About This Place
Gili Lawa Darat is a 1.55-square-kilometre island at the northeastern tip of Komodo Island. Its dry savannah ridge rises above a sheltered bay and the tidal channel that separates it from Gili Lawa Laut.
Liveaboards use the area as a northern anchorage close to Castle Rock, Crystal Rock, Golden Passage and the Cauldron. A short but steep ridge walk gives broad views over both islands, while the bay can offer clear water and reef snorkeling.
The landscape changes with the season: slopes turn green after rain and fade to gold through the dry months. There are no visitor facilities on the ridge. Landing, trekking and snorkeling depend on park access, fire risk, wind and current.
At a Glance
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Also known asGili Laba Darat, Gili Lawadarat, Pulau Gili Lawa Darat
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TypeIsland, Viewpoint / Trek, Snorkel Site, Bay / Anchorage
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Inside Komodo National ParkYes
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How to get thereLiveaboard, Trek from Landing
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Travel time from Labuan BajoAbout 2-3 hours from Labuan Bajo by liveaboard
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LandingBeach landing
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Last checked2026-09-12
What to Expect
The tender normally lands on sand inside the bay. The trail climbs immediately over loose, exposed ground with no shade or formal service point. Even a short ascent becomes hot after sunrise.
Higher ground opens a view across the curved bays, Komodo Island and the Gili Lawa channel. The island's official gazetteer elevation is about 152 metres, but tours may stop on a lower ridge rather than the highest point.
Snorkeling stays inside a crew-selected section. The channel between Gili Lawa Darat and Gili Lawa Laut can run fast and is not an unsupported swim.
Crowds and Timing
Several liveaboards can anchor in the bay during north-Komodo season. Sunrise and sunset concentrate guests on the same narrow ridge. A skipper can stagger the landing or choose a lower viewpoint when the trail is busy.
How to Visit
Gili Lawa Darat is boat-only and most practical on a liveaboard. Tender landings need a safe beach and permission under current park management. Combine the trek with nearby northern diving only when the itinerary gives enough daylight and recovery time.
Boats That Sail Here
Compare 12 bookable boats that include Gili Lawa Darat on published itineraries.
Who This Suits
Good for active travellers, photographers and liveaboard guests comfortable with a short exposed climb. It is less suitable for knee problems, poor balance or anyone needing shade and handrails. Snorkelers must be confident and follow tender limits.
What to Bring
- Closed shoes with grip
- At least one litre of water per person
- Hat, reef-safe sunscreen and light long sleeves
- Head torch for a sunrise or sunset descent
- Mask and fins only for crew-approved snorkeling
Safety Notes
The ridge is hot, loose and exposed. Wear proper footwear, carry water, descend before darkness unless equipped with a torch, and follow any park closure.
Current in the channel can be rapid and unpredictable. Never swim between the islands without a crewed support tender. Keep clear of dry grass ignition sources and take all waste back to the boat.
Photography Notes
A wide lens captures the S-shaped shoreline and neighbouring islands. Sunrise gives cooler climbing conditions; sunset gives warm side light but requires a torch for descent. Drone use inside the national park requires prior permission and must not be assumed from an open beach.
Entrance Fee
Gili Lawa Darat is inside Komodo National Park. Statutory park, activity and vessel charges may apply separately from the liveaboard fare; confirm current permitted access and charges through the operator.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Gili Lawa Darat?
It sits at the northeastern tip of Komodo Island inside Komodo National Park, opposite Gili Lawa Laut.
Is Gili Lawa Darat the same as Gili Laba?
Gili Laba is a common alternative spelling or shortened name used for the area. Confirm whether an operator means Darat or Laut.
How high is the island?
Official geographic data gives an elevation around 152 metres. Visitor treks may use a lower ridge rather than the highest point.
How hard is the trek?
It is short but steep, loose and fully exposed to sun. Moderate fitness and closed shoes make a large difference.
Can I visit on a day trip?
It is possible on specialised northern routes, but it is primarily a liveaboard anchorage because of the distance from Labuan Bajo.
Can I snorkel in the channel?
Only with crew direction and tender support. The tidal flow between the two Gili Lawa islands can accelerate quickly.
When are the hills green?
Rain brings greener slopes; the prolonged dry period turns them gold and brown. Exact timing changes each year.
Are there facilities on the island?
No reliable visitor facilities. Bring water, sun protection and footwear, and return all waste to the boat.
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
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Gili Lawa Darat, northern Komodo National Park, East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia
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