Large Waves Force Temporary Sailing Ban to Komodo Island, Thousands of Tourists Shift to Rinca Island

Komodo Island Temporarily Removed from Tourist Routes Due to Rough Sea Conditions

LABUHAN BAJO, Indonesia – Thousands of tourists continued exploring Komodo National Park during the weekend of May 29–30, 2026, despite a temporary sailing ban to Komodo Island caused by large waves and rough sea conditions.

For safety reasons, tourist boats were prohibited from sailing to Komodo Island, Padar Island, and several surrounding waters. As a result, Komodo Island was temporarily removed from many tour itineraries, prompting visitors to choose alternative destinations such as Rinca Island and other sheltered locations within the national park.

More Than 4,400 Tourists Visited Komodo National Park in Two Days

According to the Labuan Bajo Class III Harbormaster and Port Authority Office (KSOP), tourism activity remained strong despite the restrictions. During May 29–30, KSOP issued 384 Sailing Permit Letters (SPB) for vessels operating in the area.

KSOP Head Stephanus Risdiyanto stated that a total of 4,416 passengers departed from Marina Port Labuan Bajo during the two-day period.

Passenger traffic was recorded as follows:

May 29, 2026: 1,543 passengers
May 30, 2026: 2,873 passengers
Total: 4,416 passengers

The permits included both digital applications through the Inaportnet system and manually processed permits.

Most vessels serving tourists consisted of traditional phinisi boats, open-deck excursion boats, and speedboats operating on approved routes.

Rinca Island Becomes the Main Alternative Destination

Because sailing to Komodo Island was temporarily suspended due to high waves, thousands of visitors redirected their trips to Rinca Island, particularly the popular Loh Buaya tourism site.

Rinca Island offers tourists an opportunity to observe Komodo dragons in their natural habitat while avoiding the rough sea conditions affecting routes to Komodo Island.

The shift in visitor traffic demonstrates the flexibility of tourism operations within 科莫多國家公園, where multiple islands and attractions remain available when weather conditions impact specific destinations.

Why Tourists Are Not Visiting Komodo Island

The temporary restriction is not related to conservation closures or visitor limitations. Instead, authorities implemented the measure to protect tourists and vessel operators from dangerous maritime conditions.

Large waves and rough seas created unsafe sailing conditions around Komodo Island and nearby waters. As a result, tourist boats were instructed not to travel to the island until sea conditions improve and navigation can be conducted safely.

Authorities continue monitoring weather forecasts and ocean conditions before allowing regular tourist operations to resume.

Alternative Attractions Remain Open

Although Komodo Island was temporarily inaccessible, visitors still had access to several popular destinations within Komodo National Park.

Safe locations for diving, snorkeling, and island excursions included:

塞巴尤爾島
基洛爾島
卡隆島
Seraya Island
Sabolo Island
Strawberry Rock
Menjerite

These destinations remained operational because they were less affected by the large waves impacting routes to Komodo Island and Padar Island.

Visitor Numbers Declined After the Weekend Peak

On Sunday, May 31, 2026, the number of tourist vessels dropped significantly.

KSOP recorded:

158 vessels receiving sailing permits
951 passengers departing from Labuan Bajo

According to Stephanus Risdiyanto, the busiest tourism days in Labuan Bajo are typically Mondays and Fridays, when visitor arrivals and departures reach their highest levels.

Tourism in Komodo National Park Remains Active

Despite the temporary sailing ban to Komodo Island, tourism activities across Komodo National Park continue to operate normally. Rinca Island has emerged as the primary alternative destination, while several diving and snorkeling locations remain open for visitors.

Until sea conditions improve, Komodo Island is expected to remain off regular tourist routes, with authorities prioritizing passenger safety amid large waves and rough waters. Once conditions return to normal, tourist boats are expected to resume their regular schedules to one of Indonesia’s most iconic travel destinations.