current requirements directly with your operator before travel.*