A Kalong Island sunset tour is one of the most popular half-day boat excursions departing from Labuan Bajo. It is famous for the breathtaking moment at dusk when thousands of giant fruit bats (flying foxes) launch into the sky against a dramatic sunset background.
This Kalong Island sunset tour is combined with visits to other stunning locations. We will visit the scenic photo spot on Kelor Island and the beautiful coral reefs of Menjerite Island.
Since these two sites are highlights of Komodo National Park, the tour offers more than just a sunset view; it allows you to experience some of Labuan Bajo’s most beautiful spots—a key advantage of this tour.
Kelor Island.
Kelor Island (Pulau Kelor) is a tiny, uninhabited tropical gem located right at the gateway of Komodo National Park. Known for its dramatic vertical contrast, it features a stark, grassy hill rising directly out of a curving white-sand shoreline and vibrant turquoise waters.
Because it is situated only about 30 to 45 minutes by boat from the main harbor in Labuan Bajo, it is the most popular first or last stop for regional island-hopping itineraries.
A short but highly intense 10 to 20-minute hike leads to the summit ridge. The trail is incredibly steep (a 30–45 degree scramble) on loose volcanic soil and dry grass with no railings or shade. Reaching the top rewards you with a spectacular 360-degree panoramic view of Flores, Rinca, and the surrounding scattered islands.
Menjerite Island
Menjerite Island (Pulau Manjarite) is an uninhabited paradise within the Komodo National Park buffer zone, located roughly 45 to 60 minutes by boat from Labuan Bajo. Unlike islands visited for trekking, Menjerite is celebrated strictly as a premier underwater sanctuary.
It features a iconic, 35-meter long wooden jetty stretching out into shallow, glass-like turquoise waters that display a thriving coral ecosystem beneath.
The water ranges from 3 to 5 meters deep with virtually no strong currents or waves, making it arguably the safest and best spot for beginners. Right under the pier and surrounding reef, you can easily spot clownfish, angelfish, blue-ribbon eels, blue-spotted stingrays, and sea turtles.
Kalong Island
Kalong Island (Pulau Kalong), also known as Koaba Island, is a unique, five-hectare sanctuary located between Rinca and Papagarang islands within Komodo National Park. Completely covered by a dense mangrove forest, the island takes its name from its primary inhabitants: tens of thousands of giant fruit bats, locally referred to as kalong or flying foxes
Every single evening between 05:30 PM and 06:30 PM, the island comes alive. As the sun drops below the horizon, the colony wakes up and launches into the sky simultaneously.
Here is the perfect half-day boat itinerary focusing exactly on Kelor Island, Manjarite, and the Kalong Island sunset.
Trip Schedule (Kalong Island Sunset Tour )
01:30 PM – 02:00 PM | Hotel Pick-up & Boarding
- Your driver picks you up from your Labuan Bajo hotel lobby.
- Transfer to the harbor to meet your captain and board your private wooden boat.
02:00 PM – 02:45 PM | Cruise to Kelor Island
- Set sail into the Komodo National Park.
- Enjoy the coastal breeze and views of the surrounding volcanic islands.
02:45 PM – 04:00 PM | Kelor Island (Hiking & Beach Time)
- The Challenge: Take the short but very steep 15-minute hike to the island’s summit for a world-class, panoramic view of the turquoise bays.
- The Reward: Cool down after your descent by swimming in the crystal-clear water or relaxing on the white sand beach.
04:15 PM – 05:15 PM | Manjarite (Snorkeling Paradise)
- Move to Manjarite, one of the park’s most famous snorkel spots known for its calm, crystal-clear water.Jump right off the boat to swim with vibrant coral reefs, schools of colorful fish, and occasionally blue-spotted stingrays or sea turtles.
05:30 PM – 06:15 PM | Kalong Island (Sunset & Flying Foxes)
- Arrive and anchor near the dense mangrove forests of Kalong Island.
- As the sky turns a dramatic orange and violet, thousands of giant fruit bats (flying foxes) erupt from the trees, flying directly over your boat toward the mainland to forage.
06:30 PM – 07:15 PM | Return Cruise to Labuan Bajo
- Relax on deck as you cruise back to the main harbor under the night sky.
- Your driver transfers you back to your hotel in time for dinner.
Price for Kalong Island Sunset Tour.
- IDR 2.500.000 / person ( minimum 2 people to book this tour)
- IDR 1.800.000 / person ( minimum 4 people to book this tour )
- IDR 1.200.000 / person ( minimum 6 people to book this tour )
Includes:
- Pick up and drop off from the hotel
- Lunch on the boat
- Mineral water
- English-speaking guide
- Life jacket and Floater
- Coffee and Tea on board
- Snacks and fruit
Exclude:
- Personal expenses
- Insurance
What to Pack on Kalong Island Sunset tour.
- Shoes with good grip: The trail up Kelor Island is loose dirt and gravel; flip-flops are not recommended for the hike.
- Insect Repellent: Mosquitoes near the Kalong mangroves become very active right at sunset.
- Change of dry clothes: To stay comfortable on the boat ride back after snorkeling.
For more information about the tour of Komodo, don’t hesitate to contact us by:
- WhatsApp for a fast response at +62812-4640-1009
- Email us at info@nayakasurfschool.com ( 1 x 24 hours )