In Reply to: komodo dragons posted by jarrod on Thursday, 6. January 2011 at 19:48 Bali Time:
First, you have to fly to Labuan Bajo. This is a really pretty flight, and if non stop, it will take around an hour only.
You can overnight in Labuan Bajo and i recommend the Bintang Flores, or the Jayakarta. Both nice hotels - not exactly 5* but they are decent. Dont expect swift service of anything, but you get what you pay for i guess.
From Labuan Bajo to Komodo its around 4 hours by a wooden fishing boat. Some of them DO have air conditioned cabins, and staying over night really is the best way to do it. if you set out first thing in the morning (which is usually around 10am by the time everything is organised) you arrive around 2 if you go directly to Komodo. After you have a look around, its not good to leave in the late afternoon, as you will be coming back in the dark. the area has some strong currents, and in the dark, its not so much fun in my opinion.
another way to do it is to leave Labuan Bajo in the morning, head to Rinca, take a look around, and then head to Komodo. you will arrive in the late afternoon. Do some snorkeling at Pink Beach (or anywhere else) and spend the night on the boat. go on to Komodo in the morning, have a look around, and leave the island by around 1pm, getting you back by about 5 when it is still light.
over night in Labuan Bajo before returning the next day.
hope that helps.