Labuan Bajo, Flores, is located in a half moon bay surrounded by hills that rise steeply from the shore. The setting is picturesque with breathtaking views at sunset. You won’t be surprised when I tell you that Labuan Bajo is one of my favourite towns in Indonesia. It’s why we started offering tours here (I’m secretly looking for an excuse to move here part of the year).
To help you make the most of your trip to Labuan Bajo I’ve made a list of 15 things to do. We’ll start the list with the essential guide of things to do in the city, before sharing other ideas for things to do around the town with you. Oh, and in case you missed it, I’ve already made an article on the best places to stay in the town. Let’s get started!
4 of the Best Things to do in Labuan Bajo
1. Trek Through the Forests of Komodo
Most tourists looking for things to do in Flores come to visit the island of Komodo, home to the famous Komodo dragons. To see the Komodo dragons you will have to join a Komodo Island tour with one of the rangers. There are a number of set hikes to choose from ranging from the short hikes, which take 20-30 minutes, to overnight hikes where you get to camp on the island. The best time to visit the island of Komodo is in the early afternoon when the big Komodo dragons are sitting lazily in the shade and the baby dragons are wandering through the wilderness.
2. Take an Instagram Selfie on Padar Island
Padar Island is in my opinion the natural highlight of the Komodo islands. The island is famous for the viewpoint from where you can see the three beaches of Padar Island (one is white, one is pink and the other is a black sand beach). The best time to do the climb is in the early morning for sunrise. Be warned there are Komodo dragons on the island and they hang around in the shade of the rocks (which is where you will want to be).
3. Swim with Mantas at Manta Point
Manta Point is one of the most famous sites for diving near Labuan Bajo. This is the place where I met turtles talking to manta rays… But more seriously it is one of the best Komodo Island diving sites. The reason Manta Point is so popular is the strong nutrient rich current that flows through the strait that attracts large schools of Manta Rays. Manta Point is recommended for divers who have experience with drift dives.
4. Join a Live Aboard Tour
If you are wondering what to do in Labuan Bajo then I would recommend joining a live aboard boat tour around the Komodo islands. There are a number of different options available depending on your budget and interests. If you are only visiting Labuan Bajo for a short stay then I would recommend a 3 day 2 night boat trip. This will give you the chance to visit Komodo Island, swim at the Pink Beach, hike Padar Island and more. There are live aboard packages that fit most budgets. You can book a cabin on a boat in Labuan Bajo.
Fun Ideas for Things to do in Labuan Bajo
5. Choose a Hotel with a View
One of my favorite things about Labuan Bajo is the view you get overlooking the harbor at sunrise and sunset. Watching the colors of the bay change from orange through to red and purple (or the other way round) is just amazing. So when you visit Labuan Bajo, please, please, please book a hotel on the hill with a good view. There are a couple of great places to choose from. A few choices I recommend include Sunset Hill Hotel (the name is a giveaway), Green Hill Boutique Hotel and Golo Hilltop. You can thank me later.
6. Snorkel at the Pink Beach, Komodo
Komodo is the largest of the 27 islands in the Komodo National Park and there are a lot of things to do on Komodo. After seeing the Komodo dragons the next activity on most Komodo Island tours is a visit to the Pink Beach. The beach gets its name from the red grains of sand, which is created from the grains brightly coloured coral, that give the Pink Beach its distinctive colour. Alongside taking photos of the beach you can also go snorkelling through the coral reefs that are located just offshore. It’s a beautiful place to swim through and explore, but watch out for the strong offshore currents. You can find more information about the beach here.
7. Watch the Sunset at Amelia Sea View
Amelia Sea View is a famous viewpoint outside of Labuan Bajo. The hill overlooks a bay on the opposite side of Labuan Bajo. There are no hotel developments yet on this part of the island. This means beautiful views overlooking rolling green grassland with palm trees. It’s a beautiful setting and a nice thing to do in Labuan Bajo for sunrise. Update: There is a hotel here, Sylvia Resort. If you walk 5~10 min from the hotel, you will find the Amelia Sea View.
8. Discover the Komodos of Rinca Island
Rinca Island is actually the best place to see Komodo dragons. Like Komodo, if you want to see the Komodo Dragons you can join a hike around the island. The hikes are a lot shorter than on Komodo Island, because the island is a lot smaller. While there is a small chance to see the Komodo Dragon on a hike around Rinca, you are almost certain to see the dragons by the ranger station. The Komodo Dragons hang around in groups around the kitchen.
9. Enjoy a Beer at Paradise Bar
The Paradise Bar is a chilled out reggae bar with beautiful views overlooking Labuan Bajo bay and looking out over the ocean. The bar gets busy with tourists at sunset. In the evening a live band plays covers of famous songs. When I visited there was a nice mix of locals and tourists, which helped to give the bar a nice atmosphere. The food at the bar is nothing special, so I recommend eating at the fish market before or after you visit, but their beers are cold.
10. Take a Speed Boat Tour of Komodo
If you have a very short amount of time in Labuan Bajo, but you want to see a lot while you are there you can hire a speedboat in Labuan Bajo. The cost of a speedboat with fuel starts at around Rp 10,000,000 a day, which is quite expensive. You can visit up to four sites on a speedboat tour of the Komodo islands. For instance, you can watch sunrise from Padar Island, visit Rinca Island for the Komodo dragons, go snorkelling at the Pink Beach and go diving (or snorkelling) at Manta Point.
11. Eat at the Fish Market
There are a lot of really nice places to eat in Labuan Bajo, but if you want to eat freshly caught fish served with delicious sauces then I would recommend visiting the fish market in Labuan Bajo. The market is located along the seafront of Labuan Bajo on the outskirts of Labuan Bajo. The food here is really delicious and there’s an interesting mix of people (you’ll find a mix of expats, backpackers and locals).
12. Go Caving at Batu Cermin
The Batu Cermin Cave is one of the few tourist attractions in Labuan Bajo that is actually close to the city. The caves are located in a natural canyon between steep cliffs. The highlight of the site is the Batu Cermin caves, which means Mirror Rock caves in Indonesian. The caves get this name, because of the crystals in the rock that reflect the sunlight. The best time to visit the caves is between 9-10 in the morning when the sun comes through a hole in the rock illuminating the crystals.
13. Swim in the Underground Lake at Rangko Cave
Rangko Cave was one of my favourite places to visit near Labuan Bajo. The cave is filled with clear brackish water and it’s possible to go swimming in the cave. At about lunch time the sun shines directly into the cave lighting it up and reflecting off the water. To reach the cave you need to take a one hour drive from Labuan Bajo to a small village. From the village it’s a 10 minute boat ride to an isolated beach and then a five minute hike uphill to the cave. When I visited I spent one hour swimming around the cave with a torch. It was a really interesting place to explore.
14. Trek to Cunca Rami Waterfall
The Cunca Rami Waterfall is a day trip out of Labuan Bajo by car. Cunca Rami Waterfall is located in an isolated valley. You need to follow a narrow hairpin track along bumpy roads to get to the nearest village to the falls. Once you reach the village you need to hike for 40 minutes alongside a small river to reach Cunca Rami. The journey is worth it. You can actually take a swim in the lake at the bottom of the falls if you brought your swimming stuff. Keep in mind that it is a good idea to hire a guide from the village for the final trek (a guide cost around Rp50,000-100,000).
15. Enjoy a Night on Kanawa Island
Kanawa is a resort island. The setting is beautiful with thatched huts to stay in, coral reefs close to shore a wooden pier that stretches out into the ocean. I really loved Kanawa the first time I visited the island. Unfortunately, Kanawa has lost its soul and is in desperate need of investment. The food is poor quality and overpriced. There were no guests when I visited (which really wasn’t a surprise). I hope things change, because Kanawa has so much potential for tourism.
Final Thoughts
I hope that some of these ideas give you inspiration for your trip to Labuan Bajo. Other things that I wanted to add are visiting and Eexperiencing local culture at Melo Village (Manggarai people). Please note that if you would like to see the Caci Dance, you have to make a reservation and there is a fee for the performance. During your Komodo sailing trip, your program also include a visit to Kalong Island for bats watching.
With so many possibilities for things to do in Labuan Bajo there’s lot of potential for a great holiday here. Sure you can start with the Komodo Dragons, but make sure not to miss some of the other highlights like sunrise from the viewpoint on Padar Island. I promise you’ll remember them for long after your holiday!
Booked Your Accommodation in Labuan Bajo? Here are the best 3 hotels in the city for Every Budget:
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- Luxury Hotel – Plataran Komodo Beach Resort
- Mid Range Hotel – Le Pirate Labuan Bajo
- Budget Hotel – Bajo View
Have you visited Labuan Bajo? What was your favourite tourist attraction (or what did I miss)? Share your insights in the comments below.
Wow. I want go to Labuan Bajo, can you give me information about cheap homestay in Labuan Bajo?
There are plenty on the Komodo street (the main street). Should go there to check it out 😉
I’ve managed to do just a few on this list – I loved the manta point, although I was too scared to go in. Rinca Island was also where I saw the most komodo dragons!
High five Lily. That’s good going 🙂 Yeah, the currents at Manta Point can be really strong.
What a gorgeous place … I need to go here on my next trip to Indonesia!
What a cool trip!
Adis takdos
travel comedy blogger
http://www.whateverbackpacker.com
Hi there!
Love the article – found it cos we’re considering this for our next vacay. How many days would you say is good (and sufficient) to spend here?
Hi Ann. I’d recommend spending at least 3 days around Labuan Bajo if you are planning to head to the Komodo National Park.
Thank you so much for your help!
Hi Firsta
Is it possible to rent a scooter in lbj and ride to kelimutu?
Cheers for your input
Hi Aaron. It should be possible, but I’d recommend a bike with a big engine though as the interior of Flores is very hilly and a small scooter will struggle.
Hi.. nice blog u hve it here.. I’ll b going to Bajo for boat sailing trip to Komodo & Padar for 2-3 days..What would u suggest? Any boat tour names ?
Hi Zetty. Unfortunately I don’t have any recommendations for Flores at the moment. Sorry I can’t be of more help.
Hi Fista,
I seeking advise arriaval 9am (wing air) or 12.25pm (garuda) will make big different to my trip at Flores. I will visit Sun – Thur (depart 12.50pm). Am i in the position too little time if I arrival 12.20pm? I wont stay over night at the boat because I am visit Mid Jan.
Hi Angela. I’d recommend a morning flight as this will give you more time to make your arrangements. If you arrange your itinerary ahead of time though the 12:25 flight with Garuda would be fine. Hope that helps.
Hi Firsta, thank you for your helpful site. I will be in Labuan Bajo for a week in early November and I am wondering whether I should spend all my time in that area, or perhaps try to get to somewhere such as Ende for a day or two. What are your thoughts?
Hi Kym. Glad you are finding the site useful. I think that’s a good idea. I’d recommend checking out Wae Rebo Village. You can find out about it and other things to do in Flores here.
Thanks Firsta. I also appreciate your advice about Jakarta. I’m there for a few days as well.
Friesta
What is the site we can visit outside labuan Bajo especially for local custom ?
Can we rent a car ? do you have the information for local people
We had been in Komodo island some years ago , lake kalimutu via Ende last year
Thank you
Hi Herman, you can visit Wae Rebo, and Bena traditional village.
hi, thanks for the great information. Can youplease advise what it is like at LB at Christmas / New Year? particularly will the water be clear for snorkelling and if is out of season, will the town be ‘dead’ I don’t need crazy nightlife, just somewhere a bit lively and solo traveller, not too honeymooney
Dear Elise,
Labuan Bajo should be quite festive for the Christmas and New Year. I haven’t experienced the New Year there, but Labuan Bajo is pretty busy and there are few bars. Try the Paradise Bar close to sunset time. It is one of the best spots to see sunset. Hope you have a great time in Indonesia.
December is a high season in Labuan Bajo and snorkeling or water activities should be ok.
Hi, please advise me, how long i have to stay, to visit all your recomendation.
No need rush, but also don’t want too long.
Thanks
Dear Hedy,
Maybe a week would be sufficient.
Hello, apakah pulau kenawa yang dimaksud itu sama dengan Pulau kenawa yang di Sumbawa?
Halo Fabian,
Pulau Kanawa adalah pulau yang terletak di dekat Labuan Bajo. Sedangkan Pulau Kenawa adalah yang di Sumbawa, dekat Poto Tano.