https://komodotimes.com/Komodo Times reports on Komodo National Park, Labuan Bajo and Flores: conservation, marine life and diving, travel and access, the tourism economy, explainers and data.en© 2026 PT. Kabar Delapan Belashttps://komodotimes.com/assets/site/brand/icon-144.pnghttps://komodotimes.com/144144Wed, 04 Nov 2026 06:05:06 +080015 https://komodotimes.com/fence-remains-at-laing-lewe-beach-amid-public-access-disputehttps://komodotimes.com/fence-remains-at-laing-lewe-beach-amid-public-access-disputeWed, 04 Nov 2026 06:05:06 +0800Asyinta SastraKomodo National ParkA wire fence remained at Laing Lewe Beach on 3 November after residents protested restricted shoreline access. https://komodotimes.com/travel-feature-profiles-komodo-national-parks-area-and-biodiversityhttps://komodotimes.com/travel-feature-profiles-komodo-national-parks-area-and-biodiversityMon, 02 Nov 2026 08:06:07 +0800Asyinta SastraKomodo National ParkA travel feature published on 1 November 2026 profiles Komodo and Kelimutu national parks, citing Komodo’s area, islands and wildlife without announcing a new visitor rule or closure. https://komodotimes.com/komodo-national-park-visitor-numbers-and-wildlife-protection-explainedhttps://komodotimes.com/komodo-national-park-visitor-numbers-and-wildlife-protection-explainedSat, 31 Oct 2026 06:05:28 +0800Asyinta SastraKomodo National ParkKomodo National Park recorded 334,206 visits in 2024, while its monitored Komodo dragon population stood at 3,396 in 2023. The figures show why tourism management and patrols remain linked to conservation. https://komodotimes.com/police-prepare-prosecution-file-in-alleged-drug-case-on-komodo-islandhttps://komodotimes.com/police-prepare-prosecution-file-in-alleged-drug-case-on-komodo-islandFri, 23 Oct 2026 06:05:33 +0800Asyinta SastraKomodo National ParkWest Manggarai police are preparing a prosecution file after arresting a Komodo Island fisherman in an alleged methamphetamine case involving 16 packets weighing 2.96 grams. https://komodotimes.com/police-arrest-labuan-bajo-travel-operator-over-alleged-tourist-fraudhttps://komodotimes.com/police-arrest-labuan-bajo-travel-operator-over-alleged-tourist-fraudThu, 22 Oct 2026 06:08:49 +0800Asyinta SastraKomodo National ParkPolice arrested travel-agent owner Kristoforus Aman in East Manggarai after foreign tourists reported alleged losses over undelivered Labuan Bajo and Komodo National Park packages. https://komodotimes.com/navy-warship-joins-seventh-day-search-in-komodo-national-parkhttps://komodotimes.com/navy-warship-joins-seventh-day-search-in-komodo-national-parkMon, 19 Oct 2026 13:31:09 +0800Asyinta SastraKomodo National ParkThe search for Veronica Beatrix Jessica entered its seventh day in Komodo National Park on 19 October 2026, with KRI Pulau Fani-731 and seven naval divers deployed from Labuan Bajo. https://komodotimes.com/tourist-boat-sinks-near-tatawa-island-one-passenger-missinghttps://komodotimes.com/tourist-boat-sinks-near-tatawa-island-one-passenger-missingWed, 14 Oct 2026 13:15:23 +0800Asyinta SastraKomodo National ParkA tourist phinisi sank near Tatawa Island on 13 October after entering strong currents, prompting a rescue operation for 30 people and a search for one missing passenger. https://komodotimes.com/komodo-dragon-population-what-the-latest-park-figures-showhttps://komodotimes.com/komodo-dragon-population-what-the-latest-park-figures-showTue, 13 Oct 2026 06:04:57 +0800Asyinta SastraKomodo National ParkKomodo dragon numbers reported for the park have risen to 3,396 in 2023, but the species remains Endangered and long-term management planning is under review. https://komodotimes.com/komodo-national-park-zoning-where-tourism-fishing-and-ships-are-allowedhttps://komodotimes.com/komodo-national-park-zoning-where-tourism-fishing-and-ships-are-allowedSat, 10 Oct 2026 06:04:52 +0800Asyinta SastraKomodo National ParkKomodo National Park uses seven zones to separate strict protection, tourism, traditional livelihoods, research and marine use, with permits and activity limits varying by zone. https://komodotimes.com/how-komodo-national-park-rules-protect-wildlife-while-managing-tourismhttps://komodotimes.com/how-komodo-national-park-rules-protect-wildlife-while-managing-tourismThu, 08 Oct 2026 06:05:32 +0800Asyinta SastraKomodo National ParkKomodo National Park uses zoning, wildlife surveys, patrols and carrying-capacity controls to balance tourism with protection of an endangered dragon population. https://komodotimes.com/komodo-national-park-rules-fees-activities-and-conservation-controlshttps://komodotimes.com/komodo-national-park-rules-fees-activities-and-conservation-controlsMon, 05 Oct 2026 06:07:38 +0800Asyinta SastraKomodo National ParkKomodo National Park’s official access system combines a foreign-visitor tariff with separate charges for activities such as sport fishing and drone use, under rules that took effect on 30 October 2024. https://komodotimes.com/flores-travel-report-lists-five-destinations-and-reminds-visitors-about-komodo-entry-ruleshttps://komodotimes.com/flores-travel-report-lists-five-destinations-and-reminds-visitors-about-komodo-entry-rulesSat, 03 Oct 2026 07:46:56 +0800Asyinta SastraKomodo National ParkA Pos-Kupang travel report published on 2 October 2026 lists five Flores destinations, while a separate report describes the park authority’s ticket and SiOra requirements for Komodo visits. https://komodotimes.com/komodo-national-park-visitor-cap-what-official-figures-confirmhttps://komodotimes.com/komodo-national-park-visitor-cap-what-official-figures-confirmFri, 02 Oct 2026 07:55:17 +0800Asyinta SastraKomodo National ParkKomodo National Park is managed under conservation rules, but the available official evidence does not confirm a current park-wide visitor cap. Here is what the published numbers and management framework actually establish. https://komodotimes.com/what-visitors-learn-at-niang-komodo-museum-in-rincahttps://komodotimes.com/what-visitors-learn-at-niang-komodo-museum-in-rincaThu, 01 Oct 2026 10:31:52 +0800Asyinta SastraKomodo National ParkNiang Komodo at Resort Loh Buaya presents Komodo National Park biodiversity through maps, dioramas and skeletons. Visitors need a ranger or naturalist guide. https://komodotimes.com/komodo-dragon-thailand-do-they-live-there-or-is-it-a-confusionhttps://komodotimes.com/komodo-dragon-thailand-do-they-live-there-or-is-it-a-confusionTue, 29 Sep 2026 06:07:22 +0800Asyinta SastraKomodo National ParkKomodo dragons are not native to Thailand. Thai references usually involve trafficking cases or mistaken identity with monitor lizards common in parks and waterways. https://komodotimes.com/komodo-dragon-walking-how-the-giant-lizard-moves-in-the-parkhttps://komodotimes.com/komodo-dragon-walking-how-the-giant-lizard-moves-in-the-parkMon, 28 Sep 2026 07:52:36 +0800Asyinta SastraKomodo National ParkKomodo dragons walk on all fours with a side-to-side gait, can sprint in short bursts, and usually stay close to their home valleys inside Komodo National Park. https://komodotimes.com/east-nusa-tenggara-caps-komodo-visits-at-50000-a-yearhttps://komodotimes.com/east-nusa-tenggara-caps-komodo-visits-at-50000-a-yearSun, 27 Sep 2026 20:34:21 +0800Asyinta SastraKomodo National ParkEast Nusa Tenggara will limit foreign and domestic visits to Komodo National Park in West Manggarai, Flores, to 50,000 annually. Visitors must also hold membership to enter. https://komodotimes.com/komodo-national-park-adds-500-daily-places-for-late-2026https://komodotimes.com/komodo-national-park-adds-500-daily-places-for-late-2026Sun, 27 Sep 2026 10:31:13 +0800Asyinta SastraKomodo National ParkBTNK has added a daily allocation of 500 visitors for September–December 2026 after Komodo National Park’s annual quota sold out in August. Adjustments may follow unused quota and cruise capacity. https://komodotimes.com/komodo-park-enforces-fivefold-fine-for-ticketless-entryhttps://komodotimes.com/komodo-park-enforces-fivefold-fine-for-ticketless-entrySat, 26 Sep 2026 13:32:19 +0800Asyinta SastraKomodo National ParkBTNK says ticketless entry to Komodo National Park can bring a fine five times the normal ticket rate. The charge applies per visitor or vehicle per day. https://komodotimes.com/komodo-dragon-next-to-human-what-the-park-record-sayshttps://komodotimes.com/komodo-dragon-next-to-human-what-the-park-record-saysSat, 26 Sep 2026 06:09:01 +0800Asyinta SastraKomodo National ParkKomodo dragons usually avoid people, but they can still injure or kill humans if cornered, threatened or approached too closely. Park records from 1974-2012 logged 24 attacks and five fatalities. https://komodotimes.com/why-komodo-park-investment-scrutiny-follows-seven-permit-approvalshttps://komodotimes.com/why-komodo-park-investment-scrutiny-follows-seven-permit-approvalsFri, 25 Sep 2026 13:34:14 +0800Asyinta SastraKomodo National ParkA Floresa investigation says at least seven business networks secured nature-tourism permits in Komodo National Park between 2012 and 2018, linking conservation with investment. https://komodotimes.com/komodo-dragon-location-where-the-species-lives-in-indonesiahttps://komodotimes.com/komodo-dragon-location-where-the-species-lives-in-indonesiaFri, 25 Sep 2026 06:07:26 +0800Asyinta SastraKomodo National ParkKomodo dragons are not spread across Indonesia: their natural range is concentrated in Komodo National Park and a few coastal areas of Flores, with the strongest populations on Komodo and Rinca. https://komodotimes.com/komodo-park-sets-periodic-500-place-quota-adjustmentshttps://komodotimes.com/komodo-park-sets-periodic-500-place-quota-adjustmentsThu, 24 Sep 2026 20:31:40 +0800Asyinta SastraKomodo National ParkKomodo National Park Authority announced periodic quota adjustments of 500 places per day on 22 September 2026. The move does not establish a permanent 500-person daily limit. https://komodotimes.com/what-komodos-investment-led-conservation-model-means-for-ata-modohttps://komodotimes.com/what-komodos-investment-led-conservation-model-means-for-ata-modoThu, 24 Sep 2026 10:35:53 +0800Asyinta SastraKomodo National ParkKomodo National Park’s investment-led tourism model is under scrutiny as Ata Modo residents oppose permitted infrastructure and debate continues over conservation management. https://komodotimes.com/komodo-dragon-pet-can-you-legally-keep-onehttps://komodotimes.com/komodo-dragon-pet-can-you-legally-keep-oneWed, 23 Sep 2026 06:08:09 +0800Asyinta SastraKomodo National ParkKomodo dragons are not pets: private ownership is generally prohibited, with rare exceptions for accredited zoos, research institutions or special educational permits. https://komodotimes.com/baby-komodo-dragon-size-diet-and-why-hatchlings-live-in-treeshttps://komodotimes.com/baby-komodo-dragon-size-diet-and-why-hatchlings-live-in-treesMon, 21 Sep 2026 18:12:21 +0800Asyinta SastraKomodo National ParkBaby Komodo dragons are not miniature adults. They hatch after about 7–8 months, measure roughly 30–40 cm, weigh about 80–100 grams, and spend their earliest years in trees to avoid adult dragons. https://komodotimes.com/komodo-dragon-venom-what-it-does-and-how-dangerous-it-ishttps://komodotimes.com/komodo-dragon-venom-what-it-does-and-how-dangerous-it-isMon, 21 Sep 2026 10:52:08 +0800Asyinta SastraKomodo National ParkKomodo dragons are venomous lizards. Scientific studies show their venom helps lower blood pressure and stop clotting, while the bite itself also causes severe trauma. In humans, the wound is the immediate danger. https://komodotimes.com/komodo-dragon-size-how-big-they-get-and-what-counts-as-a-recordhttps://komodotimes.com/komodo-dragon-size-how-big-they-get-and-what-counts-as-a-recordMon, 21 Sep 2026 07:27:55 +0800Asyinta SastraKomodo National ParkKomodo dragons are the world’s largest living lizards. Here is how big they usually get, how large the biggest verified animal was, and why different sources quote different numbers. https://komodotimes.com/rincas-loh-buaya-visitor-loops-and-the-mapped-doro-ora-trailhttps://komodotimes.com/rincas-loh-buaya-visitor-loops-and-the-mapped-doro-ora-trailMon, 21 Sep 2026 02:42:25 +0800Asyinta SastraKomodo National ParkThree ranger-led trekking loops from Loh Buaya currently define the standard visitor experience on Rinca Island, while a separate 2021 hiking map shows a longer trail to the 735‑metre Doro Ora summit whose public-access status is not set… https://komodotimes.com/komodo-tide-forecast-shows-why-timing-matters-for-boat-tripshttps://komodotimes.com/komodo-tide-forecast-shows-why-timing-matters-for-boat-tripsMon, 21 Sep 2026 02:42:18 +0800Asyinta SastraKomodo National ParkTides4Fishing’s Komodo forecast shows tides ranging from 0.5 to 3.0 metres later in the week, while BMKG’s marine data for the park’s port shows currents changing direction and reaching 3.5 knots. https://komodotimes.com/komodo-national-park-reefs-host-more-than-1000-fish-species-sources-sayhttps://komodotimes.com/komodo-national-park-reefs-host-more-than-1000-fish-species-sources-sayMon, 21 Sep 2026 02:42:15 +0800Asyinta SastraKomodo National ParkKomodo National Park sits inside the Coral Triangle, where UNESCO and WWF say its waters hold more than 1,000 fish species and more than 260 coral species. https://komodotimes.com/why-young-komodo-dragons-spend-their-first-months-in-treeshttps://komodotimes.com/why-young-komodo-dragons-spend-their-first-months-in-treesMon, 21 Sep 2026 02:42:12 +0800Asyinta SastraKomodo National ParkYoung Komodo dragons use trees as refuge from adult dragons and other predators. The age at which they move to the ground varies by source, but both agree the shift depends on growth and development. https://komodotimes.com/komodo-national-park-charges-foreign-visitors-idr-250000-under-current-tariffhttps://komodotimes.com/komodo-national-park-charges-foreign-visitors-idr-250000-under-current-tariffMon, 21 Sep 2026 02:42:03 +0800Asyinta SastraKomodo National ParkKomodo National Park charges foreign visitors IDR 250,000 per person under the current tariff structure, with boat, harbour and guide costs typically billed separately. A park-wide daily cap of 1,000 visitors is now enforced through SiOra. https://komodotimes.com/komodo-september-2026-outlook-hot-days-and-extreme-uv-riskhttps://komodotimes.com/komodo-september-2026-outlook-hot-days-and-extreme-uv-riskMon, 21 Sep 2026 02:42:01 +0800Asyinta SastraKomodo National ParkCommercial forecast and climate services point to a hot, mostly dry September 2026 in Komodo, with typical temperatures around 22°C to 31°C and an extreme UV index on Sunday, 20 September, making sun protection and hydration essential for… https://komodotimes.com/bmkg-weekly-outlook-what-18-24-september-2026-means-for-komodo-tripshttps://komodotimes.com/bmkg-weekly-outlook-what-18-24-september-2026-means-for-komodo-tripsMon, 21 Sep 2026 02:41:37 +0800Asyinta SastraKomodo National ParkIndonesia’s weather agency BMKG forecasts a mainly dry, El Niño‑driven week from 18–24 September 2026, with localized moderate to heavy rain and strong winds in several provinces but no specific rain warning or closure notice for Labuan… https://komodotimes.com/hanita-reef-rehabilitation-reports-high-coral-survival-and-tourism-potentialhttps://komodotimes.com/hanita-reef-rehabilitation-reports-high-coral-survival-and-tourism-potentialMon, 21 Sep 2026 02:38:47 +0800Asyinta SastraKomodo National ParkA coral rehabilitation partnership off Pulau Hanita in Manggarai Barat has restored thousands of coral fragments over a 9,000-square-metre area, with organisers reporting high survival rates and exploring the island’s potential as a… https://komodotimes.com/komodo-dragons-keep-indonesias-komodo-national-park-in-global-spotlighthttps://komodotimes.com/komodo-dragons-keep-indonesias-komodo-national-park-in-global-spotlightMon, 21 Sep 2026 02:38:39 +0800Asyinta SastraKomodo National ParkKomodo National Park in East Nusa Tenggara remains a magnet for overseas visitors, offering the rare chance to see the world’s largest lizard, the Komodo dragon, against a backdrop of volcanic islands and protected seas. https://komodotimes.com/18-komodo-airport-flights-cancelled-after-anak-krakatau-ash-disrupts-jakartahttps://komodotimes.com/18-komodo-airport-flights-cancelled-after-anak-krakatau-ash-disrupts-jakartaMon, 21 Sep 2026 02:38:30 +0800Asyinta SastraKomodo National ParkKomodo International Airport cancelled 18 Jakarta–Labuan Bajo flights on 6–7 September 2026 after Anak Krakatau’s volcanic ash forced closures at Jakarta’s main airports. https://komodotimes.com/mpmx-launches-four-year-coral-restoration-off-pulau-messahhttps://komodotimes.com/mpmx-launches-four-year-coral-restoration-off-pulau-messahMon, 21 Sep 2026 02:37:46 +0800Asyinta SastraKomodo National ParkPT Mitra Pinasthika Mustika Tbk has launched a four-year coral restoration programme off Pulau Messah in the buffer zone of Komodo National Park, planting 500 seedlings on 32 spider frames with trained local fishers and tourism groups at… https://komodotimes.com/ntt-police-chief-opens-renovated-pulau-kukusan-school-delivers-quake-aidhttps://komodotimes.com/ntt-police-chief-opens-renovated-pulau-kukusan-school-delivers-quake-aidMon, 21 Sep 2026 02:37:00 +0800Asyinta SastraKomodo National ParkEast Nusa Tenggara’s police chief visited Pulau Kukusan on 1 September 2026, delivering food and children’s milk, leading trauma-healing activities and inaugurating newly renovated classrooms at MI Al-Hidayah for the island’s 46 pupils… https://komodotimes.com/how-labuan-bajos-harbourmaster-clears-boats-to-sailhttps://komodotimes.com/how-labuan-bajos-harbourmaster-clears-boats-to-sailMon, 21 Sep 2026 02:35:40 +0800Asyinta SastraKomodo National ParkBefore any commercial boat leaves Labuan Bajo, the harbourmaster’s office is expected to issue a Surat Persetujuan Berlayar (SPB) sailing clearance. https://komodotimes.com/komodo-visitor-regulations-ban-fires-and-smoking-in-dry-dragon-habitathttps://komodotimes.com/komodo-visitor-regulations-ban-fires-and-smoking-in-dry-dragon-habitatMon, 21 Sep 2026 02:35:18 +0800Asyinta SastraKomodo National ParkVisitor regulations for Komodo National Park state that lighting fires and smoking are prohibited in the dragons’ hot, dry habitat, as Indonesian forecasters warn of expanding drought and increased forest and land fire risk across much of… https://komodotimes.com/komodo-tourism-reopens-after-flores-quake-amid-fragmented-safety-updateshttps://komodotimes.com/komodo-tourism-reopens-after-flores-quake-amid-fragmented-safety-updatesMon, 21 Sep 2026 02:34:20 +0800Asyinta SastraKomodo National ParkKey tourism sites in and around Komodo National Park have reopened following the 15 August Flores earthquake, but visitors still must piece together safety and operating information from separate airport, disaster agency, and tourism… https://komodotimes.com/passenger-dies-after-check-in-collapse-at-komodo-airporthttps://komodotimes.com/passenger-dies-after-check-in-collapse-at-komodo-airportMon, 21 Sep 2026 02:34:18 +0800Asyinta SastraKomodo National ParkKomodo Airport and health officials say a passenger who collapsed in the check-in queue on Wednesday, 19 August 2026, was evacuated to RS Siloam Labuan Bajo but died after emergency treatment. https://komodotimes.com/komodo-visitors-face-three-linked-safety-priorities-in-2026https://komodotimes.com/komodo-visitors-face-three-linked-safety-priorities-in-2026Mon, 21 Sep 2026 02:33:51 +0800Asyinta SastraKomodo National ParkRecent Komodo travel advisories emphasise three linked safety priorities for visitors in 2026: managing heat on exposed trails, treating marine conditions as conditional, and keeping controlled distance from wildlife, all under current… https://komodotimes.com/bnpb-confirms-731-aftershocks-after-ntts-m77-earthquakehttps://komodotimes.com/bnpb-confirms-731-aftershocks-after-ntts-m77-earthquakeMon, 21 Sep 2026 02:33:34 +0800Asyinta SastraKomodo National ParkIndonesia’s disaster agency says 731 aftershocks hit Nusa Tenggara Timur after the magnitude 7.7 Flores earthquake on 15 August 2026, with the strongest at magnitude 6.2, based on BMKG data as of the morning of 16 August. https://komodotimes.com/viral-komodo-seabed-video-links-cracks-to-ntt-quake-but-lacks-proofhttps://komodotimes.com/viral-komodo-seabed-video-links-cracks-to-ntt-quake-but-lacks-proofMon, 21 Sep 2026 02:33:31 +0800Asyinta SastraKomodo National ParkA viral Instagram video from the Komodo–Flores–Labuan Bajo area shows apparent cracks on the seabed at a claimed depth of 24 to 35 metres, with the uploader linking the formations to the 15 August 2026 NTT earthquake. https://komodotimes.com/quake-off-flores-strands-986-padar-island-tourists-prompts-labuan-bajo-evacuationshttps://komodotimes.com/quake-off-flores-strands-986-padar-island-tourists-prompts-labuan-bajo-evacuationsMon, 21 Sep 2026 02:32:54 +0800Asyinta SastraKomodo National ParkAuthorities say 986 tourists stranded on Padar Island were safely evacuated to Labuan Bajo after a 7.7‑magnitude earthquake off Flores. https://komodotimes.com/police-and-military-move-labuan-bajo-hospital-patients-into-quake-tentshttps://komodotimes.com/police-and-military-move-labuan-bajo-hospital-patients-into-quake-tentsMon, 21 Sep 2026 02:32:51 +0800Asyinta SastraKomodo National ParkAround 80 Indonesian police and navy-linked personnel evacuated dozens of inpatients from Siloam and Komodo Regional hospitals in Labuan Bajo into emergency tents after a magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck East Nusa Tenggara on 15 August 2026. https://komodotimes.com/komodo-airport-stays-open-after-77-quake-restricts-taxiwayhttps://komodotimes.com/komodo-airport-stays-open-after-77-quake-restricts-taxiwayMon, 21 Sep 2026 02:32:49 +0800Asyinta SastraKomodo National ParkKomodo Airport stayed open after a magnitude 7.7 quake in Flores, but authorities restricted one taxiway area and several facilities while inspections and clean-up work continued.