Komodo Trip Cost: What You'll Really Pay in 2026

Okay, so you're staring at Instagram, you've seen Padar Island a hundred times, and now you're trying to figure out what a Komodo trip actually costs. I get it — I've had this exact conversation with friends maybe forty times, and every single time the same thing happens: they Google it, find ten websites with ten different numbers, and end up more confused than when they started.

Let me cut through the noise. I live and work in this space, I help people book these trips every week, and I'm going to give you the real numbers — including the ones nobody likes to mention until you're already at the dock.

The Short Answer (If You're in a Hurry)

For a 3-day, 2-night shared phinisi trip from Labuan Bajo, you're looking at roughly IDR 6,000,000 to 12,000,000 per person (around USD 380–760) all-in once you add park fees and a flight from Bali. Private charters for 8–12 people land somewhere between IDR 35,000,000 and 90,000,000 for the whole boat, depending on how nice the boat is and the season.

That's the headline. Now let's actually break it down so you can plan properly.

Getting to Labuan Bajo

This is where most people underestimate. You can't just walk to Komodo — you fly into Labuan Bajo (LBJ) on the western tip of Flores, and that's your launch point.

• Flight from Bali to LBJ: IDR 1,200,000 – 2,500,000 round-trip, depending on whether you grab a Citilink/Wings deal or get stuck with a last-minute Garuda fare. Book at least three weeks out and you'll save real money.
• Flight from Jakarta: IDR 2,500,000 – 4,500,000 round-trip. Direct flights exist now, which is a relief.
• Airport transfer to harbor: IDR 50,000 – 100,000 for a Grab or hotel shuttle. The harbor is literally a 10-minute drive from the runway.

Quick tip from someone who's missed this flight twice: don't book a same-day return out of Bali after your boat trip. Boats can run late, weather happens, and you do not want to sprint through Ngurah Rai in flip-flops. Stay one night in Bali on the way back.

The Boat — Where Most of Your Money Goes

This is the big one, and it's where the whole "how much does a Komodo trip cost" question really lives. There are basically three tiers.

Backpacker boats (IDR 2,500,000 – 4,500,000 per person, 3D2N)

Look, these exist and people have a great time on them, but you're sleeping in bunks, the bathroom is shared, and the boat usually has 25+ people on it. If you're 22 and just want to see the islands cheap, fine. If you're past 30 or traveling with a partner, you'll regret it by night two.

Mid-range phinisi (IDR 6,000,000 – 9,000,000 per person, per cabin)

This is the sweet spot for most travelers. Real cabins with proper beds, en-suite bathrooms on most boats, AC, decent food, 12–18 guests max. The hull is wood, the boat looks beautiful, and you actually sleep at night. This is the tier I recommend to friends 90% of the time.

Luxury phinisi (IDR 11,000,000 – 25,000,000+ per person)

Now we're talking sundecks, jacuzzis, top-tier chefs, dive masters on staff. Honeymoon territory. Worth it once in your life.

For private charters, multiply your guest count by roughly the per-cabin price and add 15–25% for exclusivity. On charterphinisi.com you can see live per-cabin pricing and remaining cabins for each departure date — that's honestly the easiest way to compare without ten WhatsApp threads.

Park Fees — The Sneaky Part

This catches everyone off guard, so pay attention. The Komodo National Park entrance fees are paid on top of your boat price, almost always.

For foreigners, expect to pay around IDR 750,000 – 1,200,000 per person in combined park entry, ranger, snorkel, dive, and conservation fees over a 3-day trip. Indonesian citizens pay roughly a quarter of that.

Some operators bundle this in. Most don't. Always ask before you book — "is the park fee included?" — and if the answer is vague, assume no.

Food, Drinks, Tips, and the Stuff Nobody Lists

• Meals on the boat: usually included. Expect Indonesian buffet, fresh fish, a lot of rice. You will not go hungry.
• Bottled water and tea/coffee: included on every decent boat.
• Beer and soda: usually NOT included. Budget IDR 30,000 – 50,000 per beer. A six-pack stash from the Labuan Bajo minimart before boarding is the best money you'll spend all trip.
• Crew tip: not mandatory, but the crew works hard. IDR 200,000 – 400,000 per guest at the end of the trip, split among the team, is normal and appreciated.
• Dive packages: if you're certified, expect IDR 700,000 – 1,200,000 per dive. Komodo currents are no joke — go with experienced divemasters.

When You Go Changes Everything

High season (July, August, December–early January) prices are easily 30–50% higher, and the good boats sell out two months ahead.

Shoulder season — April, May, June, September, October — is honestly the best deal. Weather is great, water is clear, prices drop, and the islands aren't packed. May through June especially is a sweet spot.

Low season (January–March) gets choppy and some operators don't run at all. Cheap, but you're rolling the dice on weather.

A Realistic All-In Budget

For a couple flying from Bali, doing a 3D2N mid-range shared phinisi in May:

• Flights (2 pax): IDR 4,000,000
• Boat (2 cabins shared trip): IDR 14,000,000
• Park fees (2 pax): IDR 2,000,000
• Pre/post Labuan Bajo hotel + food (1 night each side): IDR 1,500,000
• Drinks, tips, snacks: IDR 1,500,000
• Total: roughly IDR 23,000,000 (~USD 1,460) for two people

That's the honest number. Anyone quoting you USD 500 per person all-in is hiding something.

How to Actually Book Without Getting Burned

The Komodo booking scene has a lot of middlemen. Same boat, three different prices, depending on who you DM on Instagram. After watching this happen for years, here's what I tell people:

Go direct, see the actual boat photos, see real-time cabin availability, and pay through a platform that protects you. charterphinisi.com is where I send everyone — verified phinisi operators only, transparent per-cabin pricing, live availability for every departure, no hidden markups, and Indonesian-based support that actually picks up WhatsApp.

Pick your dates, pick your cabin, pay safely, show up at the harbor with a smile. That's it.

Ready to lock in your Komodo trip? Browse verified phinisi boats and check live 2026 departure dates on charterphinisi.com — your future self, sipping coffee on a sundeck off Padar at sunrise, will thank you.