Looking to plan an unforgettable Labuan Bajo itinerary? This complete guide is your ultimate resource for discovering the best things to do in Labuan Bajo and the surrounding Komodo Islands, along with recommendations on where to stay for a perfect trip.
Having visited Labuan Bajo and the Komodo Islands twice in the past couple of years, I’ll be sharing my favorite things to do including: Komodo Island boat tours and experiences (both liveaboard and day tours) private island resorts that have to be seen to be believed and hidden gems you won’t find on most Komodo Island and Labuan Bajo itineraries!
All this, along with my essential travel tips to ensure a seem-less vacation to Labuan Bajo and the Komodo Islands.
- Discover Labuan Bajo & The Komodo Islands
- Komodo Islands / Labuan Bajo Itinerary
- How to get to the Komodo Islands via Labuan Bajo
- Getting around Labuan Bajo
- Where to Stay in Labuan Bajo
- Top 16 Things to do in Labuan Bajo
- Restaurants / Beach Club Vibes
- Komodo Islands Boat Tours
- Komodo Islands Liveaboard Tour
- Other things to do in Labuan Bajo
- Best Time to Visit Komodo Island
- Discover more destinations in Indonesia
Discover Labuan Bajo & The Komodo Islands
The Komodo Islands are fast becoming Indonesia’s newest hotspot and diving destinations and for good reason!
Nestled in the heart of Indonesia, Labuan Bajo is a small fishing town located on the western tip of Flores Island. It has become the gateway to the Komodo Islands which attracts travelers from around the globe eager to explore its natural beauty, abundance of marine life and coral reefs, pristine ‘pink’ beaches, crystal-clear waters, plus its world-famous Komodo Dragons.
I liken Labuan Bajo and the Komodo Islands to the Maldives because of its insanely beautiful beaches, mass of marine life, reefs, sand banks and influx of new over water bungalow resorts. Labuan Bajo is truley a natural paradise!
Komodo Islands / Labuan Bajo Itinerary
Here is an example of a Komodo Islands and Labuan Bajo Itinerary.
There are many choices to make, however I recommend combining a full-day tour with an island escape or opting for a liveaboard and some local activities. The more time you spend on the islands, the better, as they offer the most beautiful beaches, vibrant reefs, and crystal-clear waters.
To be completely honest and transparent, the beaches in Labuan Bajo itself aren’t the nicest and can be difficult to access.
How to get to the Komodo Islands via Labuan Bajo
Labuan Bajo, a small fishing town located on the western tip of Flores Island serves as the main entry point to Komodo Island. The town has grown rapidly in recent years due to its increasing popularity with tourists. It is easily accessible by air, with direct flights from Bali, Jakarta, and other major Indonesian cities. You’ll find cheap airfares with budget airlines like AirAsia frequenting the island.
TIP: I was told by the locals that Batik Air and Lion Air often reschedule and cancel flights if they are not full, for this reason, AirAsia is a much better option to book through.
From Labuan Bajo, travelers can take a boat ride to explore Komodo Island and its surrounding islands, as well as take in the beauty of Labuan Bajo and Flores.
Getting around Labuan Bajo
Getting around Labuan Bajo is relatively easy, with several transportation options to suit your needs.
Scooter Hire: For a more adventurous and flexible way to explore the town and surrounding areas, renting a motorbike is a popular choice. It’s an affordable and convenient option, especially for solo travelers or couples. Expect to pay 70-100k IDR / 24hours.
Grab: Alternatively, Grab (ride-hailing app) is available in Labuan Bajo, providing an easy and reliable way to get around, though the service can sometimes be limited depending on demand and often only bike rides are available. At the time of writing this article Gojek was not yet available.
Taxis are also available, though not as common as motorbikes or Grab, and you’ll typically need to negotiate fares.
Bus / Mini vans: You can also hail a ride on one of the mini-van buses, these are CHEAP and easy to find in the main areas of Labuan Bajo.
Boat: Of course, since Labuan Bajo is surrounded by beautiful islands, boats are the main mode of transport for exploring the Komodo National Park and the outer islands. You can opt for a full-day boat tour or a 2-night/3-day liveaboard experience. Both options visit the same popular spots, but the liveaboard offers a more relaxed pace, with accommodations and all meals included while the day tour is great for those short on time.
Where to Stay in Labuan Bajo
Labuan Bajo offers a range of accommodation options for all types of travelers. From budget hostels to luxurious resorts, there is something for everyone.
You have the choice to base yourself in Labuan Bajo itself, on a remote island paradise or aboard a liveaboard boat.
Best Hotels in Labuan Bajo
Staying on a remote Island Paradise
No trip to Labuan Bajo is complete without an Island Escape. Unfortunately the beaches in Labuan Bajo itself are a little lack luster and or hard to access, this is why positioning yourself on a remote island for 1-2 nights is an ideal way to experience and enjoy pristine white sand beaches, crystal clear waters, and the outer coral reefs.
My Top Island Pick: The Seraya Komodo
Seraya Komodo Resort is a hidden gem nestled on the beautiful Seraya Island, just a short boat ride from Labuan Bajo. This exclusive resort offers a perfect blend of luxury and nature, with stunning beachfront bungalows overlooking the crystal-clear white sand beach. Getting to and from the Resort is easy with boat transfers included in the room rate. Guest can enjoy free use of the kayaks and paddle boards and visit nearby islands and the islands fishing village.
Le Pirate Island
If you’re on a budget, feel a bit adventurous, and don’t mind staying in a beach hut treehouse (which, in my opinion, is an incredible experience), then Le Pirate Island is a perfect choice. Surrounded by a vibrant reef, this island paradise boasts crystal-clear waters and stunning beaches. Getting to the island is easy, with transportation included in your room rate. Once there, you can opt for an all-inclusive food package, which is both affordable and delicious.
My Top Pick in Labuan Bajo
If you’re staying in Labuan Bajo, I highly recommend Loccal Collection. This stunning resort, built into the mountainside, will make you feel like you’re in Santorini, Greece complete with private pool villas! With breathtaking views of the Labuan Bajo coastline, especially from its infinity pool, it offers a truly unforgettable experience. Every afternoon, you can relax to DJ beats while sipping a refreshing cocktail.
Staying on a Liveaboard
Staying aboard a liveaboard while cruising through the Komodo Islands offers a truly unique and immersive experience.
One of the biggest benefits is the ability to explore the islands at a relaxed pace, with the convenience of waking up each morning to a new location right at your doorstep.
You’ll have access to some of the best dive and snorkel spots, as well as spots only accessible by boat.
Liveaboard cruises include meals, activities and snorkeling equipment, which allows you to focus on relaxation and adventure without worrying about logistics.
Plus, you’ll get the chance to connect with fellow travelers, enjoy sunset views from the deck, and experience the islands from a truly one-of-a-kind perspective.
We booked ours through Travass Life, they have a great selection of boats for all budgets and can help you plan the perfect trip.
TIPS: Most boats only go out from Friday to Sunday, so make sure you keep this in mind when planning your itinerary.
Top 16 Things to do in Labuan Bajo
- Rangko Cave & Sandbar
- Cunca Wulang Waterfall
- The Seraya Komodo Labuan Bajo
- Le Pirate Island
- Waerebo Indonesian Remote Village
- Enjoy a sunset on the water!
- Komodo Island Day Boat Tour or Liveaboard visting
- 7. Padar Island
- 8. Pink Beach
- 9. Komodo Island National Park
- 10. Taka Makkasar
- 11. Manta Point
- 12. Turtle Point
Restaurants / Beach Club Vibes
- Loccal Collection Pool Club
- LeBajo Flores Jetty Club
- Seaesta Pool Club
- Get fresh Seafood cooked for you on the spot at the Harbour
**More details of each activity found below**
Komodo Islands Boat Tours
Kicking off our list of the best things to do in Labuan Bajo, let’s explore the must-visit places just a short boat ride away.
To reach these incredible spots, you can either book a full-day join-in Komodo Island Day Boat Tour, a private tour, or embark on a 2-day, 3-night liveaboard trip.
Having done both, I can assure you that both are incredible options, and choosing between the two should come down to personal preferences and time constraints.
If you are short on time or do not like the idea of sleeping aboard a boat, then a day trip will be your best option. We did this particular day tour which included 6 of the best places to visit in the Komodo Islands.
- Komodo island
- Padar Island
- Pink Beach
- Manta point
- Taka Makassar
- Secret Snorkeling spot
Komodo Islands Liveaboard Tour
You will visit these 6 same spots as well as Kelor Island, Manjarite Island, Kalong Island (Sunset) and Kanawa Island.
Expect magical scenery, a chill and relaxing few days where you won’t be too rushed.
TIP: Be sure to ask if they sell alcohol on board—some do, while others don’t but allow you to bring your own. This can be a great way to save on your budget!
Other things to do in Labuan Bajo
Rangko Cave & Sandbar & Sandbar reminds me of the cenotes in Mexico, with its stunning cave that glows a vibrant turquoise when the light hits just right. You can visit Rangko Cave by booking a day tour (like this one – Rangko Cave & Sandbar) or opting for a DIY adventure by renting a motorbike. Upon arriving at the nearby town, you’ll need to negotiate a boat ride. Our boat trip cost 400k IDR, which included a stop at the beautiful sandbank on the way back to town.
Cunca Wulang Waterfall, located about an hour from Labuan Bajo, is a breathtaking gorge and waterfall surrounded by lush jungle and deep canyons. Upon arrival, you’ll be offered a local guide for 50k IDR, and the entry fee is also 50k IDR. The walk to the waterfall takes around 20-30 minutes. Once there, it’s a beautiful spot to swim, with the option to swim through the gorge to reach the waterfall itself.
Waerebo Village Tour 2D1N from Labuan Bajo – This is a truly unique experience. You start with a 4 hour drive from Labuan Bajo, then embark on a 1.5–2 hour hike to one of Indonesia’s most remote villages.
You’ll immerse yourself in village life and spend the night in a traditional hut with fellow travelers.
Best Time to Visit Komodo Island
The best time to visit Komodo Island is during the dry season, which typically runs from April to December. However during this time, the island can get VERY busy. Especially during the peak travel months (June-August). This means booking your tour and accommodations in advance is highly recommended.
I’ve traveled during both peak and low-seasons, and I actually enjoyed how quiet and green it was in the low season. I was very lucky with the weather though.
