About This Place
The Sabolon group consists of Sabolon Besar and Sabolon Kecil northwest of Labuan Bajo. The larger island is roughly 12 kilometres from town and has rocky shores, a sandy southeastern beach and a narrow fringing reef.
Clear water, open views and proximity to Labuan Bajo make the islands useful for a short beach, snorkel or sunset stop. They are outside Komodo National Park and belong with Labuan Bajo's nearshore island circuit rather than the park's southern itinerary.
The exposed back sides can carry stronger current. A boat crew must choose the swimming area and landing from wind and tide, and visitors should not attempt to snorkel around an entire island.
At a Glance
- Also known asSabolo Islands, Sabolan Besar, Sabolon Besar and Kecil
- TypeIsland, Beach, Snorkel Site, Bay / Anchorage
- Inside Komodo National ParkNo
- How to get thereLiveaboard, Speedboat Day Trip
- Travel time from Labuan BajoAbout 45-75 minutes northwest of Labuan Bajo by boat
- LandingBeach landing
- Last checked2026-09-12
What to Expect
Approach is by speedboat or liveaboard tender. The beach has little natural shade, no dependable facilities and bright broken-coral sand that reflects heat.
Snorkeling is best in a crew-selected section of the fringing reef. Water may look calm from the beach while current runs along the outer shore.
Marine life varies by reef condition and tide. Treat the island as a relaxed near-Labuan Bajo stop rather than a guaranteed wildlife encounter.
Crowds and Timing
Sabolon is quieter than the standard Komodo day-trip circuit but can attract local boats on weekends and at sunset. Morning gives clearer activity time and less heat; late afternoon gives warmer light and a shorter return margin.
How to Visit
Arrange a return boat from Labuan Bajo with life jackets, shade and a named pickup plan. Confirm whether the booking means Sabolon Besar, Sabolon Kecil or both. The islands should not be sold as a Komodo National Park stop.
Boats That Sail Here
Compare 12 bookable boats that include Sabolon Islands on published itineraries.
Who This Suits
Good for families, couples and first-time snorkelers when the crew selects protected water. It also suits a short arrival or departure-day cruise. There is too little shade and infrastructure for visitors who need reliable facilities.
What to Bring
- Drinking water and full sun protection
- Dry bag for electronics
- Water shoes for coral rubble
- Well-fitting mask, fins and flotation aid if needed
- Snacks and a bag for all personal waste
Safety Notes
Current can strengthen on the exposed side. Stay inside the area marked by the guide, use a flotation aid if needed and keep the tender close.
Bring all water and sun protection, wear footwear on coral rubble and take every item of waste back to Labuan Bajo. Do not stand on living reef.
Photography Notes
The strongest subjects are the white beach, low island profile and Labuan Bajo-facing sunset. Use a polariser for water only when it does not darken the sky unevenly. Ask the crew before launching a drone and keep it away from birds and other guests.
Entrance Fee
Sabolon lies outside Komodo National Park, so a Komodo park charge should not be assumed for this stop. Boat, landing or local management fees may still apply and should be itemised.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the Sabolon Islands?
They lie northwest of Labuan Bajo in East Nusa Tenggara. Sabolon Besar is roughly 12 kilometres from town.
Are they inside Komodo National Park?
No. They are nearshore Labuan Bajo islands outside the park boundary.
How do I reach them?
Book a boat from Labuan Bajo and confirm which island, activity and return time are included.
Can beginners snorkel there?
Yes in a protected section chosen by the crew. The outer shore can carry stronger current.
Can I snorkel around the whole island?
That is unsafe. The island is large enough and the back side exposed enough that visitors should remain in a designated area.
Are there facilities?
Do not expect reliable toilets, shops, water or shade. Bring everything needed and take all waste away.
What is the best time to visit?
Morning offers cooler activity conditions; sunset offers warm light but requires a safe return before dark.
Is Sabolon a good alternative to a full park trip?
It is a useful short beach and snorkel outing near Labuan Bajo, but it does not replace Padar, dragon trekking or other park experiences.
What the Park Costs
| What you pay | Amount | Basis |
|---|---|---|
| Park entrance, foreign visitor | Rp 250,000 ≈ $14 | per person, per day The statutory Class I entrance rate. The 150% holiday rule applies to Indonesian visitor and student rates, not this foreign visitor rate. |
| Park entrance, Indonesian visitor, normal day | Rp 50,000 ≈ $3 | per person, per day The normal-day Class I entrance rate. |
| Park entrance, Indonesian visitor, holiday or collective leave | Rp 75,000 ≈ $4 | per person, per day 150% of the normal Indonesian visitor rate on the dates covered by the statutory holiday rule. |
| Indonesian student group, normal day | Rp 25,000 ≈ $1 | per person, per day For Indonesian student groups of at least five people. |
| Indonesian student group, holiday or collective leave | Rp 37,500 ≈ $2 | per person, per day 150% of the normal student-group rate; the minimum group size remains five. |
| Scuba diving activity | Rp 25,000 ≈ $1 | per diver, per day A separate activity charge in addition to the applicable entrance fee. |
| Motorised vessel entry | Rp 100,000–200,000 per boat, per day | Rp 100,000 for 40–100 HP, Rp 150,000 for 101–500 HP, and Rp 200,000 above 500 HP. |
| Drone use | Rp 2,000,000 ≈ $112 | per unit, per day A separate special-use charge. Complete the required SiOra/SIMAKSI process before travel. |
- SiOra is the park’s e-ticketing and SIMAKSI system. Reserve before travel; Ministry guidance recommends completing the reservation by H-1. An operator can assist, and self-service is available at the Komodo Visitor Center and KP3 terminal.
- Payment is cashless through the methods available in SiOra, including BRIVA or bank transfer and supported e-wallets. Keep the e-ticket and ensure the traveller details are correct.
- A 1,000-visitor daily quota has applied since 1 April 2026 to the main visitor islands and 23 dive sites. Availability therefore depends on the travel date and registered itinerary.
- The final SiOra total can include entrance, activity, vessel and special-use charges. Ask the handling operator for an itemised total before issuance.
- Official public guidance does not state one universal refund or rescheduling rule for every reservation. Confirm the current SiOra terms in writing before the ticket is issued, including treatment of weather disruption.
Statutory fees under Peraturan Pemerintah No. 36 Tahun 2024, in force since 30 October 2024. Verified 31 August 2026 against the official PP 36/2024 schedule, the Ministry of Forestry SiOra notice and the Ministry’s 2026 quota notice. Amounts are payable in rupiah; dollar figures are courtesy estimates converted at Rp 17,900 and rounded.
Marine Life
Activities
Cruise Areas
Location
Sabolon Besar and Sabolon Kecil, northwest of Labuan Bajo, East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia
![Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fstaging.komodoinsider.com%2Fdestination%2Fsabolon-islands%2F"e=Sabolon+Islands&description=Two+reef-fringed+islands+northwest+of+Labuan+Bajo+for+beaches+and+snorkeling&picture=https%3A%2F%2Fstaging.komodoinsider.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2026%2F09%2Fdestination-gallery-labuan-bajo-from-a-boat-172150253.jpg){kind=link}
Add a review