Jetstar Asia has announced it will launch direct flights between Singapore and Labuan Bajo, Indonesia, starting 20 March 2025. As the only airline to operate the route, the Singapore low-cost carrier will enable more travellers to experience the breath-taking beauty of Labuan Bajo, the gateway to the UNESCO-listed Komodo National Park.
Currently, travellers who want to travel from Singapore to Komodo Island must first fly to Bali, followed by a 1.5-hour domestic flight to Labuan Bajo. From Labuan Bajo, there are boat tours that will bring visitors to Komodo National Park.
With Jetstar Asia’s new direct flights between Changi Airport and Labuan Bajo, flying time will be shortened to three hours. This new service which will operate twice a week on every Thursday and Sunday. This is the first time Changi Airport is directly connected to this destination. With the addition of Labuan Bajo, Changi Airport now has direct flights to 13 cities in Indonesia.
Komodo National Park
Located in East Indonesia, the vast Komodo National Park is made up of three major islands – Rinca, Padar and Komodo – and encompasses 29 volcanic islands. The park is home to some 4,000 Komodo dragons which can grow up to 3 metres in length and weigh up to 70kg.
The largest and strongest of all the lizards on Earth, the Komodo Dragons are fearsome predators with some terrifying hunting tactics. However, they are also an endangered species vulnerable to human activity and they share the island with other villagers who live there.
Travellers are advised to follow strict safety guidelines, as these creatures can be fierce and dangerous. It is best to follow tours guided by experienced rangers to ensure your safety during your visit as the island’s terrain and ocean currents can be challenging to navigate, not forgetting heat and humidity. Visitors are given a large forked stick to guard themselves or chase away any approaching komodo dragons!
Diving in Komodo National Park is another highlight that draws travellers to the UNESCO-listed site. It boasts one of the world’s richest marine environments – attracting divers, scientists, and photographers from around the globe to witness its beauty and magnificent sights.
One of the most popular hiking routes in Komodo National Park is on Padar Island. The comfortable two- to three-hour scenic hike offers breath-taking views of the surrounding landscape.
The unique pink hue of the sand on Pink Beach, also known as Pantai Merah, is a breath-taking spectacle. The degradation of red coral and its mixture with white sand creates the beach’s distinctive pink glow. This natural wonder is a must-see for any visitor to Komodo National Park.
April to November is considered the best time of the year to visit Komodo National Park but this period still sees a great deal of seasonal change.
Periodic closures of Park in 2025
In another classic case of “over-tourism”, it has been announced that Komodo National Park will implement periodic closures to protect its fragile ecosystem and ensure long-term sustainability, with these conservation cool-offs expected to start mid-2025. Park authorities said the goal of the periodic closures is to minimise disruptions to both conservation efforts and the tourism industry.
Several factors have contributed to the decision for the periodic closures. Intense tourism activity has put significant pressure on the park’s natural resources, which need time for recovery. The exact format and dates of the closure such as whether it would be partially closed or shut down in its entirety, or would close only for specified periods such as certain days of the week, have yet to be decided so do check before you plan your trip.
However, there are other attractions in Labuan Bajo and its surrounding areas such as other islands , national parks and caves to explore and local culture and food can be enjoyed at the night markets.
