Labuan Bajo 2026: A Guide to the New 1000 Person Visitor Cap
Understanding the new trial Labuan Bajo 1000 person visitor cap!
The days of Labuan Bajo being a hidden gem are over. In response to over-tourism in Bali, the Indonesian government has been promoting five new areas for tourism around the country. Labuan Bajo is on the list and as a result tourism has been steadily increasing.
If you’ve seen the incredible pictures of sunrise over Padar Island, you could be fooled for thinking it would be a remote and serene experience. When I did the Padar Sunrise Hike in 2025, the reality could not be more different. Climbing down when the sun had risen, we were at a literal stand still because of the sheer amount of people climbing down the narrow path at the same time.
The new trial solution to the problem of over-tourism in Komodo National Park is the Labuan Bajo 1000 person visitor cap.
What is the Labuan Bajo 1000 Person Visitor Cap?
As of April 2026, the Ministry of Forestry is introducing a new 1000 person cap on visiting Komodo National Park. This is to keep the reefs healthy and the dragons happy, and to bring back that wild and remote feel that makes the area so special.
The cap will be divided across 3 sessions with approximately 300 people allowed to enter the park for each time slot.
This is still in its trial phase and there will likely be changes to this policy over time. I will try to keep this post as updated as possible as the Ministry of Forestry irons out the kinks in its plan.
How to Secure Your Place
You can apply for the Komodo National Park permit through the SiOra App. While you can download the app in the Apple and Android app stores, the most stress-free way to get your permit is through a licensed tour operator.
If you have booked a day trip or multi-day boat tour to Komodo National Park, your tour operator will take care of this part for you. The SiOra app is notoriously glitchy and is best left to the professionals, especially in this early phase when there is likely to still be changes to the process.
Costs and Fees for Visiting Komodo National Park
Entering Komodo National Park comes with a few extra costs.
For every day you spend inside the park, there is a 250k IDR marine park ticket. This will get you the QR code that you need to enter the park. There is also a 25k IDR harbour fee that you pay when entering the port. If you plan to dive while you’re there, there is an additional 25k IDR fee per day.
There is no need to stress about paying these fees yourself. Any decent tour provider will organise this for you. They will do the hard work and make sure you have everything you need before arriving at the port.
Pre-Booking Komodo Tours
Unfortunately, the days of just showing up and jumping on a boat around the islands are likely over. The increasing tourism and the 1000 person cap means that trips to Komodo will require a bit of planning.
If you are visiting in peak tourist season, in July to September, try to book as early as you can. Booking day trips and tours at least 3 or 4 months in advance is recommended to get the dates you want. In off-peak times I would still book at least a month in advance, especially for multi-day phinisi tours.
The Best time Slot for Hiking Padar Island
If you are planning on doing the Padar Island hike, the best time is definitely the sunrise session. This is a very popular activity so the demand for the 5am-8am time slot will be high. If you know for sure that you want to do the sunrise hike, book as soon as you can.
Even though we were packed in like sardines on the top of the mountain, it was so incredibly beautiful to watch the sun rise over the rugged, rocky peninsulas of Padar. It is one of the highlights of visiting Komodo National Park and the opportunity to experience this without the crowds is a real perk of the 1000 person visitor cap.
The Quota is Full. What Else Can I Do?
If you’ve arrived in Labuan Bajo and the quota for entering Komodo National Park is full, don’t worry! There are still lots of things that you can do. Some of the best things to do in Labuan Bajo are on the mainland. Luckily activities in and around Labuan Bajo mainland do not require a Komodo National Park permit.
Where to Stay in Labuan Bajo
Budget – Zazgo Hotel has way more than you would expect for a budget hotel. The staff are super friendly – one of the women working reception even loaned me her scooter for a couple of hours! The restaurant has a great view over the islands and there is a pool with swim up bar, perfect for sunset. It is located just off the main street and if you’re looking to save money, you can even walk from the airport.
Mid-range – Seaesta is the perfect middle ground. It has a really social vibe, great views from the pool area of the nearby islands and is conveniently located on the edge of town.
Luxury – My favourite place to stay in Labuan Bajo is AYANA resort. We stayed for a couple of nights for a treat at the end of our holiday. We both loved it so much, we booked it for our wedding! It is not a cheap stay, but it is heaven on earth and worth every penny!
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