The most common way to reach Kalong Island is by booking a boat tour from Labuan Bajo. These tours often combine visits to other popular spots in Komodo National Park. You can find various tour operators offering day trips or multi-day sailing adventures that include Kalong Island. +2

Public ferry services are not typically available for tourist access to Kalong Island. Access is primarily through organized boat tours or private charters.

The travel time to Kalong Island from Labuan Bajo can vary depending on the type of boat and the overall tour itinerary, but it's generally a relatively short journey, often part of a larger day trip.

While technically possible to charter a private boat, most visitors opt for organized tours for convenience and to experience the sunset and bat flight with other travelers.

Many travelers fly into Labuan Bajo (LBJ) from Bali or other major Indonesian cities and then arrange boat tours to explore the Komodo National Park, which includes Kalong Island.

Entry to Kalong Island itself is usually included in the price of your boat tour. However, some tours might have separate fees for national park entrance or specific island access, so it's best to clarify with your tour operator. +1

Kalong Island doesn't have traditional opening hours as it's a natural habitat. The best time to visit is in the late afternoon to witness the bats flying out at dusk. +1

The cost of boat tours varies significantly based on the duration (day trip vs. multi-day), type of boat (shared vs. private), and inclusions. Prices can range from around IDR 1,000,000 to over IDR 1,500,000 per person for day trips. +3

Yes, many tour operators and travel agencies offer online booking for Labuan Bajo boat tours that include Kalong Island. You can also find options on booking platforms.

Discounts might be available for group bookings or during off-peak seasons. It's always worth inquiring with tour providers about potential deals.

The golden hour just before sunset is ideal for photography, offering beautiful light for both the landscape and the emerging bats. The dramatic moment when thousands of bats take flight is a prime photo opportunity. +2

A camera with good low-light performance and a versatile zoom lens would be beneficial. A wide-angle lens can capture the expansive sunset, while a telephoto lens can help get closer shots of the bats in flight.

Generally, there are no specific restrictions on photography for personal use. However, always be respectful of the wildlife and other visitors.

Yes, photographing the bats as they fly out at dusk is a major highlight. Be prepared for low light conditions as sunset approaches. +1

The best vantage points for photography are typically from the deck of your boat, offering unobstructed views of the sunset and the bats against the sky. +1

Kalong Island is home to thousands of large fruit bats, commonly known as flying foxes. 'Kalong' itself means 'bat' in Indonesian. +1

The flying foxes on Kalong Island are generally not harmful to visitors. They are active at dusk and are more interested in foraging for food than interacting with people.

The bats typically begin to fly out of the mangrove forests in search of food around dusk, usually starting between 5:30 PM and 6:00 PM, depending on the season and sunset time. +1

The island is characterized by dense mangrove forests, which provide shelter for the bats during the day and serve as their launching point at dusk. +1

While the bats are the main attraction, the surrounding waters may offer glimpses of marine life, and the mangrove ecosystem supports various bird species.