Things to Do, Eat and Places to Stay In Labuan Bajo
Labuan Bajo is a fishing village located on Flores Island in East Indonesia and we must truly say, is a hidden gem waiting to be explored. Snorkelling with Manta Rays, hiking up gorgeous trails to catch the sunset and seeking out the exotic Komodo Dragons, these are just some of the must-dos in Labuan Bajo! Not to mention, the fishing village has the freshest catch which you can devour while taking in the gradient sunset skies.
Looking for a quick retreat? Here’s why Labuan Bajo is the perfect getaway!
How to Get to Labuan Bajo
The best way to reach Labuan Bajo is by flying into Komodo Airport. There are multiple flights daily from Jakarta or Bali (Denpasar).
Traveling by Sea or land is also possible but these options are usually time consuming and pretty costly.
Getting around Labuan Bajo
By Car:
Having a car chartered with a driver is the best way to get around Labuan Bajo. It’s best to have one pre-arranged before you land. Otherwise at the airport there are also counters and plenty of drivers waiting, however, you will need to negotiate for the best prices.
By Motorbike:
You can also opt to rent a motorbike with a bike license. However, the roads do get pretty dark after sunset and there are little street lamps.
You can also opt for Gojek(Bike) or Grab(Bike) as a passenger. However, the car options are not currently available.
Best time to visit Labuan Bajo
The best time to visit Labuan Bajo is from March to October. Not only is the weather forecasted to be sunny, the month of October is when the water is generally more calm, making it more optimal for spotting things underwater!
May to August is also Komodo Dragon mating season, so if you’d like to catch these beasts in action, this is the best time.
Best Hotels and Resorts in Labuan Bajo
Seaesta Komodo Hotel and Hostel
Seaesta Komodo is a new boutique hotel located just 10 minutes walk from Wae Rana Beach. The pool overlooks the harbour and is the perfect spot for your ‘gramworthy pics! They have both private rooms and hostels if you’re traveling alone and wanna make some new friends.
Price: From $78/night
Address: Jl. Soekarno Hatta, Labuan Bajo, Kec. Komodo, Kabupaten Manggarai Barat, Nusa Tenggara Tim., Indonesia
AYANA Komodo
View from the balcony
AYANA Komodo is the island’s most beautiful resort, perched on top of the hill, all the rooms have balconies overlooking the sea! While it is a 15 minute drive from the city center, trust us, you wouldn't be leaving the resort at all.
Escape to their private island for a day
The best part is hotel guests get plenty of free activities like sunrise (or sunset for the not so early birds) yoga, Snorkelling, Kayaking, Coral Planting and even a trip to their private island!
Have some Teppanyaki at their in-house restaurant, freshly grilled seafood by the private beach or some bar bites at the rooftop bar!
Price: From $375/night
Address: Pantai Waecicu, Labuan Bajo, Kab, Kabupaten Manggarai Barat, Nusa Tenggara Tim. 86554, Indonesia
Best Things to Do in Labuan Bajo
Speedboat Day Trip
One of the things you can’t miss out on is actually a day trip off the island! The speedboat day trips take you to some of the highlights of Labuan Bajo.
Kickstart your day with a morning hike up Padar Island! The hike is about 30 minutes one way and the terrain is pretty well paved. (Read: steep stairs aka leg day!) Spot free-roaming deers lazing on the beach before you head up and once you’re up, the views are well worth the many steps taken.
After which, hop back onto the boat for some snorkelling pit stops! First up is Pink Beach where the sands have been stained pink by natural corals. Spot Nemo, Dory and beautiful rainbow parrot fishes swimming amongst the corals.
Next stop, Komodo National Park! There are only 2 places you can find these dragons (the other is Rinca Island). Follow the park ranger closely as you trudge through the national park trying to spot them.
P/S: Do not stray away from the guide! These are wild Komodos!
The highlight of the snorkelling session is definitely the MANTA RAYS! Head to Manta Point where you’ll find schools of Manta Rays flipping their fins and waving hi. Grab your fins and goggles and dive right in to swim alongside these big boys!
Klook your full day speedboat tour and it comes with convenient 2 way transfers to and from your hotel!
Batu Cermin (Mirror Cave)
Batu Cermin is a limestone cave with stalactites and stalagmites - sunshine comes in through a hole in the tunnel and then bounces on the stone walls that again reflect small lights to other areas inside the cave like a mirror.
Grab a helmet and start your journey into the cave. (Now you see why you need a guide) Follow the flashlight of the guide as he points out the different features of the caves and spot some hanging bats along the way!
Sunset Hikes at Bukit Amelia
While the East Nusa Tenggara Province is famous for Komodo Island, there's also the postcard-pefect ocean views that will have you in awe. The best place to enjoy it all? Atop Bukit Amelia!
A short 20-minute hike will take you to the top of Bukit Amelia where you can watch the sunset (or sunrise, if you're an early bird) against the backdrop of the sparkling sea. Be sure to wear comfy shoes because the terrain can be pretty rocky at parts.
Address: GVPG+4CH, Labuan Bajo, Kec. Komodo, Flores, Kabupaten Manggarai Barat, Nusa Tenggara Tim., Indonesia
Places to Eat in Labuan Bajo
Labuan Bajo Fish Market
Of course you can’t miss out on fresh seafood if you’re visiting a fishing village! Head to the fish market where you can pick your catch of the day and have it grilled in front of you. There are a couple of stalls along the road but they all have pretty standard prices so just pick one that has space for you.
There’s no better way to beat the heat than with some gelato! Head to Maison Belmont and have freshly made gelato topped with the cutest Manta Ray biscuits. Along the same stretch are also cafes, bakeries and Acai stores that you can get your fix at.
Address: Jl. LINGKUNGAN III No.Kel, Labuan Bajo, Kec. Komodo, Kabupaten Manggarai Barat, Nusa Tenggara Tim.
HONZEN Komodo
If you’re feeling fancy, head to HONZEN Komodo in Ayana for some Teppanyaki. The talented chefs will have you thoroughly entertained with their tricks and well fed with mouthwatering wagyu beef cubes cooked to perfection.
Address: AYANA Komodo Resort, Pantai Waecicu, Labuan Bajo, Kabupaten Manggarai Barat, Nusa Tenggara Tim. 86554, Indonesia
