Tucked in Indonesia’s Flores Island, Labuan Bajo is a laid-back beach town that serves as the starting point for many fascinating travel activities. If you plan to visit this small picturesque town but have no idea what to do while you are here, then fret not. Below we have compiled 20 things to do in Labuan Bajo that you should consider adding to your itinerary. Let’s jump right in!
1. Choose an Accommodation with a View
Accommodation plays a significant role in your entire Labuan Bajo itinerary. If you get the right place to stay, you will enjoy the mesmerizing view of the harbor at sunrise and sunset. This surely can enhance your entire travel experience.
Therefore, whenever you plan to visit Labuan Bajo, consider booking accommodation on the hill since they always provide a great view. There are a couple of places to select from, including Golo Hilltop, Sunset Hill Hotel, and Green Hill Boutique Hotel.
2. Trekking on Rinca and Komodo Islands
Exploring the natural habitat of the last dragons on earth on the Komodo and Rinca Islands is one of the most fantastic things to do in Labuan Bajo. You will be immediately welcomed by the panorama of the arid savanna, palm trees, and ominous Komodo dragons lying beneath them.
If lady luck gets on your side, you will witness the giant lizard viciously mauling its prey in the wild. For precautions, female menstruating tourists are strongly prohibited from joining this activity because the slightest bit of blood can even attract predators.
3. Exploring the Marine Beauty of Komodo Island
Up for some diving? Komodo National Park, which is about two hours from the beach town of Labuan Bajo, offers highly regarded underwater sites for marine biology lovers. These dive sites can be found in the park’s central north and southern regions.
If you dive into some incredible spots, you will see the most diverse marine life on earth. These include Cannibal Rock, Yellow Wall, and Manta Alley. For the best diving experience, consider visiting when the weather is pleasant between December and March.
4. Swimming with Manta Rays at Manta Point
One of the best things to do in Labuan Bajo is to explore the popular site, Manta Point. This perfect swimming and diving site is not too far from Komodo National Park and only a short trip from Gili Lawa.
As the name implies, Manta Point is the location where you can witness with your own eyes one of the majestic sea creatures on this blue planet, Manta Ray. It’s also a recommended diving spot for those skilled in drift dives. So, don’t miss out on this experience!
5. Capture the Incredible View on Padar Island
For many, Padar Island highlights the entire Labuan Bajo travel itinerary. While it’s no longer inhabited by the giant lizards, the natural splendor this island has to offer on its summit is unmatched.
The best time to hike to the island’s highest point is in the early morning, as you will get to enjoy a panoramic view of the sunrise with the spectacular seascapes and countryside. Keep in mind to also capture the breathtaking scenery because you won’t know when you will get to witness such an incredible view again.
6. Sign Up for a Liveaboard Tour
If you have no idea of what to do while in Labuan Bajo, it’s highly advised to sign up for a liveaboard tour. This tour includes all the fantastic things to do in Labuan Bajo, such as exploring Komodo Island, hiking Padar Island, swimming at the Pink Beach, and many more.
There are a number of different tour packages you can choose from. Whichever you choose, keep in mind to always consider your budget and interests in advance. All packages offer to fit the majority of the tourist budget. If you plan to visit this beach town for a short stay, a 3-day and 2-night tour is ideal.
7. Unwinding at the Pink Beach
Locally known as Pantai Merah, Pink Beach is where you will need to go to unwind while traveling in Labuan Bajo. This spot gets its name from its tiny reddish corals known as Foraminifera, which are spread all over the beach surface, giving the shoreline a pink tint. Fun fact, Pink Beach is one of the only seven beaches in the world with pink grain sand.
It is perfect for snorkeling, hiking, swimming, or sunbathing. You can also take as many pictures as you want at Pink Beach. After all, no one can resist the gorgeous clear blue layers of water that serve as a beautiful backdrop.
8. Capture the Sunset View at Amelia Sea View
Amelia Sea View has what you are looking for if you are a more natural view seeker. Coming to this hill should also be included in your list of things to do in Labuan Bajo. This famous viewpoint offers a view of a bay on the other side of the beach town.
This area of the island has not yet seen any hotel construction. This means you will enjoy the stunning views of a green meadow with palm trees undulating in terrain. It’s a lovely spot you shouldn’t miss out on in Labuan Bajo. There is accommodation here which is only a 5 to 10-minute walk from the Amelia Sea View.
9. Visiting Melo Village
Melo Village or Kampung Melo could be your first stop while traveling in Labuan Bajo. The Manggarai villagers usually will welcome visitors with a range of cultural performances. You will also get to experience the local cuisine and the way of life of the Manggarai.
The village is around 17km from the center of Labuan Bajo. This trip takes approximately 40 minutes on a rented motorcycle. Alternatively, you might hire an ojek (motorcycle taxi) to take you there. While in Melo Village, don’t forget to sample their palm wine.
10. Exploring Batu Cermin Cave
Exploring Batu Cermin Cave is one of the many things to do in Labuan Bajo that are perfect for thrill seekers. This tourist attraction is tucked between steep cliffs in a natural canyon. Here, you will see how the sunlight is mirrored around the formation of rocks through the gaps in the stalagmite.
To get the best viewing experience, come between 9 and 10 in the morning when the sun strikes the cave rocks. It’s also important to note that this is based on the seasons and might alter randomly.
11. Checking Out the Natural Underground Lake
Only around 45 minutes from the Labuan Bajo beach town, there is a natural underground lake right at Rangko Cave. The cave has crystal clear brackish water ideal for those who love to swim in the wild. Around noon, the sun beams directly into the Rangko Cave, illuminating it and bouncing off the natural pool.
To get there, you can depart from Labuan Bajo to Rangko Village by taking a boat. Also, come at noon, and don’t forget to carry a waterproof flashlight in case you want to explore the cave further.
12. Trekking to Cunca Rami Waterfall
One of the next cool things to do in Labuan Bajo is trekking to Cunca Rami Waterfall. This exotic spot is located in a somewhat isolated valley. To enjoy this one-day trip, you will need to drive from Labuan Bajo to the closest settlement to the falls.
The journey from the village to the Cunca Rami Waterfall may not be easy. You must go through a winding, narrow road with potholes here and there. But, all the efforts will pay off when you get to the falls. Also, consider hiring a tour guide from the village.
13. Enjoying City View from Bukit Cinta
Suppose you are too exhausted to go diving or sailing. In that case, you could try to visit one of Labuan Bajo’s highest points, Bukit Cinta. Literally translated as “Hill of Love,” Bukit Cinta is where you ought to go if you want to take in the city panorama.
This spot is a favorite among youngsters on the island of Flores. They frequently visit the location to go on dates, celebrate the new year, or simply chill out. Allow yourself adequate time to visit the hill and capture anything worth memorizing with your tech devices.
14. Bats Watching at Kalong Island
Sailing to Kalong Island or the island of bats could be one of the most unusual things to do in Labuan Bajo. Let alone when you come at dusk, where you will see millions of flying foxes hovering around in the twilight sky.
This will have a sensation like no other to see bats flying around when the sun sets and the waves cradling your boat. It’s one of the most spectacular Labuan Bajo activities that go really well with the Pink Beach and many other nearby tourist spots of this fascinating island.
15. Get the Best Dinner at Fish Market
Traveling will never be complete without trying out the authentic local cuisine. There is a wide variety of excellent eating establishments in Labuan Bajo. However, suppose you crave freshly caught fish served with mouthwatering sauces made by the local cooks. In that case, it’s highly recommended for you to go to the fish market.
The market is situated along Labuan Bajo’s beachfront near the outskirts. Here you will find a bunch of seafood vendors offering a wide variety of dishes. To broaden your palate, try grilled squid or fish served with steamed rice and authentic sambal of Labuan Bajo residents.
16. Take a Speed Boat Tour
If you want all the best things to do in Labuan Bajo, but unfortunately, you only have a very short time to do everything, sign up for a speed boat tour. Starting at about IDR 10 million per day, which is relatively pricey, you will get the best one-day trip in your life.
You can visit up to four tourist spots on this speed boat tour. You may go snorkeling or swimming at the Pink Beach, diving with a school of Manta Rays at Manta Point, sunrise watching at Padar Island, or see the last dragons on earth at Rinca Island.
17. Chill Out at Paradise Bar
Paradise Bar is a popular place where you can unwind after having physical traveling activities in Labuan Bajo. This reggae-themed bar offers stunning views directly overlooking the bay and the ocean. If you come at dusk, you will notice how the bar is quickly crowded with visitors.
In the evening, a live band will perform popular songs’ covers. The food is just okay, but the beers are a must to order. The beverages are perfect for enjoying while gazing through the horizon at dusk.
18. Discover Kanawa Island
Kanawa is a relatively small exotic island surrounded by coral reefs and white sand beaches. Visiting this small island should also be included in your list of things to do in Labuan Bajo. It lies near the Komodo National Park’s border and is only around an hour’s flight from Bali.
There are thatched huts where you can stay and enjoy what this island has to offer. For the best vacation experience, come between April and December, when the beach water is very calm.
19. Try Incredible Sushi at Happy Banana
Happy Banana is an establishment you will have to visit if you love fresh fish. While it’s a sushi restaurant at its heart, it also serves other Asian fusion and healthy foods. Their food is delicious and aesthetically pleasing, with Japanese cuisine at its core.
You can order organic salads, quinoa bowls, open sandwiches, and even superfoods that are available from breakfast to dinner. If you crave authentic Indonesian foods, the restaurant has a range of healing menu items developed with an emphasis on the healing qualities of Indonesian dishes.
20. Taste the Authentic Italian Dishes at La Cucina
La Cucina is an authentic Italian restaurant where you can find some wonderful spots to sit and unwind while overlooking the Labuan Bajo bay. Owned by an Italian, this restaurant is best known for its crunchy pizza and homemade pasta.
It might be a little crowded at certain hours because the restaurant is small. Either way, it makes a nice place to relax while enjoying a stunning sunset after doing tiring but unforgettable activities in Labuan Bajo.
Plan Your Labuan Bajo Trip Now!
With so many things to do in Labuan Bajo, there is a lot of potential for you to have a terrific holiday. You may start with exploring the natural habitats of Komodo dragons, but don’t forget to take in some of the other attractions as well. If you run out of ideas about what to do in this small beach town, refer to the list above, and we ensure you will get the most memorable travel experience ever.
