18 Things to Do in Labuan Bajo: Don’t Miss Them All!

Labuan Bajo belongs to the best-hidden secret in Indonesia, specifically in the East Nusa Tenggara province. Then, what are things to do in Labuan Bajo?

The small town becomes the gateway to many beautiful sceneries around the world such as beautiful beaches and amazing Komodo dragons.

Today, you can find many new restaurants and hotels in the town. Labuan Bajo quickly becomes a tourist destination.

Labuan Bajo is originally a small Indonesian fishing town. Recently, it has become a hit tourist destination.

In addition to its dramatic landscapes, Labuan Bajo also offers friendly locals. That’s why Labuan Bajo becomes an unforgettable area to visit.

The Location of Labuan Bajo

You can find Labuan Bajo on Flores Island’s western tip. If you want to go to Komodo National Park, this town becomes the gateway you have to pass.

For those who want to see Komodo dragons closer, stopping in Labuan Bajo is a must. This place is also suitable for those who like scuba diving & snorkeling.

Meanwhile, Flores belongs to the Lesser Sunda Islands of Indonesia. Then, the capital city is Labuan Bajo.

The island belongs to the part of the province Nusa Tenggara. It includes such popular islands as Sumbawa and Lombok.

Flores itself also becomes an amazing tourist destination because it offers beautiful scenery and unique culture. However, what makes Labuan Bajo very popular is the Komodo dragon.

If you visit there, you can go fishing, diving, and snorkeling. Even more, you can explore the nearby National Park of Komodo.

Most Exciting Things to Do in Labuan Bajo

If you have plans to visit Labuan Bajo, this article will guide you. We will share a few ideas of things to do in Labuan Bajo.

Hiking, diving, snorkeling, and seeing Komodo dragons are some of the fun activities to do there. So, find out the best ideas of what you’re going to do in this place.

1. Meet Komodo Dragons at the National Park of Komodo

The National Park of Komodo belongs to the most awesome places, not only in Labuan Bajo but also on earth.

This is the home to the world’s biggest lizard, the Komodo dragon. For your information, Komodo dragons can grow 10 feet long & weigh 150 pounds.

In addition to Komodo dragons, the National Park of Komodo is also home to incredible wildlife such as birds, monkeys, and snakes.

Then, where to stay in Labuan Bajo? Fortunately, you can find many options for accommodations in the park.

2. Hike Up to the Island of Padar

If you want to enjoy a panoramic view, hiking up to the Island of Padar will be a good idea.

Reach Padar Island top, it takes around 45 minutes. After getting to the top, you will see a 360° view of Padar Island as well as its surrounding area.

3. Go Snorkeling or Diving

Labuan Bajo has crystal clear water that will be perfect for snorkeling & diving. That’s why many divers & snorkelers visit this place to do their hobbies.

Since diving is the most fun thing to do in Labuan Bajo, you can choose from different dive sites.

Even more, you can see manta rays and turtles swimming around the beautiful reefs. If you don’t like diving, you can still go snorkeling to enjoy the crystal-clear water.

In the town, many tour operators can help you to get to the best spots for snorkeling.

Overall, Labuan Bajo is a perfect place for you who want to enjoy the wonderful underwater world.

Our suggestion for best snorkeling spots are Manta Point, Manjarite Island, Siaba Island, and Kanawa Island.

For diving, we choose Batu Bolong as a sweet spot.

4. Enjoy the Spectacular Sunset on the Stunning Beaches

You need to know that Labuan Bajo has so many amazing beaches. Of course, seeing the sunset will be much more enjoyable on the beach.

So, just feel free to choose your preferred beach to see the beauty and enjoy the sunset in the late afternoon.

Pink Beach and Taka Makassar would be the best choice in Labuan Bajo.

5. Take a Labuan Bajo Boat Trip

Marine life is one of the most impressive attractions in Labuan Bajo. If you want to see closer marine life, it will be a good idea to take a Labuan Bajo boat trip.

In Labuan Bajo, the waters are full of manta rays, turtles, fish, etc. So, a boat trip can be the best idea for exploring the underwater paradise.

Today, many companies offer Labuan Bajo boat trips. You can choose one which suits your schedule and budget.

Make sure that you get ready for a great adventure. Of course, you’ll enjoy beautiful marine life you’ve never seen before on the trip.

If you want a leisure trip, KomodoLuxury would be your choice. We provide both private and shared sailing trip in Labuan Bajo.

Take a look at our boat selection here.

6. Visit Batu Gantung and Batu Cermin Traditional Villages

Then, Labuan Bajo is also ideal for those who are interested in experiencing Indonesian traditional culture. It also belongs to things to do in Labuan Bajo you cannot skip.

Batu Gantung & Batu Cermin around Labuan Bajo are the places to visit. These 2 villages are popular for their traditional buildings & houses and friendly residents.

Not only a village, you can also visit the destination of a cave with big rocks hanging. In other words, it is called Mirror Stone Cave.

In the villages, you can see the traditional houses & see how people build the houses. Furthermore, you can learn about the villagers’ culture and history.

If lucky, you can enjoy traditional music or dance performance. Of course, you need to know about the schedules.

7. Eat Delicious Seafood & Traditional Cuisines

If you want to have lunch or dinner, we recommend you visit one of the local restaurants. There, you can eat delicious seafood as well as traditional cuisine.

For example, it is a good idea to enjoy hearty soups & stews, seafood dishes, fresh fish, and many more.

Since there are many restaurants available, just feel free to choose one that suits your budget and taste.

Moreover, a local Fish Market allows you to directly eat fish there. Besides being affordable, they also offer delicious foods with local tastes & recipes.

Overall, this small town doesn’t only offer stunning natural attractions but also various mouth-watering culinary.

One of the local food spot is near the Labuan Bajo harbour.

8. Visit Manta Point to Go Swimming with Mantas

Manta Point belongs to the most famous location for diving close to Labuan Bajo. So, one of the fun things to do in Labuan Bajo is to go swimming there.

Here, you can overhead turtles that converse with manta rays. Moreover, it is a prime location for diving on Komodo Island.

Manta Point is very famous because of the strong stream running through the strait & drawing a big group of manta rays. So, this will be great for experienced divers.

9. Live Abroad

If you wonder how to spend time in Labuan Bajo, we recommend you take a live-abroad Komodo Island boat tour.

There are many solutions you can choose, depending on your budget and interests. It will be a good idea to take a 3-day 2-night tour with a boat if you want a quick vacation.

With this boat tour, you can visit Pink Beach for swimming, go to Padar Island for hiking, etc. A few options for live abroad trips are available for different prices.

10. Enjoy the Beauty of Pink Beach

In Labuan Bajo, there’s a unique beach you can use for snorkeling and enjoying the amazing scenery. What I mean is the Pink Beach.

In addition to clear waters, this beach also offers stunning pink sand and coral, making it perfect for relaxing and exploring the world of underwater.

Different kinds of fish & other marine life are available here. That’s why this beach comes as a favorite spot for snorkelers.

Anyway, visiting this beach will be a memorable experience. So, it is reasonable that enjoying this beach belongs to the most exciting thing to do in Labuan Bajo.

11. Visit Amelia Sea View

Amelia Sea View is an alternative spot to see the breathtaking sunset. Here, you will see the beautiful sunset over the water.

Then, the sky turns stunning orange & red shades. To be able to enjoy this breathtaking view, you have to visit this place before 6 p.m.

Then, you can stay there or explore many other beaches. Anyway. it will not be disappointing to visit Amelia Sea View.

12. Go to Rinca Island to See More Komodo Dragons

Rinca Island can be an alternative place to greet Komodo dragons in their natural habitats. Besides Komodo, this island also becomes the home to some other animal species.

Either taking a boat tour or going on a hike will satisfy you to see Komodo Dragons closer. Furthermore, you can go snorkeling, go swimming, or even explore the caves.

13. Have an Underground Lake Exploration

In Labuan Bajo, there’s Rangko Cave which has an underground lake. Make sure that you don’t miss exploring this place!

Swimming in this underground lake will be an unforgettable experience you have never done anywhere before.

14. Visit Cunca Rami Waterfall

If you want something challenging, trekking to Cunca Rami Waterfall is a must. The track is a moderate hike, taking around 2 to 3 hours for a round trip.

After completing the trek, the reward is a refreshing swim at the base of Cunca Rami Waterfall. The pool has crystal-clear waters that look very stunning.

15. Sunset on Pulau Kalong, Mysterious Home of Thousands Bats

If you take a boat or phinisi sailing trip, one of the itinerary will be enjoying sunset on phinisi boats in the sea around Kalong island.

It is home for thousands bats. At the sunset hour, the bats will flying around the island and that will be a relaxing view on your lifetime.

16. Visit the Paradise Bar to End the Day by Drinking Beers

The Paradise Bar is a laid-back bar that offers the ocean and Labuan Bajo Bay views. If you visit at dusk, you can enjoy a live band performance.

The vibe of the bar is very pleasant with a mix of visitors and locals. In addition, the cuisine is just good.

What makes this place very exciting is the cool beers. Many people visit this bar and there’s no better way to end the day than drinking beers there.

17. Take a Komodo Speed Boat Tour

If you only have little time in Komodo, you cannot miss taking a Komodo speedboat tour.

This tour will cost about USD$700 per day (IDR 10,000,000). If you are 6 people, that will be worth the money.

With the Komodo speedboat tour, you can visit 4 places or more in one day trip.

You can snorkel or dive at Manta Point, snorkel at Pink Beach, discover Komodo at Komodo Island, and see the dawn on Padar Island, for example.

18. Go Caving at Mirror Rock Cave (Batu Cermin)

This cave belongs to the most favorite attractions you can visit in Labuan Bajo where the location is near the city.

And, one of the most challenging things to do in Labuan Bajo is to go caving.

It is located in a natural canyon with surrounding cliffs. The cave gets its name because of the crystals on the rocks that can reflect the sunlight.

So, if you want to visit this place, the best time is in the morning between 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. when the sunlight comes through a hole and illuminates the crystals.

How to Visit Labuan Bajo

To get to this city, people commonly fly into Komodo Airport, just outside of the town. Some small airports are also available.

If you come from another state, it’s better to fly into a major Indonesian airport first. For example, you can fly into an airport in Jakarta, Bali, or Denpasar first.

Then, you can fly to Labuan Bajo. After you are in Labuan Bajo, you just need to choose your preferred transportation option to explore the town and nearby islands.

If you don’t like taking a taxing or renting a motorbike, it will be a good idea to hire a driver. If this is the first time you visit Labuan Bajo, joining n a tour & travel agency will be helpful.

Since the town is small enough and you can reach most attractions within walking distance, you can get around the city on foot.

We hope that our ideas of things to do in Labuan Bajo can help you to enjoy the vacation there. Of course, you will not feel bored exploring the beauties around Labuan Bajo.

Read more: The Government’s and Our Participation How to Save Komodo Dragons