Best Things To Do in Labuan Bajo
Looking for the best things to do in Labuan Bajo?
We first came across Labuan Bajo while planning a trip to see the Komodo dragons. Until then, we’d never even heard of it.
We quickly discovered that this small fishing town on the western tip of Flores is the gateway to Komodo National Park, with boat trips to Komodo Island, Padar Island, Pink Beach and some of Indonesia’s best diving.
We only planned to stay long enough for our Komodo trip. Instead, we ended up spending a few extra days exploring cave pools, sunset viewpoints and the town’s seafood market.
In this guide, I’ve put together the best things to do in Labuan Bajo, from seeing Komodo dragons and hiking Padar Island to swimming in caves, watching sunsets and eating some of the freshest seafood in Indonesia.
See Komodo Dragons In The Wild
For most visitors, seeing Komodo dragons is the main reason for travelling to Labuan Bajo.
We ended up visiting both Komodo Island and Rinca Island during our trip, and if you’re trying to decide between the two, I wouldn’t overthink it. Komodo Island is the more famous and gets most of the attention, but we wouldn’t choose one over the other based on the dragon sightings alone.
Visits are done with a park ranger and usually involve a short walk through the national park. While sightings are never guaranteed, the rangers know where dragons are commonly seen, and most visitors manage to spot several along the way. They’re also far quicker than their size would suggest, which is why visitors are always accompanied by a ranger.
If it’s your first time in Labuan Bajo, this is the one experience that belongs at the top of your list. Photos don’t quite prepare you for their size. The first one we saw looked more like a small dinosaur than a lizard.
Hike Padar Island
If you’re researching Komodo National Park, you’ve probably already seen photos of the famous viewpoint on Padar Island.
The short but steep hike leads to one of the most recognisable views in Indonesia, with three bays and several smaller islands spread out below. Most boat tours from Labuan Bajo include a stop here, usually early in the morning before the heat becomes unbearable.
The hike to the top takes around 20 to 30 minutes, although it took us a little longer thanks to the number of photo stops along the way. There isn’t much shade, and the final section is steeper than it looks, so bring plenty of water and leave the flip-flops on the boat.
The view from the top is every bit as impressive as the photos suggest. If you’re only doing one boat trip from Labuan Bajo, make sure Padar Island is part of the itinerary.
Snorkel Or Dive With Manta Rays
We saw manta rays as part of our Komodo boat trip, which is how most visitors experience them. Depending on the conditions, tours often stop at popular snorkelling sites such as Manta Point, where it’s possible to see several rays gliding through the water below.
If snorkelling or diving is a big reason for your trip, consider staying a little longer in Labuan Bajo. The area is known for some of the best marine life in Indonesia, and many operators run dedicated trips that focus purely on diving and snorkelling.
It’s not unusual to see several manta rays during a single trip. We saw three during ours.
Even if you don’t dive, seeing a manta ray glide effortlessly through the water is something you’ll remember long after leaving Flores.
Relax At Pink Beach
Pink Beach is one of the most popular stops in Komodo National Park and features on most boat tours from Labuan Bajo.
Despite the name, don’t expect bright pink sand. The colour is much more subtle in real life and depends on the light, although you can still see a noticeable pink tint along parts of the beach.
Even so, it’s a beautiful place to spend an hour or so. The water is crystal clear, the surrounding islands are beautiful, and there’s usually time for a swim or some snorkelling before heading back to the boat.
Would I visit Komodo National Park just for Pink Beach? Probably not. As part of a day spent seeing Komodo dragons, hiking Padar Island and snorkelling with manta rays, it’s a worthwhile stop and a nice place to slow down for a while.
Eat Fresh Seafood At The Labuan Bajo Fish Market
If there’s one place I’d recommend eating in Labuan Bajo, it’s the fish market.
Every evening, seafood vendors set up along the waterfront with the day’s catch displayed on ice. Everything from whole fish and squid to prawns and lobster can be found here. You choose what you want, agree on a price and have it grilled fresh while you wait.
We ended up eating here almost every night we were in Labuan Bajo. The seafood was fresher than many of the restaurants in town, and being able to choose your dinner straight from the day’s catch felt very different from eating in a restaurant.
The seating looks basic at first, but that’s part of the charm. Travellers and locals all squeeze onto the same rows of tables, creating a far more social atmosphere than many of the restaurants nearby. More than once, we ended up chatting with other travellers while waiting for our food to arrive.
If you’re looking for fresh seafood in Labuan Bajo, this is the first place I’d head.
Watch Sunset From Amelia Sea View
For one of the best views in Labuan Bajo, head to Amelia Sea View.
Located just outside town, the viewpoint overlooks the coastline, nearby islands and the rolling hills that surround the harbour. It’s easy to reach by scooter, and the short walk to the top is worth the effort.
Many people come here for sunset, when the light softens across the landscape, and the boats below begin returning to port. We rented a scooter and headed up at the last minute, arriving just in time. Compared to watching sunset from the waterfront, the elevated views give you a much better perspective of the coastline and surrounding islands.
There are a few viewpoints around Labuan Bajo, but this is one of the easiest to reach independently if you’ve rented a scooter for the day.
Just don’t forget mosquito repellent. We did, and paid the price.
Swim In Rangko Cave
If you’ve already ticked off Komodo National Park, Rangko Cave is one of the most popular day trips from Labuan Bajo.
Located around an hour from town, the cave is home to a natural saltwater pool with remarkably clear water. Getting there involves a short boat ride, although some tours arrive by kayak, followed by a brief walk to the cave entrance.
Most visitors come for the chance to swim inside the cave, where sunlight filtering through the opening creates a striking contrast against the turquoise water.
If you’re spending a few extra days in Labuan Bajo, Rangko Cave offers something a little different from the islands and boat trips that most visitors come for.
Visit Batu Cermin Cave
Located just a few kilometres from the centre of Labuan Bajo, Batu Cermin Cave is one of the easiest attractions to visit without booking a tour.
Its name translates to Mirror Cave, a reference to the way sunlight reflects off the limestone walls at certain times of day. Visitors explore the cave with a local guide, who will point out the various rock formations and fossilised marine life embedded in the walls.
The cave itself isn’t particularly large, but its proximity to town makes it a convenient option if you have a few spare hours in Labuan Bajo.
If you’re looking for something to do beyond boat trips and beaches, Batu Cermin Cave offers a quick and easy excursion without having to travel far from town.
Explore Labuan Bajo’s Waterfront
While most visitors come to Labuan Bajo for Komodo National Park, it’s worth spending some time exploring the town itself.
The waterfront has changed dramatically in recent years, with a modern promenade stretching along the harbour and connecting many of the town’s restaurants, cafes and hotels. Fishing boats, liveaboards and dive boats are constantly coming and going, making it an interesting place to wander at almost any time of day.
New hotels, restaurants and cafes continue to appear along the waterfront, although fishing boats still dominate the harbour.
Whether you’re grabbing a coffee, stopping for a drink or simply stretching your legs between boat trips, it’s an easy place to spend a couple of hours.
Visit Cunca Rami Waterfall
If you’re looking to escape the boats and beaches for a day, Cunca Rami Waterfall is one of the most popular inland excursions from Labuan Bajo.
Located around 30 kilometres from town, reaching the falls involves a short trek through forest and farmland before arriving at a series of cascades surrounded by jungle.
The walk can be muddy, especially during the rainy season, so proper footwear is a good idea. Many visitors choose to cool off with a swim in the natural pools before making the return journey.
It takes a little more effort to reach than some of the attractions closer to town, but it’s a good option for travellers wanting to see a different side of Flores.
Is Labuan Bajo Worth Visiting?
Most people visit Labuan Bajo for Komodo National Park. The question is whether the town itself is worth spending time in.
Many visitors treat it as little more than a gateway to the islands, arriving the day before a boat trip and leaving as soon as they return. While the national park is undoubtedly the main attraction, we found there was enough here to justify staying a little longer.
Between the seafood market, sunset viewpoints, cave excursions and waterfront promenade, there’s more to Labuan Bajo than many people realise. The town itself has also changed considerably in recent years, with new hotels, restaurants and cafes appearing alongside the fishing boats that still dominate the harbour.
Would I travel to Flores just for Labuan Bajo? Probably not. As a base for exploring Komodo National Park and the surrounding area though, it’s worth spending at least a couple of days getting to know.
How Many Days In Labuan Bajo?
For most travellers, 2 to 3 days in Labuan Bajo is enough.
One full day can easily be spent exploring Komodo National Park, including stops at places like Komodo Island, Padar Island, Pink Beach and Manta Point. If you’re short on time, arriving the day before your tour and leaving the following day is a common itinerary.
We spent a few days in Labuan Bajo because we already knew we wanted to visit both Rinca Island and Komodo Island. At the time, these were separate day trips, which gave us plenty of time to explore the town between tours.
That extra time ended up being worthwhile. It gave us the chance to visit the seafood market, explore the waterfront and watch the sunset from Amelia Sea View rather than treating Labuan Bajo as somewhere to simply sleep before a boat trip.
If you’re only interested in seeing the Komodo dragons, two nights is usually enough. If you want to experience more of Flores and everything around Labuan Bajo, three to four nights feels like a much better pace.
Best Time To Visit Labuan Bajo
The best time to visit Labuan Bajo is generally during the dry season, which runs from around April to October.
During these months, you’ll usually find calmer seas, sunny weather and better conditions for exploring Komodo National Park. It’s also the most comfortable time for hiking places like Padar Island, where there is very little shade.
We visited in December and had excellent weather for most of our trip. Aside from one heavy tropical downpour, we enjoyed sunshine almost every day and had no issues with boat trips or outdoor activities.
If your main priority is exploring Komodo National Park, the dry season is generally the safest bet. That said, Labuan Bajo is very much a year round destination, and many travellers visit during the wetter months without any problems.
For most visitors, the shoulder months of April, May, September and October offer a good balance of favourable weather, calmer seas and fewer crowds.
Where To Stay In Labuan Bajo?
Most visitors stay close to the waterfront, where you’ll be within walking distance of restaurants, cafes, tour operators and the harbour.
We stayed within walking distance of the harbour and wouldn’t choose anywhere else. Being able to walk to restaurants, tour operators and the fish market made exploring the town much easier.
If you don’t fancy the walk back at night, taxis and motorbike taxis are easy to find.
Accommodation options range from budget hostels and guesthouses to high end resorts overlooking the bay. If you’re visiting during the busy season, it’s worth booking ahead, especially if you plan to join a Komodo boat tour.
How To Get To Labuan Bajo?
The easiest way to get to Labuan Bajo is by flying into Komodo International Airport.
Most visitors arrive from Bali, with several direct flights operating each day. We flew from Bali ourselves, and the journey took just over an hour. There are also direct connections from Jakarta and a handful of other Indonesian cities.
The airport is located only a few kilometres from town, making transfers quick and straightforward. Depending on traffic, most hotels can be reached in around 10 to 15 minutes.
It’s also possible to reach Labuan Bajo by boat from Lombok, with a number of multi day sailing trips stopping at Komodo National Park along the way. These trips take considerably longer but are a popular option for travellers wanting to combine the journey with island hopping and snorkelling.
For most people though, flying is by far the quickest and easiest way to reach Labuan Bajo.