Labuan Bajo
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Tips
9 places on the map
Top 10
- 1
UNESCO park and home of the Komodo dragon
- Tip: Book ahead
2 tips
- Hire a ranger
- Park fees are paid at entry
📷 Photos
- 2
Island with a famous viewpoint over three curved bays
3 tips
- Climb at sunrise
- Wear sturdy shoes
- Bring water
📷 Photos
- 3
Beach with pink-tinged sand and good snorkelling
- Tip: Go early
2 tips
- Bring snorkel gear
- Do not take sand
📷 Photos
- 4
Small island with white sand and clear water
3 tips
- Bring snorkel
- Pack lunch
- Good for a half-day trip
📷 Photos
- 5
Snorkel and dive spot known for manta rays
3 tips
- Currents are strong
- Use a guide
- Best in the dry season
📷 Photos
- 6
Limestone cave with light shafts and fossils
- Tip: Go early
2 tips
- Use a local guide
- Wear closed shoes
📷 Photos
- 7
Canyon waterfall with turquoise pools
- Tip: Allow a few hours
2 tips
- Use a guide
- Bring water shoes
📷 Photos
- 8
Hilltop viewpoint over the harbour and bay
- Tip: Sunset
3 tips
- Go at sunset
- Short climb
- Bring water
📷 Photos
- 9
Island pair with hiking trails and sweeping views
3 tips
- Hike at sunrise
- Bring water
- Often a stop on overnight trips
📷 Photos
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Before you go: Labuan Bajo tips
Transportation
- Fly into Komodo Airport: Labuan Bajo's airport has flights from Bali and Jakarta, the easiest way to arrive.
- Use boats to islands: Komodo, Rinca and Padar are reached by boat; join a day trip or liveaboard.
- Rent scooters with care: Scooters are handy around town; roads outside are hilly and rough.
Security
- Choose licensed boat operators: Check life jackets and safety equipment, and read reviews.
- Stay with rangers near dragons: Komodo dragons are dangerous; always follow your ranger's instructions.
- Watch currents when snorkelling: Strong currents occur around Komodo; snorkel with a guide.
Saving
- Join shared tours: Shared boat trips are much cheaper than private charters.
- Eat at the night market: The waterfront seafood market offers fresh grilled fish at good prices.
- Book in shoulder season: Prices are lower outside peak months like July and August.
Weather/Clothing
- Pack for heat: Labuan Bajo is hot year-round; bring light clothes, a hat and reef-safe sunscreen.
- Know the seasons: April to November is the dry season; December to March brings rain and rougher seas.
- Wear hiking shoes: Padar Island's viewpoint hike is steep; wear proper shoes.
Cultural
- Respect local customs: Flores is mostly Catholic with Muslim communities; dress modestly in villages.
- Visit Wae Rebo: The traditional Manggarai village with cone-shaped houses is a cultural highlight.
- Try local coffee: Flores coffee is well regarded; try it at local cafes.
Local Hacks
- Hike Padar at sunrise: Early trips reach Padar viewpoint for sunrise and fewer crowds.
- See Pink Beach: Pink Beach on Padar or Komodo has unique sand; snorkel nearby.
- Watch sunset at Bukit Sylvia: This hill near town offers great sunset views over the islands.
1-day itineraries in Labuan Bajo
Only have a day? Each one keeps you in one area, from morning to late afternoon, with lunch nearby.