Gili MotangGili Motang at a Glance
About Gili Motang
Gili Motang is a small island in East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia, located within Komodo National Park. It is notable for supporting populations of the Komodo dragon and for its dry, island ecosystem.
The island’s limited land area consists mainly of dry forest and scrub that provide habitat for Komodo dragons and associated reptiles and birds. Visits are normally made as part of organized park boat tours and are restricted under national park rules.
Gili Motang became part of Komodo National Park when the park was established, and the entire park was later inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1991. Protection under the park framework focuses on species conservation and regulated tourism.
The island sits in the waters between Flores and other islands of the Komodo archipelago and is reached only by boat from Flores or other park islands.
- Protected area: Part of Komodo National Park and subject to park regulations and guided-visit rules for safety and conservation.
- Access: Accessible only by boat as part of park tour itineraries; overnight facilities on the island are minimal or absent.
What to See#
- Dragon habitat: Dry forest and shrubland habitat on the island provides the ecological niche used by resident Komodo dragons and associated fauna.
Best Time to Visit Gili Motang
April-December is the prime window for sea travel and clearer marine conditions.
Weather & Climate near Gili Motang
Gili Motang's climate is classified as Tropical Savanna - Tropical Savanna climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 20°C to 30°C. Abundant rainfall (1791 mm/year), wettest in January with a pronounced dry season.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Good | 22° - 28° | 25° | 349 mm | overcast | 83% | 3.0 m/s | 2.6 extreme | 12.4h |
| February | Good | 22° - 28° | 25° | 326 mm | overcast | 82% | 2.7 m/s | 2.8 extreme | 12.3h |
| March | Good | 22° - 29° | 26° | 262 mm | partly cloudy | 81% | 2.4 m/s | 2.7 extreme | 12.0h |
| April | Very Good | 22° - 29° | 26° | 149 mm | some cloud | 80% | 2.7 m/s | 2.5 extreme | 11.8h |
| May | Excellent | 22° - 29° | 25° | 110 mm | some cloud | 80% | 2.9 m/s | 2.1 extreme | 11.6h |
| June | Ideal | 21° - 29° | 25° | 43 mm | mostly sunny | 80% | 3.0 m/s | 1.9 very high | 11.5h |
| July | Ideal | 20° - 28° | 24° | 29 mm | mostly sunny | 78% | 3.6 m/s | 2.0 very high | 11.6h |
| August | Ideal | 20° - 28° | 24° | 24 mm | mostly sunny | 76% | 3.5 m/s | 2.3 extreme | 11.7h |
| September | Ideal | 21° - 29° | 25° | 36 mm | mostly sunny | 76% | 2.6 m/s | 2.7 extreme | 11.9h |
| October | Excellent | 22° - 30° | 26° | 72 mm | mostly sunny | 75% | 3.2 m/s | 2.8 extreme | 12.2h |
| November | Very Good | 23° - 30° | 26° | 146 mm | partly cloudy | 77% | 3.4 m/s | 2.8 extreme | 12.4h |
| December | Good | 22° - 29° | 26° | 245 mm | overcast | 81% | 2.9 m/s | 2.6 extreme | 12.5h |
How to Get to Gili Motang
Access is by chartered boat as part of Komodo National Park itineraries, usually departing from Labuan Bajo on Flores. Landing permissions and park fees may apply.
Tips for Visiting Gili Motang
- Arrange boat access from Labuan Bajo or local harbors; Gili Motang is remote and part of Komodo National Park's broader marine zoning.
- Respect conservation rules - Komodo National Park has strict rules on anchoring, fishing and landings to protect endangered species.
- If interested in Komodo dragons, include a licensed park guide - sightings are regulated and guided for safety.