Home JournalKomodo Permit Types Guide – SIMAKSI, Diving & Trek Permits Explained

Komodo Permit Types: SIMAKSI, Diving & Trek Permits

There are three main permit types required to explore Komodo National Park: the SIMAKSI permit for land trekking, the Diving permit for underwater activities, and the combined Trek & Dive permit for both. All permits are issued by the park authority and must be obtained before entering the park.

Key Facts

• Authority: Directorate General of Forest Protection & Nature Conservation (PHKA)
• Main permits: SIMAKSI (land), Diving, Trek & Dive (combined)
• Validity: 1‑day (per permit) – can be extended up to 3 days for multi‑day charters
• Cost (2026): SIMAKSI IDR 150 000, Diving IDR 250 000, Trek & Dive IDR 350 000 (per person)
• Where to obtain: Labuan Bajo Visitor Center, authorized dive operators, or via a licensed Phinisi charter agency
• Required documents: Passport copy, proof of payment, and a signed liability waiver

Why Permits Matter in Komodo National Park

Komodo National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, home to the iconic Komodo dragon, pristine coral reefs, and rugged limestone cliffs. The park’s strict permit system protects fragile ecosystems while ensuring visitor safety.

• Environmental protection – Permits fund anti‑poaching patrols and reef monitoring.
• Safety – Authorized guides know tide schedules, dragon sighting hotspots, and emergency protocols.
• Legal compliance – Operating without a permit can result in hefty fines or seizure of equipment.

When you charter a Phinisi yacht with KomodoExplorer, we handle the paperwork, but understanding the process empowers you to plan confidently.

The Three Core Komodo Permit Types

1. SIMAKSI Permit (Land Trekking)

SIMAKSI stands for Sistem Informasi dan Manajemen Akses Kawasan – the digital system that tracks every footstep on land. This permit is mandatory for any trek on Komodo Island, Rinca, or Padar.

• Depth of use: Applies to all land‑based activities, from short 2‑hour hikes to full‑day treks.
• Species you’ll encounter: Komodo dragons, Timor deer, and the endemic Rinca forest pigeon.

2. Diving Permit

Diving permits grant access to the park’s world‑renowned dive sites such as Batu Bolong, Manta Point, and Crystal Bay.

• Depth limits: Up to 30 m for recreational dives; technical dives require separate authorization.
• Key marine life: Manta rays, reef sharks, and the elusive Komodo dragonfish (a deep‑water species).

3. Trek & Dive Permit (Combined)

For travelers who want to experience both land and sea in a single day, the combined permit is the most efficient. It covers one trek and one dive, and can be extended for multi‑day itineraries.

Ideal for: 1‑day charter itineraries that include a morning trek on Padar followed by an afternoon dive at Manta Point.

How to Secure Your Komodo Park Permits

Below is a step‑by‑step HowTo guide for obtaining each permit type. Follow the numbered steps, and you’ll be ready to set sail.

How to Get a SIMAKSI Permit

1. Choose your trek date – Early morning (06:00‑09:00) offers cooler air and better dragon visibility.
2. Contact an authorized operator – Ask for a SIMAKSI quote and confirm that the guide is certified by the park.
3. Prepare documents – Passport copy, visa page (if applicable), and a signed liability waiver.
4. Pay the fee – Most operators accept cash (IDR) or bank transfer; keep the receipt for verification.
5. Collect the permit – Pick it up at the Labuan Bajo Visitor Center (open 08:00‑16:00) or have the operator deliver it to your yacht.

How to Get a Diving Permit

1. Select dive sites – Use our Komodo diving sites guide to match currents and marine life.
2. Book with a licensed dive center – Ensure they are registered with the park authority.
3. Submit diver passports – Provide a copy for each diver; the center will forward them to the park office.
4. Pay the fee – Typically paid on the day of the dive; some operators allow pre‑payment for convenience.
5. Receive the permit – It will be attached to your dive logbook or handed to the dive guide.

How to Get a Trek & Dive Permit

1. Plan a combined itinerary – Example: trek Padar sunrise, dive Manta Point midday.
2. Contact a Phinisi charter agency – Ask for a combined permit quote; mention the exact sites and times.
3. Provide all passports – Include any crew members who will join the trek or dive.
4. Pay the combined fee – Usually a single transaction covering both activities.
5. Collect the permit – Delivered to your yacht before departure; verify the names and dates.

Can I obtain a permit on the day of my trip?

Yes, but only if you have a pre‑approved operator. Walk‑in permits at the Visitor Center are limited and may run out during peak season.

Are children required to have permits?

All persons, regardless of age, must be listed on the permit. Children under 12 receive a discounted rate for the SIMAKSI permit.

How long is a permit valid?

Standard permits are valid for a single day. For multi‑day charters, you can request an extension up to three days, subject to park approval.

What happens if I lose my permit at sea?

Report the loss immediately to your charter captain. The captain can request a replacement from the park office; however, a small administrative fee may apply.

How to Combine Permits with a Phinisi Charter

A Phinisi yacht offers a seamless way to manage multiple permits. Here’s a concise HowTo checklist for charter guests:

1. Select your charter package – Choose a route that includes both land and sea activities.
2. Inform the charter manager of your permit needs – Specify SIMAKSI, Diving, or Trek & Dive.
3. Provide passport details for all guests – Include crew members if they’ll join the trek or dive.
4. Confirm the permit cost is included in the charter quote – Avoid hidden fees.
5. Receive the permits on board – The captain will store them in a waterproof pouch for easy access.

By consolidating permits, you reduce paperwork, save time, and ensure compliance with the park’s regulations.

Insider Narrative: A Day with All Three Permits

I still remember the first sunrise on Padar Island after securing a SIMAKSI permit through KomodoExplorer. The salty breeze carried the faint scent of frangipani, while distant drums of the island’s wildlife echoed across the limestone cliffs. After a two‑hour trek, we returned to our Phinisi, where the crew handed us our Diving permits just as the sun painted the sea in amber. By midday, we slipped beneath the surface at Manta Point, where the water was a crystal‑clear turquoise, and a school of reef sharks glided past us like ancient guardians. The combined Trek & Dive permit made the transition effortless – a single document, two unforgettable worlds.

Booking Your Permits with KomodoExplorer

Ready to secure your komodo permit types and set sail on an unforgettable adventure? Our seasoned team handles every detail—from SIMAKSI paperwork to dive‑site authorizations—so you can focus on the sights, sounds, and smells of Komodo National Park.

Visit our Phinisi charter page, select your preferred itinerary, and let us take care of the komodo park permits. Whether you’re chasing dragons on land or manta rays beneath the waves, we’ll ensure you have the right permits, the right guides, and the right memories.

Book now and embark on a journey where every permit opens a new chapter of discovery.