Maika Komodo Tour
Kalong Island (Pulau Kalong)“Visiting Kalong Island and seeing the flying foxes at sunset was one of the highlights of our Komodo Boat trip!” Maxi - (Spain) |
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Visit Kalong Island (Pulau Kalong)
You may have heard of the flying foxes or big bats in Komodo National Park. Being around Kalong Island around sunset gives our guests a unique opportunity to see the massive bats flying over their heads heading to Flores Island. Kalong is a popular tourism spot to end the even at to see this rare site. Kalong is also known as Koaba Island by the locals, which actually means Flying Foxes or big bats. The island is mostly covered by mangrove forests, which is why thousands of bats live on the island in the daytime. This coverage protects them from the heat from the sun on a typical hot day in Komodo National Park. This island is actually known to have been kept secret by the locals and no one goes on the island. Ancestor stories say one person went to the island and never came back, so now it is viewed from a far. (in a boat)
Boat trips to KalongOur boat tours usually end the first or second night at Kalong Island,(Pulau Kalong) while we anchor, watch the bats fly over at sunset, and get some relaxing sleep as while hearing the sounds of nature. Around early afternoon, if you listen closely, you can hear the giant bats start to waking up and communicating with each other. Typically the bats start coming out right around sunset and will come out in waves. So you may see a few hundred fly over you and then 10 minutes later see a few hundred more. The sheer size of these bats is quite unbelievable. As well as it makes for some great photos as they fly over in the sunset over Komodo National Park. They spend their days in the mangrove forest and then hunt for food at night when the temperatures are cooler. They fly to the northern part of Flores Island and then return in the mornings.
Kalong is a popular tourist destination in Komodo National Park and it is usually always part of a Boat tour. On our boat tours, we visit many beautiful Islands and interesting places, but some of our guests say the seeing the Flying Foxes at sunset is one of their top highlights of their trip in Komodo park. You may be wandering if the bats are dangerous. This is not a worry at all. Our boat anchors far away for the island and the bats fly very high in the sky to go to the Northern part of Flores Island. Kalong is not an island for swimming, snorkelling, or laying on the beach, because their is no beach. Just a great place to see their unique flying foxes. |
Maika Komodo Tours is a full service tour agency located in Labuan Bajo, Flores Indonesia. Komodo National Park Tours 1 Day Trips 2 Day / 1 Night 3 Day / 2 Night 4 Day / 3 Night We can visit places such as;
Flores Overland tours
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Kalong is a great add on to a Komodo Island Tour Package
We can add Kalong Island to any of our Komodo boat trips. Typically, we can anchor there after a trip to Rinca Island to see Komodo Dragons or after a visit to the famous Padar Island. Some of the other places you can add to your boat trip itinerary are; Komodo Island, Pink beach, Taka Makassar, Kelor Island, Gili Lawa, Manta Point, Long Beach, or Kanawa Island. If you are a scuba diver, we can also visit locations such as Batu Bolong, Siaba Besar, Crystal Rock, Castle Rock, Tatawa Basar, Tatawa Kecil, Siaba Kecil, and more options. If would like to scuba diving Komodo National Park, we offer unique itineraries for diving and hiking as well.
This is what some visiting guests have said about Kolong Island.
“Ridiculously insane cool!”
"Thousands and thousands of bats flying out with sunset in the background is a sight you have to see at least once in your life.” - Andil
“Superb scenery for sunset while enjoying the bat going out for their breakfast. we can only stay at boat because the island its kind like mangrove forest.” - Randy
“When you’re in LOB, boats will come here and wait for sunset. Definitely one of the best nature phenomenon I’ve ever witnessed. Bats flew above with yellowish sky background, very romantic indeed who needs TV on a vacation like this! One of the best sunset views onthe island” -Sofi
“It's one of the best spot to see the sunset while seeing thousands of flying foxes leaving their roosts and looking for food to Flores island.” - Fauzy
This is what some visiting guests have said about Kolong Island.
“Ridiculously insane cool!”
"Thousands and thousands of bats flying out with sunset in the background is a sight you have to see at least once in your life.” - Andil
“Superb scenery for sunset while enjoying the bat going out for their breakfast. we can only stay at boat because the island its kind like mangrove forest.” - Randy
“When you’re in LOB, boats will come here and wait for sunset. Definitely one of the best nature phenomenon I’ve ever witnessed. Bats flew above with yellowish sky background, very romantic indeed who needs TV on a vacation like this! One of the best sunset views onthe island” -Sofi
“It's one of the best spot to see the sunset while seeing thousands of flying foxes leaving their roosts and looking for food to Flores island.” - Fauzy
FAQs
What is Kalong Island in Komodo National Park?
Kalong Island, also known as Kalong Rinca, is one of the many islands located within the Komodo National Park in Indonesia. It is famous for its large population of flying foxes (fruit bats) that inhabit the island.
How do I get to Kalong Island?
To reach Kalong Island, you can book a guided Komodo boat tour or a private boat charter from Labuan Bajo, the main gateway to Komodo National Park. The boat ride from Labuan Bajo to Kalong Island typically takes around 1-2 hours, depending on weather conditions. We offer many options for trips to Kalong. Many of these are a part of our popular 3 day / 2 night trips.
What can I expect to see on Kalong Island?
Kalong Island is known for its impressive spectacle of flying foxes. During sunset, thousands of these bats take to the sky as they leave the island in search of food. It's a mesmerizing sight to witness as they soar above in large flocks.
Is it possible to visit Kalong Island at night?
Yes, some of our boat tours offer the opportunity to visit Kalong Island during nighttime. This allows visitors to witness the flying foxes' leaving the island after day sleeping.
Are there any other attractions near Kalong Island?
Kalong Island is often included as part of a larger itinerary within Komodo National Park. Nearby attractions include visiting Komodo Island or Rinca Island to see Komodo dragons, exploring stunning beaches like Pink Beach, or snorkeling and diving in the crystal-clear waters of the park. We offer different options for multi-day liveaboards as well.
Can I go ashore on Kalong Island?
Visitors are generally not allowed to go ashore on Kalong Island to protect the natural habitat of the flying foxes. The island is basically just mangroves. It's important to respect the wildlife and their environment from a distance while observing them from your boat.
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