Planning a trip to Labuan Bajo and Komodo? These islands offer incredible adventures, but they’re not a typical beach holiday. Wild dragons, strong ocean currents, tropical heat, and, since August 2026, an earthquake many travelers have asked about. Here’s the honest picture and how to stay safe.
Quick answer Yes, Labuan Bajo is generally safe for travelers. Flights, boat trips, and Komodo National Park have been running normally since shortly after the 15 August 2026 earthquake. The real risks are strong currents at sea, heat, dengue, and the Komodo dragons themselves, and all of them are manageable with a ranger, a reputable operator, and good travel insurance.
Earthquake Update (August 2026)
On 15 August 2026, a magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck Flores. It was centred well east of Labuan Bajo, but it was felt strongly in town and damaged some hotels and buildings, including parts of Komodo Airport. A tsunami warning was issued and lifted the same day, with only a small wave recorded at Labuan Bajo. Other parts of Flores were hit much harder, with deaths and serious damage.
Where things stand now:
- Flights: Komodo Airport was back on schedule within days of the quake.
- Boats and the park: Sailing resumed quickly and Komodo National Park reopened.
- Town: Power and phone networks are back to normal, and hotels have been reopening.
- Aftershocks: Smaller aftershocks are still being recorded, including a magnitude 5.3 in October 2026.
- The rest of Flores: Some areas further east, such as Ende, took longer to recover. If you’re traveling overland across Flores, check road and destination status first.
What to do:
- Confirm with your hotel and tour operator that they’re open and operating normally.
- Know the exits where you stay. If you feel strong shaking near the coast, move to higher ground right away without waiting for an official warning.
- Follow official alerts from BMKG, Indonesia’s weather and earthquake agency (the InfoBMKG app has live alerts).
- Make sure your travel insurance covers natural disasters as well as medical care.
Health Precautions and Medical Care
Before you travel, check that your routine vaccines are up to date and ask your doctor about hepatitis A and typhoid, which are commonly recommended for Indonesia. Dengue fever is the main mosquito-borne risk, especially in the wet season from November to March, so use repellent and cover up at dawn and dusk. Malaria risk in Labuan Bajo and Komodo is low, but ask your doctor if you’re also traveling elsewhere in Flores.
Drink bottled or filtered water, and bring your prescriptions plus a basic first-aid kit. The main hospital is Siloam Hospitals Labuan Bajo, which has an emergency department and a hyperbaric chamber for diving injuries. Very serious cases may still be flown to Bali.
Travel insurance Choose a policy that covers emergency medical evacuation, natural disasters, and scuba diving if you plan to dive. You can compare plans on VisitorsCoverage.
Komodo Dragon Safety
Komodo dragons are wild predators, and they can move surprisingly fast over short distances. Visits are only allowed with a park ranger, who carries a forked stick and knows how the dragons behave.
- Stay with your group and directly behind your ranger at all times.
- Keep a good distance and never approach a dragon for a photo.
- Don’t eat or carry open food on the trails. Dragons have a strong sense of smell.
- Tell your ranger if you have an open wound.
- If a dragon moves toward you, stay calm, don’t run, and follow the ranger’s instructions.
Park rules, fees, and booking requirements are in our Komodo National Park guide.
Ocean and Water Safety
Strong currents run through the waters around Komodo. Check conditions before you swim or snorkel, never go in alone, and wear a life jacket on boats. Watch for jellyfish and sea urchins near the shore, wear water shoes on rocky entries, and never touch coral or marine life. If you’re caught in a current, swim across it rather than against it.
Boat Travel and Island Hopping Safety
Before you book a boat, check that it has life jackets for everyone, a radio, and a first-aid kit, and that the captain is licensed. Avoid overcrowded or very cheap unlicensed boats, and don’t sail if the harbour office has stopped boats because of weather. Wear your life jacket while the boat is moving and keep your belongings in a dry bag.
If you’d rather not vet boats yourself, a reviewed day tour like this full-day Komodo speedboat tour takes care of the boat, crew, and safety gear. Read recent reviews before you book any tour, and see our guide to island hopping from Labuan Bajo.
Trekking and Hiking Safety
Wear closed shoes and light long pants, and start hikes early when it’s cooler. Trails on Padar and Rinca are steep and rocky in places, so watch your footing and carry plenty of water. On Komodo and Rinca, always trek with a licensed ranger and stay with your group.
Diving and Snorkeling Safety
Komodo’s dive sites are world class, but the currents are strong and can change quickly. Choose a dive shop with certified instructors and well-maintained gear, dive within your certification level, and stick to calmer sites if you’re new. Don’t dive if you’re unwell, ascend slowly, and stay hydrated between dives. Snorkelers who aren’t confident swimmers should wear a life jacket.
Sun and Heat
The tropical sun here is intense. Use reef-safe sunscreen with SPF 50+ and reapply every two hours, wear a hat and sunglasses, and drink at least three liters of water a day. Rest in the shade between 11 am and 3 pm when you can. Dizziness, nausea, or a racing heartbeat can be signs of heat exhaustion, so cool down and rest straight away.
Emergency Contacts
- Emergency (police, ambulance, fire): 112
- Siloam Hospitals Labuan Bajo: +62 811-8951-181 (Jl. Gabriel Gampur)
- Your embassy: save the number before you travel
Tell someone your daily plans before you head out on the water, and download offline maps. Mobile data makes it easier to call for help and share your location, so consider an Indonesia eSIM before you travel.
