After many previous trips to Komodo, I finally got to stay at the Komodo Resort—an ethnic chic boutique hotel perched on the fringe of the amazing Komodo National Park.
With this review, find out if the Komodo Resort is the best place for your next holiday and get plenty of practical tips on how to make the best of your trip to Komodo.
How to Get to the Komodo Resort?
How to Get to Labuan Bajo
Labuan Bajo, on the western tip of Flores, is the gateway to the Komodo National Park. It is served by Komodo International Airport (LBJ), just a short drive from town. Most hotels and resorts will arrange your airport pickup; otherwise, a taxi into town costs around 100,000 Rupiah (about 6 USD).
The easiest way in is a domestic flight from Bali or Jakarta. From Bali, it is a short one-hour hop with 7–9 nonstop flights a day. From Jakarta, the nonstop takes about two and a half hours, with several departures every morning.
My preferred airline for these routes is Garuda Indonesia: it is the most reliable carrier in the country and offers a free 23 kg sports equipment allowance on top of your standard checked baggage, which covers a full set of diving gear (one item per passenger — worth confirming with reservations a couple of days before departure). Note that Garuda’s Bali–Labuan Bajo service comes and goes with the seasons — at the time of writing the Bali nonstops are operated by AirAsia and Batik Air, while Garuda flies from Jakarta. After Garuda, my order of preference is AirAsia, then Batik Air, and Lion Air or Wings Air only as a last resort, as they are frequently delayed and charge for every kilo of dive gear.
Batik Air deserves a special mention: their business class used to be poor value, but the service has clearly improved. They now serve drinks and a snack during the flight — on my last flight it was a cheese pizza, and it was actually tasty — and the seat is more comfortable too, a bit like a business class seat from the 80s.
You can now also fly into Labuan Bajo directly from abroad, which saves the connection in Bali or Jakarta. AirAsia flies from Kuala Lumpur a couple of times a week, and Scoot launched a direct flight from Singapore in December 2025, currently two to three times a week. These are the only international routes for now, and frequencies change often, so check the current schedules when you plan your trip.
One practical warning: Indonesian airline websites often reject international credit cards. If your payment fails on the airline’s own site, book through a platform like Trip.com, which sells all the Indonesian domestic carriers and processes foreign cards without drama.
Getting from the Labuan Bajo Airport to the Komodo Resort
The resort can seamlessly arrange your airport shuttle van transfers and scheduled boat rides. The transit setup is highly organized, and the resort shuttle boat is exceptionally comfortable.
I chose to make my own way to the resort on arrival, pulling up directly at their jetty after a full day of open-water diving in the national park with a local dive shop. The dive vessel simply dropped me off at the resort pier on their return route back to Labuan Bajo town.
The Komodo Resort manager warmly greeted me right at the jetty. The service was immediate; staff members promptly took care of my luggage while handing me a refreshing cold towel.
I was escorted straight to the open-air beachfront restaurant, presented with a welcome drink, and given a brief overview of the daily meal structures and diving schedules. The entire check-in operation felt seamless. My heavy diving gear was taken directly down to the on-site dive center, where the team proactively washed and hung everything up to dry.
For my return trip to the mainland, the resort utilized a high-speed speedboat, which completed the journey from the resort pier back to the Labuan Bajo harbor in approximately 35 minutes.
Review of the Komodo Resort Property
The Komodo Resort is exclusively located on its own private tropical island, Sebayur Besar, sitting right along the outer boundaries of the Komodo National Park.
The boutique resort grounds feature a collection of 20 beachfront bungalows. This includes 18 independent Standard Bungalows and 2 larger Family Bungalows that comprise two interconnected living units each. Every single bungalow is built directly on the beachfront, guaranteeing sweeping views across the sea.
The main restaurant pavilion, the arrivals jetty, and the professional dive center form the central hub of the resort layout. Spreading out to the south of this main hub are the 10 South Bungalows, nestled along a pristine crescent of soft white sand.
Both the main dining room and the dive base are magnificent, high-ceilinged bamboo structures designed to fully embrace the cooling sea breezes flowing off the ocean.
The beach bar is an incredibly welcoming spot, outfitted with outdoor tables scattered across the wide expanse of sand at the heart of the property. It serves as a fantastic social crossroads where divers gather to swap stories over sunset drinks.
The dedicated water sports center sits directly adjacent to the dive base. Guests can easily borrow ocean kayaks to paddle around the calm shallows of the private island.
The island landscape is genuinely beautiful, with vibrant bougainvillea flowers weaving through lush, well-tended tropical gardens. The gentle lapping of the waves creates a thoroughly relaxing soundtrack. I spent many peaceful afternoons lounging on a dedicated sunbed right on the water’s edge.
Review of the Beachfront Rooms
I stayed in Bungalow South 6 and absolutely loved the experience. While the traditional timber-clad structure appears modest from the exterior, the interior footprint feels surprisingly spacious.
The main bedroom area is grand, hosting a plush king-size bed fully draped in protective mosquito netting, alongside a practical work desk. The mattress was incredibly comfortable (leaning slightly toward the soft side) and stacked with premium pillows.
A secure digital safe is tucked inside the wardrobe for your travel valuables. The in-room mini-fridge comes stocked with complimentary soft drinks and light snacks.
The space is equipped with efficient air conditioning and plenty of electrical outlets to recharge camera batteries and dive gear. The elegant curvature of the wooden ceiling paired with regional ethnic art gives the space a distinctly laid-back yet highly comfortable luxury aesthetic.
The bathroom is vast and beautifully lined with local white river stones. The wide shower enclosure delivers excellent hot water pressure.
TIP: The hot water operates on an eco-friendly gas heating system, meaning it takes a few moments to warm up. If the hot water flow doesn’t engage immediately, simply shut off the tap for a moment and turn it back on to trigger the heater.
Fresh botanical shampoo and body washes are replenished daily.
The private beachfront veranda quickly became my favorite place to relax. Appointed with two comfortable armchairs, a footrest, and a side table, the deep overhanging circular roof line ensures absolute privacy and great shelter from any passing tropical rain showers.
Even better are the two dedicated wooden lounge chairs set up on the sand right in front of your personal doorway.
What Bungalow to Choose at Komodo Resort?
Bungalow 1 sits closest to the central restaurant and dive shack, while Bungalow 10 is the most distant along the southern curve.
TIP: Bungalow 1 can catch a bit of foot traffic noise due to its close proximity to the main dining pavilion.
If you want completely unobstructed panoramic ocean views, **Bungalows South 4 and South 5** are the absolute sweet spots on the property.
The North section houses the Deluxe accommodations. While they sit right on the waterfront, the natural sandy beach line here experiences tidal fluctuations and can submerge during high tide. To counter this, the resort has engineered superb over-water wooden tanning decks complete with sunbeds, making the North side an equally appealing option for relaxation.
Review of the Food and Full Board Dining
Meals are served in structured windows: 7:00 AM – 9:00 AM for breakfast, 12:00 PM (or dynamically timed to match returning dive boats) for lunch, and 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM for dinner. The central pavilion dining room is wonderfully breezy and spacious.
The culinary program focuses heavily on a fusion of classic Indonesian specialties and authentic Italian dishes. While the resort may occasionally adjust menu sizes based on seasonal occupancies, their standard Full Board package is remarkably diverse. It typically features a rotating selection of à la carte options, encompassing over 40 distinct menu items ranging from rich Thai curries to Western staples.
The food is consistently delicious, fresh, and satisfying, though it is best to manage expectations: you are on a remote, self-sustaining tropical island rather than a metropolitan fine-dining hub. The dishes are hearty and perfectly designed to replenish energy after a long day of diving.
For breakfast, guests can select from freshly prepared eggs, pancakes, a classic continental spread, or traditional Indonesian *Nasi Goreng*, accompanied by seasonal fruit platters. The only minor critique was the breakfast juice, which leaned more toward a standard sweet concentrate rather than premium fresh-squeezed options.
Lunch and dinner offer a curated choice of two or three changing main courses. The kitchen rotates seamlessly through traditional *Beef Rendang*, fresh *Gado Gado*, comforting *Bakso* noodle soups, and classic Italian *Pasta Carbonara*.
Every dinner finishes with a delightful dessert course alongside fresh local fruits.
Dive Center Organization and Marine Life
The crowning jewel of the Komodo Resort is its unparalleled geographic proximity to the absolute best dive sites in the entire Komodo National Park. This strategic base makes it the single most efficient resort for diving the central and northern marine sectors.
Situated on Sebayur Besar Island, the resort is a mere 40-minute boat ride from legendary dive sites like **Batu Bolong** and **Mawan**! By comparison, day boats operating out of mainland Labuan Bajo or Seraya Island frequently face grueling 2-hour transits each way.
While standard town-based operations spend the entire day traveling for just two dives, staying at Komodo Resort allows you to complete two morning dives and return in time to spend the whole afternoon relaxing on the beach—or heading out for an optional third afternoon dive.
The diving operations are thoroughly 5-star. The crew handles all gear management flawlessly, transferring, rinsing, and preparing equipment proactively. The boat hands are incredibly supportive, making kitting up smooth and effortless.
The main dive boat is a traditional local wooden vessel. While it sports a rustic look rather than a sleek modern hull, it is incredibly spacious, functional, and comes equipped with an onboard marine toilet and a large, open dive deck. The heavy-duty exit ladder at the stern is wide and very comfortable, making reboarding simple.
The boat features an expansive upper sun deck along with a comfortable shaded lounge area outfitted with plush bean bags.
During one of my excursions, our traditional engine suffered a mechanical breakdown after our second dive. While the crew attempted repairs, we drifted comfortably for about 40 minutes before the resort’s safety speedboat arrived to tow us home. The resort has since updated its fleet with newer, modern vessels, ensuring smooth transit operations moving forward.
Standard bottom times are capped at a strict 60 minutes for safety, and Nitrox blends are readily available for an additional fee.
On my final diving day, the resort demonstrated its commitment to high service standards. There were only two divers scheduled: myself and a beginner. Rather than forcing us into a single compromise itinerary, they deployed two separate dive boats so that we could each explore sites suited to our respective skill levels.
The underwater encounters were spectacular! Visiting toward the tail end of March, the manta activity was phenomenal. We encountered over 20 manta rays dancing across **Manta Point** and another 8 individuals at **Mawan**, staying alongside us for nearly the entire dive.
We also dove the legendary **Batu Bolong** twice. We witnessed thrilling hunting action, with whitetip reef sharks and massive Giant Trevallies actively herding glittering clouds of fusiliers. The pinnacle reef at Batu Bolong is astonishingly vibrant, carpeted in red anthias. A huge school of barracuda patrolled the blue water while green sea turtles rested peacefully along the vertical walls.
Best Things to Do at the Komodo Resort
Guided Tours to See the Iconic Komodo Dragons
Beyond the world-class scuba program, the resort coordinates excellent day trips out to neighboring islands. You absolutely cannot miss an excursion to **Rinca Island** or **Komodo Island** to witness the legendary Komodo Dragons in their natural habitat. Additional regional highlights include trekking the dramatic ridges of **Padar Island** or swimming at the beautiful **Pink Beach**.
Chilling on the Pristine Beach
The house beach is genuinely spectacular, and having two personal sun loungers pitched right on the sand directly outside your bungalow door makes beachfront relaxation completely effortless.
Fabulous House Reef Snorkeling
There is a vibrant, thriving coral reef ecosystem running directly parallel to the bungalow line. While you won’t regularly spy the massive open-ocean pelagics found in the central currents, it offers exceptional, leisurely snorkeling.
Because the hard coral gardens grow close to the surface, the safest way to enter without risking damage to the delicate reef structures is to walk to the end of the jetty and step directly into deeper water.
Snorkeling Tip: Always notify the water sports shack team before you head out into the water. The staff can keep a helpful eye on you from shore and quickly deploy a boat if local tidal currents become too strong to paddle against.
While the immediate footprint under the jetty handles heavy boat traffic, it serves as a fantastic shelter for marine life. Peer under the wooden pillars to spot schools of batfish and occasional juvenile blacktip reef sharks resting in the shadows.
Swapping just two minutes away from the pier in either direction brings you above a pristine, gently sloping hard coral garden packed with colorful damselfish, parrotfish, and anemone encounters.
The On-Site Island Spa
The resort features a beautiful, dedicated wellness spa hut. While operational schedules can vary depending on seasonal staffing and travel guidelines, it is designed as a perfect oasis for traditional Balinese massages after intensive diving days.
The Beachfront Gym and Library
Impressively for a remote private island setting, Komodo Resort features a fully functional fitness gym if daily aquatic activities don’t provide quite enough exercise.
Walking Up to the Island Sunset Viewpoint
An easy, well-marked dirt trail winds directly from the resort grounds up to the highest ridgeline of the island. The walk is straightforward and can comfortably be completed in standard flip-flops, taking roughly 10 minutes to reach the summit.
The panoramic vista from the peak is absolutely breathtaking, looking out across the scattered islands of the Flores Sea. The path begins discreetly behind Bungalow South 4.
Conclusion and Final Verdict
The Komodo Resort is an extraordinarily special sanctuary nestled on the edge of the world-famous Komodo National Park. It stands out as an absolute must-visit destination if you are a passionate scuba diver or snorkeler. The beachfront timber bungalows are exceptionally comfortable, the house beach is idyllic, and the entire island exudes a wonderfully authentic, relaxed vibe. Crucially, it remains the most strategically advantageous land-based resort to easily access the absolute best dive sites in the region.
Because of its unique appeal, the Komodo Resort is frequently fully booked many months in advance. Make sure to plan ahead and secure your reservations early if you want to experience this slice of paradise.
If you would like to explore alternative luxury island stays across the region, make sure to read my comprehensive reviews of the neighboring Seraya Resort as well as the luxurious Ayana Komodo Resort.
For travelers trying to decide between island resorts and full-board liveaboard cruising, check out my first-hand experience reports reviewing the Carpe Diem Liveaboard diving journeys through Komodo, the extensive Ilike Liveaboard cruise from Komodo to Maumere, and the classic sailing cruise route on the Ilike Liveaboard from Komodo to Bali.
1 thought on “Review of the Komodo resort, the most comfortable resort to dive Komodo”
Thank you very much, looking forward to your next visit 🙏