Sunset at Kalong Island

If you’re considering a day trip to Komodo National Park, the Sunset at Kalong Island tour offers a balanced mix of wildlife encounters, scenic vistas, and marine adventures—all packaged into approximately six hours. While it may not cover every corner of the park, it hits many highlights and provides an excellent overview for travelers short on time or those wanting a relaxed, well-organized adventure.

What we love about this experience is its convenience—it includes hotel transfers and a speedboat ride, making the logistics feel effortless. Plus, the chance to see Komodo dragons, the flying foxes at sunset, and snorkel in crystal-clear waters is hard to beat. The delicious lunch and engaging guides add extra value, making this a genuinely immersive day. The only potential downside? The park entrance fee isn’t included**, which could catch some by surprise and add to the cost.

This tour suits travelers who want an authentic, multi-faceted experience without the hassle of full multi-day trips. It’s perfect for those who love wildlife spotting, photography, and experiencing Indonesia’s stunning marine environment—all while enjoying some spectacular sunset views.

Good To Know

• All-inclusive convenience with hotel pickup, transfers, and a speedboat.
• Wildlife highlights include Komodo dragons and flying foxes.
• Snorkeling opportunities provide a glimpse into vibrant marine life.
• Scenic vistas from Kelor Island and sunset viewing from Kalong Island.
• Affordable and value-packed at $115 per person, considering the many stops and activities.
• Limited park fees separate from the package, so budget accordingly.

An In-Depth Look at the Sunset at Kalong Island Tour

What’s the main appeal?

This tour condenses the best of Komodo into a single afternoon and evening. It’s ideal for travelers who want a taste of the park’s iconic wildlife, stunning landscapes, and marine diversity without committing to a full-day or multiple-day adventure. The tour’s around six-hour duration offers enough time to explore, snorkel, and relax, without feeling rushed.

How does the itinerary unfold?

Start at Kelor Island – Panoramic Views and a Hike

The adventure kicks off with a cruise to Kelor Island, where a hike to the top rewards you with 360-degree views of the surrounding waters and islands. As one reviewer pointed out, “The short and steep trail leads to the top of the island good views of the park.” The vantage point offers fantastic photo opportunities, and although the admission ticket isn’t included, the view alone makes the effort worthwhile.

Snorkeling at Manjarite Beach – A Marine Wonderland

Next, the boat heads to Manjarite Beach, a shallow, clear-water spot teeming with marine life. Expect to see colorful fish like clownfish, angelfish, and blue ribbon eels. Travelers mention the visibility here is excellent, making it perfect for snorkelers of all levels. The beach itself is calm and ideal for relaxing or wading, with a shallow depth of 3-5 meters. Reviews highlight how vibrant and diverse the underwater scene is, especially for a quick stop.

Sunset and Flying Foxes at Kalong Island

Finally, the highlight arrives at Kalong Island, especially at sunset. You’ll witness flying foxes swooping out of the mangroves in massive groups, creating a mesmerizing spectacle. As one reviewer described, “The flying foxes at sunset are an absolutely majestic sight,” and many agree it’s one of the most memorable parts of the trip.

Wildlife Encounters and Marine Life

The tour offers two snorkeling sessions, providing opportunities to spot baby reef sharks, turtles, and an array of reef fish. The marine environment near Manjarite Island is especially praised for its vibrant life and clarity. Watching the Komodo dragons on Rinca Island (if included) adds a thrilling wildlife component, with guides sharing their knowledge throughout.

Quality of Guides and Food

Many reviews highlight the guides’ enthusiasm and knowledge, with some mentioning specific guides like Alex, who was “engaging, helpful, and very knowledgeable.” The lunch and late snack are consistently described as tasty, with fresh, well-prepared food that adds to the overall value.

Transportation and Group Size

With hotel pickups in Labuan Bajo, the transfers are smooth and convenient, especially for those staying in the area. The tour operates with a speedboat, which offers a faster, more comfortable ride between islands, and keeps the day moving efficiently. The group size is capped at 15 travelers, promoting a more intimate experience and easier interaction with guides.

Pricing and Value

At $115 per person, this tour offers a lot for the price—multiple island stops, wildlife viewing, snorkeling, and sunset watching—plus the convenience of transfers. The park entrance fee (~IDR475,000) is not included, so travelers should budget extra for this. Given the variety of experiences packed in, many find this tour to be a good value, especially considering the effort saved by logistics handled for you.

Potential Considerations

One downside noted by some is communication issues, where travelers received last-minute updates or felt unsure about the schedule. It’s worth confirming details beforehand. Plus, snorkeling conditions may vary, and some reviewers wished for more time in the water or different snorkeling spots. Proper footwear is recommended for the hikes, especially on steeper trails.

Who Should Book This Tour?

This tour is best suited for wildlife lovers, photographers, and marine enthusiasts looking for a well-organized, half-day adventure. It’s ideal if you want to maximize your time in Komodo without sacrificing comfort or variety. If you’re concerned about long hikes or prefer full-day excursions, you might explore other options. But for a balanced, scenic, and wildlife-rich experience, this tour hits the mark.

The Sum Up

The Sunset at Kalong Island tour balances adventure and relaxation with a good dose of wildlife, scenic views, and marine fun. It’s particularly well-suited for travelers who value organized logistics and want a comprehensive snapshot of Komodo in a manageable time frame. The inclusion of snorkeling, wildlife spotting, and breathtaking sunsets makes it a memorable experience—especially for first-timers or those pressed for time.

While the park fee is extra and there can be some last-minute communication hiccups, the overall value, knowledgeable guides, and beautiful scenery make this tour a popular choice. Whether you’re chasing the iconic Komodo dragons, eager to see flying foxes at dusk, or simply want to soak in stunning island vistas, this trip offers a rewarding glimpse into one of Indonesia’s most extraordinary places.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour offers return transfers from limited areas in Labuan Bajo, making pickup and drop-off hassle-free.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience is approximately 6 hours, starting at 2:30 pm and concluding in the early evening.

What is not included in the price?
The Komodo National Park fee (~IDR475,000) is not included, so travelers should budget separately. Meals, personal expenses, and activities outside those listed are also extra.

Can I snorkel during the tour?
Yes, there are two snorkeling opportunities near Manjarite Island, where vibrant marine life can be observed.

Is the tour suitable for all fitness levels?
Moderate physical fitness is recommended, especially for hikes and snorkeling. Reviewers mention the trails are steep and uneven, so proper footwear is advised.

How crowded is the tour?
The group is capped at 15 travelers, keeping the experience intimate and manageable.

What is the best time of day for this tour?
Starting at 2:30 pm, it’s timed to catch the sunset at Kalong Island, making it ideal for sunset lovers and photographers.

Is water and snacks provided?
Yes, you’ll receive bottled water and a snack during the trip, adding comfort to the afternoon.

Would I recommend this tour?
Absolutely, especially if you want a well-rounded, easy-to-book trip with wildlife, stunning views, and marine life—perfect for a memorable half-day adventure.