How do I get to Komodo Island? Jetstar Asia flies from Singapore

Jetstar Asia will launch direct flights between Singapore and Labuan Bajo, the Indonesian city considered the “gateway” to Komodo National Park, the company said.

The park, which was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1991, is home to several thousand Komodo dragons, the largest species of lizard in the world, according to UNESCO.

Komodo National Park is the only place where these lizards are found in the wild, adding to the mystique of the reptiles, which have been known to attack humans on rare occasions.

The park, which stretches across several islands in Indonesia, is accessible by boat from Labuan Bajo.

Jetstar Asia, a Singapore-based low-cost airline, announced that twice-weekly flights to Labuan Bajo will begin on March 20. The airline will be the only airline to operate this route.

Lim Ching Kiat, Changi Airport Group's executive vice president of air hubs and cargo development, said in a press release announcing the new flights: “This is the first time that Changi Airport will be directly connected to this stunning destination.”

One of the “Five New Balis”

Labuan Bajo is popular with divers and was named one of ten new Balis in 2016. This is a government plan to promote other destinations in Indonesia beyond Bali.

After the Covid-19 pandemic, the program was reduced to “Five New Balis,” a list that includes Borobudur, Mandalika, Lake Toba, Likupang and Labuan Bajo.

The city has long been considered difficult to reach, and many international travelers chose to visit the area by cruise ship. International flights to Labuan Bajo Airport, named “Komodo International Airport”, began in 2024 with the introduction of AirAsia flights from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Jetstar Asia CEO John Simeone called Labuan Bajo a “hidden gem” in Indonesia and an “incredible vacation hotspot.”

But some conservation organizations say increasing tourism is endangering Komodo dragon habitat, which has been endangered since 2019, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature.

Komodo National Park officials are considering introducing regular, short-term closures of the park – even for just one day – this year to mitigate the negative impact of tourism and encourage visitors to explore activities outside the park, according to local media.