Kalong Island (Pulau Kalong)

The basics

Kalong Island is uninhabited and the bats roost in the mangroves during the day, so everyone visits at sunset to watch the flying foxes streaming across a Technicolor sky. Most travelers visit on a 2- or 3-night Komodo National Park island-hopping cruise, and pretty much every boat will anchor off Kalong Island for sunset on one night. Time-poor travelers can see the bats in action from a speedboat on day trips, half-day trips, or even sunset tours: All require a Komodo National Park entry ticket.

Things to know before you go

• Kalong Island is a great choice for nature lovers and photographers.

• If your boat stays overnight, you can photograph the bats at sunrise when they return from Flores.

• The boats that operate Komodo National Park cruises aren’t wheelchair-friendly.

How to get there

Kalong Island sits just off the northeast corner of Rinca Island in Komodo National Park, off the western coast of Flores. As it’s uninhabited, there are no public boats; almost everyone visits on an island-hopping boat trip out of Labuan Bajo in Flores.

When to get there

As with the rest of Komodo National Park, Kalong Island is best enjoyed during the shoulder seasons (April–May and mid-September to mid-November) when the weather is dry and the seas are calm but the peak season crowds have departed. Boats anchor offshore at sunset so travelers can see the bats silhouetted against the sky.

Where to see wildlife in Komodo National Park

There’s much more than Kalong Island when it comes to Komodo National Park’s wildlife. No cruise would be complete without a sighting of the area’s star attraction: Komodo dragons, giant lizards found only in the park. Most cruises include a dragon-spotting stop on Komodo Island or Rinca Island, large islands where the animals are most common and the infrastructure is best. But Komodo National Park is also known for giant manta rays; snorkelers favor Manta Point and divers Manta Alley.

How long does it take to tour Kalong Island?

It doesn’t take too long to experience Kalong Island, and most tours that go out to the island spend about an hour to 90 minutes there. This gives visitors enough time to see the evening display of bats and watch the sunset from the comfort of the boats.

What is the best time of day to visit Kalong Island?

The best time to visit Kalong Island is around dusk, when huge colonies of giant fruit bats, also known as flying foxes, take to the skies. Many tours to the island are scheduled so that you’ll get there in time to see the bats and the sunset, both big draws.

What is the best time of year to visit Kalong Island?

The best time to visit Kalong Island is between April and June, when the weather is pleasantly warm, with calm waters and fewer tourists than the July and August high season. September–November is another good time to visit. Most travelers avoid the island in the December–March wet season.

Can you go to Kalong Island on your own?

No, you can’t go to Kalong Island on your own. To get there, you’ll need to join a tour or charter a boat with a captain to take you there. Plenty of private and group sailing trips from Komodo include a sunset stop at the island.

How far in advance should I buy Kalong Island tickets?

It’s a good idea to book Kalong Island tours well in advance, especially if you’re visiting in busy summer, when availability is limited. This is the case for both private sailing trips and group trips. Many Kalong Island tours are available to book online up to the day before departure.

Is visiting Kalong Island worth it?

Yes, visiting Kalong Island is worth it. Kalong Island is an enchanting place for nature lovers and is among the more interesting things to do in Komodo National Park. Plus, seeing large colonies of bats fly through the sky, against the backdrop of the setting sun, makes for great photos.