A new sea route for Bali travelers
Travelers in Bali will soon have a new way to reach one of Indonesia’s brightest natural highlights. Starting in late 2025, direct passenger ferries will connect Bali with Labuan Bajo on Flores, the gateway town to Komodo National Park. For visitors who want to turn a Bali holiday into a wider journey across the islands, this long distance sea route opens the door to multi stop adventures without relying solely on flights.
Komodo National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site made up of dozens of islands, including Komodo, Rinca, and Padar. It is the only place on Earth where Komodo dragons live in the wild. The park also protects some of Indonesia’s richest coral reefs, manta ray cleaning stations, and pink sand beaches. Interest in this region has been rising as Indonesia guides travelers toward a broader mix of destinations.
The Ministry of Tourism has named five super priority regions across the country for accelerated development: Lake Toba (North Sumatra), Borobudur (Central Java), Mandalika (Lombok), Likupang (North Sulawesi), and Labuan Bajo (East Nusa Tenggara). A direct ferry from Bali to Labuan Bajo supports that push, making it easier for visitors to blend culture, wildlife, and island hopping in a single itinerary.
What is changing with the Bali to Labuan Bajo route
Until now, the fastest way to Komodo from Bali has been an hour plus domestic flight to Labuan Bajo, then a boat trip into the park. Budget travelers could make the journey entirely by sea and land, but it meant patching together several ferries and buses across Lombok and Sumbawa, often taking one to two days or more.
From late November and early December 2025, scheduled long distance ferries will run between Bali and Labuan Bajo, giving visitors a simple point to point sea option. The service is set to be operated by the passenger ships KM Binaiya and KM Tilongkabila. Typical travel time will range from roughly 27 to 37 hours, with economy tickets starting around IDR 295,000, a price bracket that appeals to backpackers and slow travelers. Sailings are expected at intervals rather than daily, which makes planning ahead essential.
For travelers who enjoy the romance of long sea voyages, the trip doubles as part of the experience. For those on tight schedules, the direct ferry provides new flexibility to go one way by sea and return by air, or to build a longer route that includes Lombok and the Gili Islands on the way back.
How the direct ferry works
Long distance passenger ferries on Indonesian inter island routes are straightforward and geared toward value. Expect basic comfort, shared spaces, and long hours at sea broken up by island stops. The Bali departure for previous long runs has typically been from Benoa Port in the south of the island. Travelers should confirm the exact port and boarding procedures when buying tickets, since schedules can change and some sailings occur only every couple of weeks.
Fares starting near IDR 295,000 make the voyage one of the most affordable ways to reach Labuan Bajo. Journey time depends on the specific ship and intermediate calls, which is why published estimates range from just under 30 hours to a little over a day and a half. Good preparation helps a lot on these trips. Pack light layers to handle changing cabin temperatures, bring a water bottle and snacks, carry seasickness tablets if you are sensitive to motion, and secure valuables so you can relax on deck or in common areas.
Ticketing in Indonesia often runs through port counters and trusted local agents, with online listings improving but not always comprehensive. Buy in advance if possible, keep flexibility for weather and maintenance delays, and have a clear plan for arrival in Labuan Bajo, including a night in town before any boat tour into the park.
Alternatives for every budget and schedule
Fly Bali to Labuan Bajo
Flying remains the fastest and most convenient choice for many visitors. Daily services connect Bali’s Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS) with Komodo Airport in Labuan Bajo (LBJ). Airlines on the route include Indonesia AirAsia and Batik Air, with other carriers operating at various times. Flight time runs about one hour and fifteen to twenty minutes, and round trip fares often come in around 100 US dollars during sales. The airport sits close to town, but it is wise to plan a night in Labuan Bajo before any early boat departure into the park to avoid stress from flight delays or afternoon winds.
Island hopping by sea via Lombok and Sumbawa
Travelers with time to spare can still make the classic overwater route across multiple islands. Start with a fast boat from Sanur or Padangbai in Bali to the Gili Islands or Lombok. Continue by public ferry from Lombok to Sumbawa, go overland to Sape on Sumbawa’s east end, then take the ferry to Labuan Bajo on Flores. This journey can take 24 to 36 hours, depending on connections and sea conditions. It is economical and scenic, ideal for those who want to see more of everyday island life and do not mind the long transit. Expect simple facilities on ferries and be ready for schedule changes in rough weather.
Liveaboard cruises and yacht style trips
Many travelers choose to turn transport into the holiday. One day speedboats from Labuan Bajo reach highlights like Padar, Pink Beach, and Manta Point. Multi day liveaboard cruises are the signature experience, with the most common format being three days and two nights. Boats range from budget cabins with fans to suites on elegant phinisi style vessels and expedition yachts with hotel level service. Longer itineraries sometimes start or end in Lombok and include a full day at sea between islands. These trips must be booked ahead during popular months, since spaces can sell out weeks or months in advance.
Whichever option you pick, research operators carefully, check safety equipment, and review what is included. Many reputable boats provide snorkeling gear, meals, and guided landings with park rangers where required.
What to see in Komodo National Park
Komodo National Park spans 29 volcanic islands across the strait between Flores and Sumbawa. The landscape is rugged and beautiful, with sharp ridgelines, bays with clear water, and sand that glows pink where coral fragments mix with the grains. The park’s headline is the Komodo dragon, which can be seen on Komodo Island and Rinca Island with licensed rangers. These are wild animals with a powerful bite, so visiting on ranger led walks is a core safety rule.
Day boats and liveaboards visit a familiar list of highlights. Padar Island offers a steep but well maintained climb to a lookout over three crescent bays, each with a different tint of sand. Pink Beach lives up to its name on calm days and often has good snorkeling just off shore. Manta Point is a famous cleaning station where snorkelers and divers can watch giant rays glide above the reef. Batu Bolong is a celebrated dive site with teeming fish life, while Kanawa, Taka Makassar, and Kalong Island add sandbank swims and sunset bat flights to many itineraries.
The park is carefully regulated. Visitors pay an entrance fee and must travel with approved guides on dragon walks. Capacity at popular sites is managed, and timings often aim to avoid crowding or strong tidal currents. Respecting these rules protects fragile reefs and keeps encounters with wildlife safe for both animals and people.
Safety, seasons, and park rules
Season matters on this route. The dry season from April to November brings the best odds of calm seas and clear water. April to June and September to early November are prized for good visibility, fewer crowds, and active marine life. Dragon mating season typically falls in June to September, which can make sightings a little less predictable. The wet season from December to March brings heavier rain and can produce rougher crossings.
Sea travel anywhere calls for sensible precautions. Choose licensed operators, verify the presence of life jackets and radios, and do not pressure crews to sail in poor weather. In June 2024, a traditional tourist boat sank near Padar Island after being hit by difficult conditions. The head of the regional search and rescue agency later described what happened at sea that morning.
Supriyanto Ridwan, Head of Search and Rescue in Maumere (BASARNAS), said large waves and strong currents overwhelmed the vessel, and a failure of the bilge pumps allowed the ship to take on water.
Incidents like this are rare but instructive. They underline why it helps to check forecasts, secure travel insurance that covers boat trips, and keep essential documents and electronics in a dry bag. Inside the park, stay with your guide, keep a respectful distance from dragons, never feed wildlife, and carry out all trash. Coral is easily damaged by careless fin kicks, so snorkelers should keep their distance and practice good buoyancy control.
Planning and costs
Budgets vary widely depending on transport and comfort. The new direct ferry from Bali to Labuan Bajo starts around IDR 295,000 for basic passage, which is a fraction of the cost of a flight. Bali to Labuan Bajo round trips by air often sell for about 100 US dollars, and one way deals are common in shoulder months. Day trips into Komodo National Park typically start around 125 US dollars per person with meals and equipment. Three day liveaboard cruises often begin around 325 US dollars for simple cabins, while luxury boats cost more.
Park fees are an extra cost. A common estimate is about 35 US dollars per person for a standard visit, though fees can change and may vary by site or activity. Many boats include snorkeling gear, but you may prefer your own mask. Divers should bring certification cards and plan dives with recognized operators who know local currents.
Logistics are easiest if you arrive in Labuan Bajo the day before any boat tour. Accommodation in town ranges from simple guesthouses to stylish cliffside hotels. ATMs exist in Labuan Bajo, yet cash is still useful for small payments on boats and in remote villages. Book transport early in popular months, keep a buffer day at the end in case of weather delays, and consider a lightweight medical kit and motion sickness remedies for longer sea days.
Indonesia wants travelers to explore beyond Bali
The direct ferry supports a broader national strategy to spread tourism across the islands. The Ministry of Tourism’s super priority list features Labuan Bajo alongside Lake Toba, Borobudur, Mandalika, and Likupang, with investments in roads, ports, and visitor facilities. Officials have highlighted Australia as a key market and expressed interest in more direct international links to Labuan Bajo in the future.
European interest in Indonesia has also risen, driven by a mix of culture, scenery, and wildlife experiences. Many visitors now plan multi destination trips that start in Bali, then continue to the Gili Islands, Lombok, and finally Flores for Komodo. With daily flights from Bali and a new long distance sea route for those who want to sail, it has become easier to shape journeys that balance speed, budget, and adventure.
What to Know
- Direct Bali to Labuan Bajo ferries are slated to begin regular runs in late 2025, with travel times of roughly 27 to 37 hours.
- Economy tickets on the new route start near IDR 295,000, making it one of the least expensive ways to reach Komodo’s gateway.
- Flying from Bali to Labuan Bajo takes about one hour and fifteen to twenty minutes, with multiple daily departures and fares often near 100 US dollars.
- Classic overland and sea routes via the Gili Islands, Lombok, and Sumbawa take 24 to 36 hours and suit flexible, budget minded travelers.
- Liveaboard cruises in Komodo commonly run three days and two nights, and one day speedboats cover headline sites from Labuan Bajo.
- Komodo National Park visits are regulated. Ranger led walks are required for dragon viewing, and park fees apply.
- Best travel windows are April to June and September to early November. Seas are rougher in the wet season from December to March.
- Choose licensed boat operators, check safety gear, and allow buffer time in case of weather related delays.
- The ferry strengthens Indonesia’s goal to spread tourism to super priority destinations, with Labuan Bajo at the center of the eastern route.
