Explore Rinca Island - UNESCO World Heritage Site in Indonesia

Labuan Bajo, the hidden heaven in eastern Indonesia is the gate to the UNESCO-recognized Komodo National Park, the home for magnificent nature and fascinating wildlife. This national park consists of three main islands, namely Komodo Island, Rinca Island, and Padar Island.  Contrary to popular belief, Rinca Island has the largest population of komodo dragons. Yes, you can find more komodo dragons in Rinca Island compared to Komodo Island.

The beauty of Rinca Island has become famous to both local and foreign tourists. Now let's learn everything you need to know before coming to Rinca Island.

Exciting Things To See

1.  The Scenic Panorama

Labuan Bajo, the hidden heaven in eastern Indonesia is the gate to the UNESCO-recognized Komodo National Park, the home for magnificent nature and fascinating wildlife. This national park consists of three main islands, namely Komodo Island, Rinca Island, and Padar Island.  Contrary to popular belief, Rinca Island has the largest population of komodo dragons. Yes, you can find more komodo dragons in Rinca Island compared to Komodo Island.

The beauty of Rinca Island has become famous to both local and foreign tourists. Now let's learn everything you need to know before coming to Rinca Island.

Exciting Things To See

1.  The Scenic Panorama

Rinca Island is about 18,500 hectares and most of its part is covered by a very beautiful sabana. When you come to visit this island, you will be presented with several routes, ranging from short to the longest treks for about 1-3 hours long. Each trek will be guided by a guide or the forest police or commonly called a ranger.

The trek will pass and climb the towering hilltops of Rinca Island. When you reach the top of the hill, you can enjoy the mixed magnificence view of the savanna, the wide sky, clusters of coral hills that stand firmly, other hills that look like a fence surrounding the blue ocean, and small islands around Rinca Island. A combination of heaven-like sights that will leave you in awe.

If you are a sunset-lover, it is recommended to explore Rinca Island and hike the hilltops in the afternoon. There you will experience the most alluring sunset view you will ever witness. The tiredness of climbing will be paid off by a calm and peaceful feeling once you are at the top of the island’s hill.

2.  The Fascinating Wildlife

As one of the lands of the Komodo dragon, Rinca Island is a home for the larger Komodo dragon population with around 2,000 individuals living on the island. While wandering around looking for the ancient animal, you will also be guided by the ranger, those who are a professional in the surrounding area and the animals around. 

You will visit the Komodo’s nest, a hole with 1-2 meter depth where they lay their eggs. During the guided trip, you will meet the komodo dragons around the area. It is recommended to not visit Rinca in June and July where it’s their mating period, within those months they will stay in their nest and it will be difficult to find them.

The Komodo dragon also lives side by side with other animals such as wild pigs, water buffalos, Sumba deers, monkeys, wild horses, and many snakes that you will also find in Rinca Island.

3.  White Sand Beach

Besides the beautiful hills with savanna that feels so soothing and animals that attract attention, Rinca Island also has an exotic yellowish-white sand beach around the island. The waves are also friendly, perfect for relaxation and soaking up the sun after a hike. If you are also a beach-lover, Rinca Island is an astounding option you could have in Labuan Bajo.

Things To Pack

Before you go to Rinca Island, make sure to pack these things into your bag;

-       Trekking Shoes

-       A Cap

-       Sunscreen Lotion

-       A towel

-       Snacks and drinks

Where To Stay

It doesn't take a day to explore this island so usually tourists come to visit from Labuan Bajo using a ship or live on board a ship that has a bed in it. These are a list of CHSE-certified lodging that you can rent, such as:

1.   Laprima Hotel

A low budget hotel, with leafy grounds overlooking the Flores Sea. The room cost started from IDR 580,000 to IDR 870,000 per night. It will take you around 8 minutes to get to The Labuan Bajo Ferry Terminal.

2.   Meruorah Labuan Bajo - Formerly INAYA Bay Komodo

A 5-star hotel overlooking the marina of Flores Sea. You will need around 5 minutes to walk to The Labuan Bajo Ferry Terminal. You can prepare around IDR 1.8 million to IDR 4.8 to stay one night in this hotel.

3.   AYANA Komodo Resort

Located in Waecicu Beach Labuan Bajo, this resort would be the best option for you if you like waking up with an ocean view. One room costs from IDR 2.4 million to IDR 4.3  per night. It takes 8 minutes to reach The Labuan Bajo Ferry Terminal.

How To Get There

To get to Rinca Island, you will need a 2-hour long ride using a ferry that takes you from The Labuan Bajo Ferry Terminal and arrives at The Loh Buaya Pier in Rinca Island. After arriving, you will find the checkpoint to buy the tickets and there you will meet the ranger who will guide you during trekking.

And there you have it, everything you need to know about the beauty of Rinca Island that will leave you with incredible experiences. But before you go, be sure to check out more interesting things to do in Labuan Bajo to put in your bucket list, here you go!