Mind-boggling natural beauty and Komodo dragons

Gateway to the wondrous Komodo National Park, Labuan Bajo is your go-to for idyllic islands, fiery sunsets and a certain giant lizard. But be quick – word is out about this unmissable destination!

A couple of hours by boat from Labuan Bajo, Komodo National Park is undoubtedly the region’s main attraction. Best known for its mighty Komodo dragons, the park is also home to all sorts of other captivating creatures, as well as endless diving, swimming, hiking and photo opportunities. Whether it’s a panoramic shot of islands dotting turquoise water, or one of the park’s stunning pink-sand beaches, your Insta-followers will turn green with envy!

Channel your inner Indiana Jones by trekking through lush jungle to towering waterfalls and mysterious caves. Meet villagers and learn about their traditional culture. Climb any of the local look-out points – Bukit Cinta, Puncak Amelia, Puncak Silva – and admire the glorious sunset vistas. Wander the nightly fish market at Kampung Ujung and sample lip-smackingly fresh seafood while you take in the harbour views.

At just over three hours, Labuan Bajo is an easy flight from Singapore – and an even easier destination to fall in love with!

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Aerial view of Padar Island and surrounds, with beach-fringed hilly islands and calm blue water at sunrise.

Cheap flights to Labuan Bajo

Things to do: Labuan Bajo

  • Man about to go snorkelling in the calm blue sea of Komodo National Park. A ‘phinisi’ floats nearby, and there are mountains on the horizon. Image credit: Adobe Stock

    Dive into an underwater wonderworld

    Find out why the islands near Labuan Bajo are among Indonesia’s best dive spots by joining a diving tour. Whether you’re a snorkeller or scuba-diver, you’ll encounter marine wonders galore. See turtles, eels, sea snakes, sea horses and fish of every shade. Drift in clear, warm water and explore exquisite reefs. From the colourful coral of the Cauldron, Crystal Rock and Police Corner, to the graceful rays of Manta Point, there’s a spot for everyone. Currents can be strong, so check with your guide before diving.

  • Pristine pink sand beach in Komodo National Park, Labuan Bajo. A phinisi boat floats on the aquamarine water.

    Set sail for Komodo National Park

    Comprising 29 islands, the UNESCO-listed Komodo National Park is most famous for its endangered Komodo dragons. These enormous lizards (the world’s largest) are bulky, bloodthirsty, and surprisingly agile. Stay close to your ranger when you view them as they can be nasty! Komodo’s other resident wildlife is unmissable too (hint: 10 types of dolphin), as are its sensational dive spots, jaw-dropping views and heavenly beaches – some of which have pink sand. Joining a liveaboard tour on a traditional phinisi boat is a popular way to explore this unforgettable park.

  • Tourist stands at the edge of the beautiful swimming hole at the base of Cunca Rami, Labuan Bajo. Image credit: Adobe Stock

    Be wowed by awesome waterfalls

    Tear yourself away from the coast for aquatic thrills of a different kind: Labuan Bajo’s gorgeous waterfalls. About an hour east of town, Cunca Wulang cascades between steep rocky cliffs into a turquoise river. You’ll need a local guide to lead you on a 4km trek through lush forest to the waterfall. Further south, Cunca Rami tumbles 100m down sheer granite into a deep swimming hole. To reach this lovely waterfall, you’ll need to hike a short way through fruit plantations and rice fields. Nearby Cunca Plias is Insta-famous for the natural ‘infinity pool’ at its peak.

  • Three traditional Mbaru Niang houses in Wae Rebo village, near Labuan Bajo. Image credit: Adobe Stock

    Visit a traditional village

    Experience the region’s rich culture on a visit to a traditional village. Less than 20km from Labuan Bajo is Melo Village, a Manggaraian settlement where you’ll be treated to some captivating cultural performances. Watch the famous Caci dance and sip the local palm wine, sopi, from a coconut. On Mesa Island, meet the Bajau people and see the picturesque stilt houses that safeguard them at high tide. Or make the trek to the UNESCO-recognised Wae Rebo, an isolated village renowned for its conical Mbaru Niang houses and sustainable way of life.

  • The aquamarine pool and stalactites of Rangko Cave, Labuan Bajo. Image credit: Adobe Stock

    Marvel at magical caves

    Head underground for a glimpse of Labuan Bajo’s hidden charms: its wonderful caves. A short drive from town, Batu Cermin (Mirror Stone) Cave feels like another world with its mystical reflective surfaces, fossils, bats, and stalactites. It's worth paying extra for a guide to ensure you don’t miss any of its special features. Get to Rangko Cave by boat from Rangko Village, a 30-minute drive from Labuan Bajo. Inside this spellbinding cave, you’ll find a pristine turquoise pool where you can kick back in the water as sunlight filters through the rock... bliss!

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Airport information

Komodo International Airport (LBJ)

Taxi
Catch a taxi outside the arrivals hall. The trip to the city centre should take about 10 minutes, and cost between IDR50,000 and IDR250,000, depending where your accommodation is.

Rideshare
You can book rideshare service Grab to pick you up from the airport. Many Grab vehicles in Labuan Bajo are motorbikes, so be sure to order a car if you have suitcases.

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When to go

Labuan Bajo is warm and humid year-round, with minimums rarely dipping below 20°C and average maximums hovering around 30°C. January and February are the wettest months (and monsoon season), while the dryest, sunniest months are between June and September.

For a relatively small town, Labuan Bajo has a lively events calendar. As its name suggests, the Komodo Festival (March) celebrates the nearby Komodo National Park with traditional dances, music and other cultural activities. The Labuan Bajo Maritime Festival makes a big splash in July, while September brings the Flores Marathon and the colourful Tado Traditional Boat Race.

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Getting around

Taxi
You shouldn’t have any problems finding a taxi in Labuan Bajo, but you’ll probably need to negotiate your fare with the driver. Motorcycle taxis (ojek) are a common and budget-friendly way of getting around town. Cash is the preferred payment method.

Bus
Indonesia’s famous bemos (minibuses) are a fun and cheap way to get around Labuan Bajo, costing around IDR 5,000 per person, per trip. They run frequently, if not strictly to schedule!

Rideshare
Rideshare service Grab operates in Labuan Bajo. You’re more likely to get a motorbike than a car.

Boat
To get to Komodo National Park, you’ll need to go by boat. If time is tight, there are plenty of speed-boat tour companies to choose from. For more leisurely, multi-day tours of the park’s islands, a trip on a traditional phinisi is unmissable.

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