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
- Also known asGili Laba Darat, Gili Lawadarat, Pulau Gili Lawa Darat
- TypeIsland, Viewpoint / Trek, Snorkel Site, Bay / Anchorage
- Inside Komodo National ParkYes
- How to get thereLiveaboard, Trek from Landing
- Travel time from Labuan BajoVessel, route and conditions dependent; request a passage estimate for the named departure.
- LandingBeach landing
- Last checked2026-09-12
What to Expect
Gili Lawa Darat is the island and ridge-walk destination; Gili Lawa Laut is a different island across the channel. Gili Laba is an alternative spelling used in visitor material. Confirm Darat explicitly when the trek matters to your route.
The walk involves exposed, uneven ground and a descent that also takes time. A scenic island pin does not identify the current authorised landing, path or turnaround point. Request those details from the crew before going ashore.
An island's highest elevation, a viewpoint's elevation and the ascent from a particular landing are different measurements. A dated route trace or park-approved route is needed before quoting one as your climb. We do not publish a measured visitor-route elevation or distance from the available desk evidence.
Editorial review: 16 October 2026. Indonesia Travel identifies Gili Laba with the Darat hill visit. This is destination context, not current trail permission.
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
Confirm four points: the Darat landing bay, the authorised path, the agreed viewpoint or turnaround, and the tender retrieval point. Save the operator's map or briefing offline. A route shown in an old hiking blog is not proof that it is open now.
Set a turnaround time before climbing. Ask the guide to allow for the slowest guest, heat, descent, fading light and the tender transfer. A sunrise or sunset goal must fit current access and the vessel's safe plan. Tell the crew if you prefer a shorter walk or to stay aboard.
Check the surface and equipment. Request a recent description of loose sections, steps, steep edges and any closure or fire restriction. Use footwear suited to the actual terrain, carry water, and follow the guide's decision to shorten or cancel the walk.
The Komodo National Park Map and Islands places the northern area in context. Ask whether a Komodo Tour 4 Days 3 Nights actually includes Gili Lawa Darat; four days alone does not establish northern coverage.
Boats That Sail Here
Compare 12 bookable boats that include Gili Lawa Darat on published itineraries.
Who This Suits
Discuss fitness, balance, knees, heat tolerance and the descent with the operator. Ask about the current surface, any steps or handrails and a shorter option rather than deciding from an old difficulty label.
The walking and water-activity plans are separate. Staying aboard can be the appropriate choice if the route or conditions do not suit the guest.
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
Stay on the authorised path, avoid dry-grass ignition sources, and descend at the guide's agreed time. Clouds, rain, heat and a slow descent can change the plan. A telephone map is an orientation aid, not a substitute for a guide or current access instructions.
Do not swim across the Darat–Laut channel independently. A sheltered anchorage does not establish weak current, and the trek and any snorkel activity require separate crew assessments.
Check Accessible Komodo Travel Guide and Responsible Tourism in Komodo before deciding whether a trek suits your group.
Photography Notes
Views depend on the authorised viewpoint, light and weather. Agree a turnaround that leaves time for the descent and tender retrieval; a sunrise or sunset photograph does not justify an unauthorised or rushed route. Obtain any required drone permission separately.
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?
Published island elevations are not the same as your viewpoint or total ascent. This desk review has not verified a current permitted trail trace with measured distance and elevation gain. Ask the operator to identify the intended viewpoint and route.
How hard is the trek?
Judge the specific route: exposed ground, loose sections, heat, descent and the group's pace. Ask for the current path, expected walking time including return, and a shorter option. An old blog's duration is not a guaranteed schedule.
Can I visit on a day trip?
Only if a named northern day route allocates enough sailing, landing, walking and return time. Many itineraries omit it. Confirm Darat and the actual trek rather than inferring it from “Komodo islands”.
Can I snorkel in the channel?
Do not make an independent channel crossing. Any snorkelling must use a crew-selected area and support appropriate to the current conditions; the trekking landing is not an automatic water-activity approval.
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?
Do not rely on a staffed service point or facilities on the ridge. Carry water and essentials from the vessel and confirm the landing and retrieval arrangement before walking.
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 (the park’s official e-ticketing system) and SIMAKSI (the park’s activity-permit system) processes 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
Gili Lawa Darat, northern Komodo National Park, East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia
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