Labuan Bajo is one of Indonesia’s best kept secrets. Located in the province of East Nusa Tenggara, this small town is the gateway to some of the most beautiful scenery in the world.
From the stunning beaches to the magnificent Komodo dragons, there is something for everyone in Labuan Bajo. And with a growing number of hotels and restaurants, this town is quickly becoming a tourist hot spot.
Originally, Labuan Bajo is a small fishing town in Indonesia that has become a popular tourist destination in recent years.
With its dramatic landscapes and friendly locals, Labuan Bajo is an unforgettable place to visit especially if you are already familiar with the beauties of Bali.
Where is Labuan Bajo?
Labuan Bajo is a small town located on the western tip of the Indonesian island of Flores. The town is the gateway to Komodo National Park, home to the famed Komodo dragons, and is known for its beautiful beaches and clear waters.
Labuan Bajo is a popular stop for tourists who want to see the dragons up close, as well as for scuba divers and snorkelers who come to explore the park’s coral reefs.
Flores is one of Indonesia’s Lesser Sunda Islands, and Labuan Bajo is its capital city. The island is part of the Nusa Tenggara province, which also includes such well-known islands as Lombok and Sumbawa.
Flores itself is an amazing place to visit, with its unique culture and stunning scenery. But it’s the Komodo dragons that really put Labuan Bajo on the map.
Visitors to Labuan Bajo can enjoy snorkeling, diving, and fishing, as well as exploring the nearby Komodo National Park.
15+ of the Best Things to do in Labuan Bajo, Indonesia
Wondering what to do in Labuan Bajo? This article will give you the best things to do in Labuan Bajo, Indonesia.
From snorkeling and diving to hiking and visiting Komodo dragons, there is something for everyone in Labuan Bajo. So, read on to find out the best things to do in Labuan Bajo!
There are many things to do in Labuan Bajo, including snorkeling, diving, and hiking. Here are 15+ of the best things to di in Labuan Bajo Indonesia:
1. Greet the Dragons at the Incredible Komodo National Park
Komodo National Park is one of the most incredible places on Earth. This park is home to the Komodo dragon, the largest lizard in the world. The Komodo dragon can grow up to 10 feet long and weigh up to 150 pounds.
These amazing creatures are not the only reason to visit Komodo National Park. The park is also home to an incredible array of other wildlife, including snakes, monkeys, and birds.
Also Read: 15+ Best Places to Stay in Bali, Indonesia
Komodo National Park is located in Indonesia and covers an area of 1,800 square miles. The park was established in 1980 and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Visitors can take part in ranger-led hikes and walks, go diving or snorkeling, or take a boat tour of the park. There are also a number of accommodation options available within the park.
2. Hike Up to Padar Island for a Panoramic View
If you find yourself in Labuan Bajo, Indonesia make sure to add a hike up Padar Island to your list of things to do. The island is one of the best places in Labuan Bajo for a panoramic view.
The hike is not too challenging, but it is steep in some parts. It should take about 45 minutes to reach the top. Once you get there you will be rewarded with a 360 degree view of the island and the surrounding area.
Make sure to bring your camera, because this is a view you won’t want to forget.
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3. Go diving or snorkeling in the crystal clear waters
Labuan Bajo is a small town in Indonesia located on the westernmost tip of the island of Flores. The town is blessed with crystal clear waters, making it a perfect place to go diving or snorkeling.
There are many dive sites to choose from, and the visibility is amazing. You can even see turtles and manta rays swimming around in the reefs. If you’re not a fan of diving, you can still enjoy the clear waters by going snorkeling.
There are plenty of tour operators in town that can take you out to the best snorkeling spots. So whether you’re a seasoned diver or just looking to enjoy the underwater world, Labuan Bajo is the place for you.
4. Watch the sunset from one of the many beautiful beaches
One of the best things to do in Labuan Bajo, Indonesia is to watch the sunset from one of its many beautiful beaches. The beach at Labuan Bajo is world-renowned for its beauty, and it is a popular spot for both locals and tourists alike.
The best time to watch the sunset is from late afternoon until early evening, when the sun is just about to set behind the horizon.
5. Take a boat trip to see the amazing marine life
Labuan Bajo is one of the best places in Indonesia to see marine life. The waters around Labuan Bajo are teeming with fish, turtles, manta rays, and more. A boat trip is the perfect way to explore this underwater paradise.
There are many different companies that offer boat trips in Labuan Bajo. Choose one that suits your budget and schedule, and get ready for an incredible adventure. You’re sure to see some amazing marine life on your trip!
6. Visit the traditional villages of Batu Cermin and Batu Gantung
If you want to experience the traditional culture of Indonesia, then you should visit the villages of Batu Cermin and Batu Gantung around Labuan Bajo.
These villages are known for their traditional houses and buildings, as well as their friendly residents.
One of the best things to do in these villages is to explore the traditional houses and see how they are built. You can also learn about the history and culture of the villagers by talking to them. If you are lucky, you might even get invited to a traditional dance or music performance.
7. Taste the Delicious Seafood and Other Traditional Cuisines at One of the Local Resto’s
The best way to get a taste of the local culture in Labuan Bajo is to sample the delicious seafood and traditional cuisines offered by the many local restaurants.
From fresh fish and seafood dishes to hearty stews and soups, there is something for everyone to enjoy. And with so many restaurants to choose from, you are sure to find one that suits your taste and budget.
You can also eat the fish directly at local’s Fish Market, which is surely affordable and offering delicious foods of local taste and recipes.
So what are you waiting for? Head on down to the small town and start exploring the mouth-watering culinary delights on offer!
8. Swim with Mantas at Manta Point: One of the Best Things to do in Labuan Bajo Indonesia
One of the most well-known diving locations close to Labuan Bajo is Manta Point. This is the location where I overheard turtles conversing with manta rays. But on a more serious note, it is a prime diving location for Komodo Island.
The strong, nutrient-rich stream that runs through the strait and draws huge schools of manta rays is the reason Manta Point is so well-known. Divers with experience in drift dives are advised to visit Manta Point.
9. Live Aboard Tour: An Unforgotten Experience During a Trip to Explore Labuan Bajo
We suggest taking a live-aboard boat tour of the Komodo islands if you’re wondering what to do in Labuan Bajo. Depending on your interests and budget, a variety of solutions are available.
We would advise a 3-day, 2-night boat tour if you are only planning a quick vacation to Labuan Bajo.
You will be able to hike Padar Island, go swimming at Pink Beach, and more thanks to this. There are live aboard options for nearly every price range. In Labuan Bajo, you may reserve a cabin on a boat.
10. Enjoy the Crystal Clear Waters, Amazing Sceneries, and Snorkel at the Pink Beach, Komodo
The Pink Beach in Labuan Bajo, Indonesia is one of the best places to snorkel and enjoy amazing sceneries. The clear waters and beautiful pink coral make it a perfect place to relax and explore the underwater world.
There are many different types of fish and other marine life that can be seen here, making it a great spot for both beginner and experienced snorkelers.
If you’re looking for an unforgettable experience, be sure to add the Pink Beach to your list of things to do in Labuan Bajo!
11. Watch the Sunset at Amelia Sea View
One of the best things to do in Labuan Bajo is watch the sunset at Amelia Sea View. The view from Amelia Sea View is simply breathtaking.
You can see the sun setting over the water, and the sky turning a beautiful shades of orange and red.
The best time to go is around 6pm, when the sun is just starting to set. You can stay for as long as you like, and there are plenty of benches to sit on so you can enjoy the view.
12. Greet More Komodos at Rinca Island
Rinca Island is one of the best places to see Komodo Dragons in their natural habitat. The island is located around Bajo, Indonesia and is home to many different species of animals.
Visitors can take a boat tour around the island or go on a hike to see the dragons up close. There are also many other activities to do on the island, such as swimming, snorkeling, and exploring the caves.
13. Explore the Underground Lake at Rangko Cave, Labuan Bajo
If you find yourself in the Eastern Indonesia make sure to go on an excursion to Rangko Cave. This is one of the best things to do in Labuan Bajo.
The cave is located about an hour away from the city and it is definitely worth the drive. Once you arrive, you will be able to take a swim in the underground lake. This is a once in a lifetime experience that you will not want to miss!
14. Trek to Cunca Rami Waterfall
Cunca Rami waterfall is one of the best things to do in Labuan Bajo, Indonesia. The trek to Cunca Rami is an easy to moderate hike that takes about 2-3 hours round trip.
The reward for completing the trek is a refreshing swim in the crystal-clear pool at the base of the waterfall.
15. Spend a Night on Kanawa Island
Kanawa Island is one of the best places to visit in Labuan Bajo, Indonesia. The island is known for its beautiful beaches and clear waters. There are many things to do on the island, including swimming, snorkeling, and diving.
If you’re looking for a place to stay on Kanawa Island, there are many options available. You can choose to stay in a hotel, resort, or villa. There are also many Airbnbs available on the island.
Spending a night on Kanawa Island is an experience you won’t soon forget. If you’re looking for a beautiful place to relax and enjoy the outdoors, this is it!
16. Drink a Couple Glasses of Beers to End the Day at the Paradise Bar
A laid-back reggae bar with stunning views of Labuan Bajo Bay and the ocean is called The Paradise Bar. At dusk, a large crowd of visitors fills the pub. A live band performs renditions of well-known songs throughout the evening.
When we went there, there was a good mix of locals and visitors, which contributed to the bar’s pleasant vibe. The bar’s cuisine is OK, therefore we’d advise dining at the fish market either before or after your visit. However, their beer is cool.
17. Speed Boat Tour of Komodo
If you just have a few days in Labuan Bajo but want to see as much as possible, you may charter a speedboat in Labuan Bajo. A speedboat with gasoline costs roughly IDR10,000,000 per day (USD$700), which is pretty pricey.
A speedboat tour of the Komodo islands allows you to visit up to four places. For example, you may see the dawn from Padar Island, visit Rinca Island to see the Komodo dragons, snorkel at Pink Beach, and dive (or snorkel) at Manta Point.
How to Get to Labuan Bajo?
There are many ways to get to Labuan Bajo, Indonesia. The most common way is to fly into the Komodo Airport, which is located just outside of town.
There are also a few other small airports in the area, but they are not as well-connected as Komodo Airport.
If you’re coming from another country, you will likely have to fly into one of the major Indonesian airports first, such as Denpasar, Bali or Jakarta. From there, you can take a connecting flight to Labuan Bajo.
Once you’re in Labuan Bajo, there are plenty of transportation options to get around town and explore the nearby islands. You can take a taxi, rent a motorbike, or even hire a private driver for your stay.
If this is your first visit, we highly recommend you to join in a tour and travel agency. Once you know your way around and plan to re-visit, you can always go exploring the Eastern small town yourself.
How to Get Around Labuan Bajo
The easiest way to get around Labuan Bajo is on foot. The town is relatively small and most of the attractions are within walking distance of each other.
If you want to venture outside of the town centre, there are a few motorbike and scooter rental shops where you can rent a vehicle for the day.
Another option for getting around Labuan Bajo is by boat. There are several tour operators in town that offer day trips to nearby islands and snorkeling spots.
