Sun protection: reef-safe sunscreen, hat and rash guard
The sun in Komodo National Park is strong for most of the day, and much of your time is spent on open water or on bare hills. Bring a reef-safe sunscreen, which means a mineral formula without oxybenzone or octinoxate, because you will be swimming over living coral. Apply it before each snorkel stop and again after you dry off.
A wide hat with a strap, polarised sunglasses and a long-sleeved rash guard do more than any cream. A rash guard also keeps you warm during a longer snorkel and saves you from reapplying sunscreen on your shoulders. Pack a light sarong or scarf to cover your neck on the boat during the midday crossing between islands.
Keeping things dry: dry bag, phone pouch and power bank
Every landing is by small tender, and some stops are wet landings where you step into knee-deep water. A 10 to 20 litre dry bag keeps your phone, camera, wallet and a spare shirt safe on each trip ashore. A small waterproof phone pouch on a neck cord is useful for photos from the water at Pink Beach or Manta Point.
Boats charge phones from a generator or inverter, but sockets are shared and power may be scheduled rather than constant. A 10,000 to 20,000 mAh power bank means you never queue for a socket. Bring the cables for every device, and a second memory card if you shoot with a camera. A head torch helps on deck after dark.
Footwear and clothing for Padar and the dragon walks
The Padar Island viewpoint is a steady climb on a path of steps and loose gravel. The ranger walks on Komodo and Rinca are flat but dusty, with dry grass and roots. Light trail shoes or sturdy trainers are ideal. Flip flops or sandals with a heel strap are fine on the boat and on the beach, but give them a rest on the hills.
Pack two or three swimsuits so one is always dry, a few quick-dry shirts, shorts, and one light long layer for the evening breeze on deck. Nights on the water are mild, so a thin jacket or hoodie is plenty. Add a packable towel for snorkel stops, and leave jeans and anything heavy at your hotel in Labuan Bajo.
Cash, documents and medication
Park entrance fees, ranger fees and some local charges are paid in Indonesian rupiah at the park gate or through your operator, and card machines are not available on the islands. Carry enough cash for park fees, tips for the crew and small purchases from the floating sellers that sometimes come alongside. ATMs are plentiful in Labuan Bajo before you leave.
Bring your passport or a copy, since the park office may ask for identification. Pack any personal medication in its original packaging, plus motion sickness tablets if you tend to need them, plasters, an antiseptic wipe and rehydration salts. A small bottle of hand sanitiser and some insect repellent for the evening complete the kit.
What the boat provides, and what it does not
On a two or three day liveaboard the cabin comes with bedding, towels and a fan or air conditioning depending on the boat class. Snorkel masks and fins are on board, along with life jackets, drinking water, three meals a day, coffee, tea and fruit. The crew cooks fresh and most boats can handle vegetarian or halal requests when told in advance.
Toiletries, sunscreen, a personal towel for the beach and anything you want to drink beyond water, tea and coffee are up to you. Bring your own reusable bottle to refill from the boat's water. Boats do not carry hairdryers, and some cabins have a single socket, so keep your electronics simple. Reading material and a deck of cards are welcome on the slower crossings.
Booking the trip with a local operator
Arah Pesona Trip is owned by Akbar, who was born on Komodo Island, and runs from a real office in Labuan Bajo. Guests can stop by to confirm the boat, ask what is included and see the packing advice for their particular vessel. Sailing trips of two or three days start from IDR 3,500,000 per person, and eligible trips offer pay-on-arrival.
Bookings are confirmed through WhatsApp or by email at arahpesonaindo@gmail.com, and payment can be made by card, bank transfer, Wise or QRIS, or securely online through Xendit. The team sends a final checklist a few days before departure with the meeting time at the harbour and what to carry in your day bag for the first landing.
Komodo Island 3 Days 2 Nights Sailing Tour
