Located in the far east of the Indonesia region, Labuan Bajo is one of the nine villages in Komodo District, West Manggarai Regency, East Nusa Tenggara. Historically, “Labuan” originated from the word “Labuan” or “port”. This village was once used as a berth for Bajo and Bugis people in the South of Sulawesi. Over time, this village was later named Labuan Bajo.
The exotic natural landscape of Labuan Bajo has become a famous tourist destination in South East Asia. Currently, this area has become the East Manggarai Regency capital and has been equipped with adequate transportation facilities, including docks, ports, and even airports.
This Labuan Bajo travel guide is designed to help travelers worldwide get the fullest experience while visiting the land of Komodo dragons.
Why Visit Labuan Bajo?
Labuan Bajo is an up-and-coming international tourist destination that will not be enough to explore for just a couple of days! Travelers will need several weeks to be able to explore all these beautiful destinations.
This wonderful island is the best place to try various adventures, such as snorkeling on Kanawa Island, trekking on Rinca Island, or diving in several dive spots. Whether you are a beginner or an expert, you will find something new in Labuan Bajo.
For those sea-loving individuals, a sailing trip to Labuan Bajo is a must; you are in for an unforgettable holiday experience. You could sail past a couple of beautiful islands for a few days, sleeping on the boat under the vast and glimmering sky of stars, then and see the mighty Komodo dragons which are originated from this area.
Furthermore, a visit to Labuan Bajo is the perfect opportunity to see nature in its best order. A mixture of local culture and indulgent modern accommodation is guaranteed to provide the ultimate holiday experience for all guests!
3 Must-to-do Activities for Travellers
Apart from visiting Komodo dragons in national parks, you can also do various exciting Labuan Bajo activities. Here are some of them:
1. Exploring the Pink Beach
As the name suggests, Long Pink Beach is a pink-colored beach located close behind the hill of Padar Island. Known as Pantai Merah amongst locals, this destination is one of the most popular places around Labuan Bajo.
The dazzling pink gradations around the shoreline come from microscopic animals and reddish coral fragments that blend perfectly. You can bask in the fine pink sand. However, note that the sunny weather will give a nice tan to your skin throughout the year, so it is important to use lots of sunscreens.
2. Scuba Diving and Snorkeling
Labuan Bajo is a paradise for sea lovers. Aside from having several mesmerizing beaches and hills, this destination also offers beautiful underwater scenery that is second to none; A variety of fish and colorful coral reefs are ready to welcome the divers anytime.
You can find tons of options for diving and snorkeling. One of the most recommended spots is Kanawa Island which is located near Komodo Island. This area is managed privately by the local community. If you are not afraid to swim with large fish and small sharks in shallow areas, this spot is perfect! Besides, you can also find various sea creatures, including groupers, lionfish, and sea turtles.
3. Sailing with Phinisi Ship
Sailing around the waters around Labuan Bajo using a luxurious phinisi ship is a must-do activity. Each guest will be guided to tour around the Komodo National Park, Padar Island, Komodo Island, Pink Beach, and other natural destinations in Labuan Bajo.
The ship is equipped with hotel-like facilities, including multiple rooms (consisting of double and twin beds), a restaurant, karaoke, a jacuzzi, and a private lounge to pamper its guests. While the trip itself is quite costly, it gives you a once-in-a-lifetime experience!
The Best Time to Visit
While the island is busy all year round, there are a few options for choosing your visit time based on your personal preference. Here are some of the best times for tourists:
July to September
If Komodo dragons are your main reason to visit Labuan Bajo, July to September is the best time to visit. During this period, Komodo dragons are roaming freely since these months are the peak of the mating season for them.
Even though Komodo dragons are let loose in the wild, you must keep your distance at all costs. Remember, animals are more ferocious during the mating season. However, you won’t need to worry because all visitors will be accompanied by an experienced tour guide while walking around the Komodo dragons’ natural habitat in Labuan Bajo, located at Loh Liang National Park.
January, February, and March
These periods are the most festive times in the whole year; there are numerous festivals around the area. You can watch the exciting Reba Festival held by the Langa people in Ngada Regency to worship the god or The Komodo Festival in West Manggarai which features a parade of Komodo statues and traditional dances.
How to Travel to Labuan Bajo?
Currently, there are two popular ways to get to this paradise; by plane or boat.
Using Plane
Flying is the quickest way to get to Labuan Bajo. You can take a direct flight from Jakarta, Denpasar, and Lombok to Komodo Airports. The flight duration is relatively short. For instance, the flight from Denpasar to Komodo Airport only consumes 75 minutes of flight time.
Using Boat
Several boat routes are going to Labuan Bajo. You can ride a ferry via Lombok, Sumbawa, or even Makassar. Your trip’s duration depends on each transportation provider; it may take hours or even days (it also depends on the number of stops and weather conditions).
The Best Accommodation to Pick in Labuan Bajo
Picking the right accommodation is just as important as the trip itself. Here are some of the best hotels and resorts for you:
Le Pirate Island
Located only 7 km from the airport, Le Pirate Island provides a blend of ethnic charm with tons of pampero facilities. For just $100 per night, you will get a hearty breakfast, a private room with ocean scenery, and various amenities, including a hot shower, snorkeling facilities, and a canoe.
Bayview Gardens Hotel
Bayview Gardens Hotel offers everything you want from top-class accommodation to a restaurant, outdoor swimming pool, bar, and beautiful garden. This accommodation provides room service and a private terrace; all room is equipped with AC, a work desk, and a hot shower. The rate starts at around $50 per night during weekdays.
Plataran Komodo Beach Resort
This five-star resort features a beachfront getaway with an on-site restaurant. It also has a large outdoor pool with a sun terrace and ocean view. All rooms are equipped with a safe, refrigerator, and minibar.
Moreover, the guests can arrange private snorkeling and canoeing through the front desk. Daily cleaning service is provided free of charge. The rate is relatively expensive at $250 to $400 per night.
How to Get Around Labuan Bajo
The public transportation in Labuan Bajo is minimal. Practically, there is no “official” public transportation to get around the island aside from the taxi. However, there are a few options to choose from:
- Ojek – this motorized scooter rider will take you anywhere on the island. The cost is relatively cheap. Interestingly, since the rate is not fixed, you are free to haggle the price with its driver.
- Taxi – The taxi fare usually costs around Rp10.000 to Rp15.000 per mile.
- Car – renting a car is the best option for going in groups since Ojek can only take one passenger and taxi seats are limited to two or three-person.
The Real Cost of Living in Labuan Bajo
The living cost in Labuan Bajo is quite similar to Bali and Lombok since these areas are connected. However, being an up-and-coming tourist destination in Southeast Asia does raise the price of basic necessities slightly.
A meal in a local, non-expensive restaurant will cost around $2 to 7$, while a fancy feast will cost you no less than $20 to $50 per person. Fortunately, the local beer price is quite friendly; only 3$ to 5$ per 500 ml bottle.
Depending on the location and facilities, you can get decent accommodation just for $20 per night, excluding breakfast. If you are looking for a room in a four-star or five-star hotel, prepare to pay at least $250 per night.
Finally, visiting Labuan Bajo feels lacking without bringing home a unique Komodo-themed souvenir. Coming to Soekarno Hatta Street is your best bet for this purpose. You will find a myriad of souvenirs with negotiable prices.
Best Place to Eat in Labuan Bajo
Tasting local delicacies while traveling to Labuan Bajo is imperative since it is difficult to find similar culinary treats outside the area. However, hunting for culinary delights in foreign places sometimes feels daunting.
In this Labuan Bajo travel guide, we have created a list of recommended eateries and restaurants around the area.
1. Artomoro Restaurant and Grill
Located on the busy street of Soekarno Hatta, Artomoro Restaurant is popular among local and international tourists. The menu served mostly consists of a selection of savory marine animals such as lobsters, squid, crabs, and a wide variety of fresh saltwater fish supplied directly from local fishers. The meal price varies from $3 to $10.
2. Seafood Tree Top
TreeTop restaurant is famous for its Chinese-style seafood dishes, including steamed seafood, sweet and sour fish, and hot pot. Some of the most favorite menus are the steamed grouper, chicken with fried onion, Tom Yam, and fried noodles with seafood.
Most fried fish and the grilled fish menu are served with three types of soy sauce and chili sauce, creating a touch of a different taste than many restaurants of its kind. Located at Jalan Soekarno Hatta, Treetop has a direct view of the sea. You can get a hearty meal for $5 to $20 per meal.
3. Ikan Kuah Asam Philemon
Ikan Kuah Asam is one of the native foods of Labuan Bajo. “Kuah Asam” literary means “sour soup” since the fish is cooked with tamarind sauce and starfruit. If you are looking for an authentic culinary experience, Philemon is a must-visit.
This restaurant is located next to PELNI port. Aside from functioning as a special dock for boats, Philemon also offers a selection of culinary seafood specialties from Labuan Bajo. Including the sour and spicy Ikan Kuah Asam, for only $5 to $10 per fish.
4. Kampung Ujung Seafood
Kampung Ujung Seafood offers a unique dining sensation since visitors are welcome to choose their fish, squid, shrimp, crab, shellfish, and even lobster before cooking. The restaurant will adjust the price based on the weight of the seafood you take.
After choosing the desired seafood, you can choose how to cook it: fried, grilled, steamed, boiled, and many more. Apart from seafood, the restaurant also serves various vegetable-based dishes and beers.
5. Unique Rooftop Bar
Unique Rooftop Bar is located at one of the most luxurious resorts in Labuan Bajo, the AYANA Komodo Resort. This famous eatery offers a wide selection of Mexican-inspired cuisines and snacks, including Tostada Fiesta, Beef Nachos, Burritos, and Churros. They also serve a variety of alcoholic drinks, such as margaritas, tequila, and signature cocktails.
While most restaurants and eateries in Labuan Bajo use seafood as the main entrees, you can also find common stock meat like chicken or beef in almost every place. Pork is somewhat more difficult to find, though.
Summary
Finally, we can guarantee that Labuan Bajo is one of South East Asia’s best holiday destinations. This area has everything you need to enjoy nature at its best; beautiful beaches, amazing sea life, scenic hills, vast grasslands, and compelling local culture.
Furthermore, aside from enjoying the landscape and sunny weather, you may find it exciting to observe the Komodo dragons closely. This animal is the only pre-historic species left on the earth today. Also, Komodo Island is already acknowledged as a World Heritage site by UNESCO.
So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bag and use this Labuan Bajo travel guide to experience the best holiday experience you will ever get!
