Pulau Kalong – The Bat Island of Komodo National Park, Indonesia

Hidden among the islands of Parc national de Komodo near Labuan Bajo in eastern Indonesia, Pulau Kalong — literally “Bat Island” — offers one of the most extraordinary wildlife spectacles in the region. Far from a typical beach destination, Kalong Island is famous for its dramatic bat exodus at dusk, when thousands of flying foxes light up the sky against a fiery sunset.

A Natural Phenomenon — Thousands of Bats at Sunset

The island gets its name from the Indonesian word kalong, which refers to the large fruit bats — also known as flying foxes — that live in the dense mangrove forest covering the island. During the day, these fruit bats rest high in the mangrove branches, sheltered from the heat and sun.

But the real magic begins at dusk, when the bats awaken and take to the skies in vast numbers. As the sun sets, thousands of wings fill the horizon, streaming toward nearby islands such as Flores to forage for fruit. This nightly procession creates a breathtaking curtain of silhouetted bats against the glowing orange and violet sky — a sight that’s both surreal and unforgettable for visitors on boats nearby.

How to Experience Kalong Island

Pulau Kalong is not a place where travelers walk on the shore — the island itself has no beaches, piers, or tourism facilities. Instead, the experience is best enjoyed from a bateau, often as part of a Parc national de Komodo tour departing from Labuan Bajo.

Most tours time their visit so that guests arrive before sunset. Many travelers relax on deck with a tropical drink as the evening light fades and the flying foxes take flight. The contrast of the bats’ dark silhouettes against the colorful sky is one of the most memorable natural shows in the park.

Meilleure période pour visiter

• Sunset (around 5:30–6:30 PM): This is when the flying foxes emerge and the sky transforms into vibrant hues — the ideal moment for photography and wildlife watching.
• Dry Season (April–November): Clear skies and calmer seas offer optimal viewing conditions.

More Than a Sunset Spot

Although Kalong Island is primarily visited for its evening bat flights, it also highlights the rich biodiversity and natural balance of Komodo National Park. The flying foxes themselves play important ecological roles, such as pollinating fruit trees and spreading seeds across the islands.

Because the island’s environment is delicate, visitors are generally kept at a distance on boats to protect both the bats and the mangrove habitat. The lack of on-land access helps preserve this unique ecosystem.

Why Pulau Kalong Is Worth Visiting

• It offers one of the most unique wildlife phenomena in Indonesia: vast numbers of flying foxes taking flight at sunset.
• The experience combines wildlife watching with stunning natural light — perfect for photographers and nature lovers alike.
• It provides a deeper appreciation of the ecosystems within Komodo National Park beyond just beaches and terrestrial wildlife.

Pulau Kalong might not be a traditional island destination for beachgoers, but for anyone exploring Komodo National Park, it offers an unforgettable moment where nature’s rhythms create pure magic at dusk.

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