Embark on an extraordinary adventure to Labuan Bajo, Indonesia, and discover the breathtaking beauty of Komodo National Park, where stunning landscapes, vibrant marine life, and encounters with the legendary Komodo dragons await.
Labuan Bajo, located on East Nusa Tenggara island, is in the eastern half of the Indonesian archipelago and is home to a mesmerizing blend of natural wonders and rich marine biodiversity and serves as the gateway to the extraordinary Komodo National Park.
The island’s rugged hills and azure waters are home to the island’s population center. While the 400-kilometer (240-mile) island is home to many towns and villages, most tourism starts and ends in Labuan Bajo.
The town is a melting pot of cultures, with a mix of indigenous Manggarai people, ethnic groups from other parts of Indonesia, and expatriates. Visitors can immerse themselves in the local culture, visit traditional villages, and witness age-old customs and rituals. The vibrant local markets, where fresh seafood and exotic fruits abound, provide a glimpse into the community’s daily life. Interacting with the friendly locals and learning about their traditions adds depth and authenticity to the visit.
Everything you need to know before you visit Labuan Bajo
CURRENT WEATHER
light rain
AIR QUALITY
Moderate
GPS COORDINATIONS
-8.4886, 119.8872
HIGH SEASON (MOST EXPENSIVE)
March – August
LOW SEASON (LEAST EXPENSIVE)
September – February
Planning your trip to Labuan Bajo
As of the time of publishing, the Labuan Bajo airport was domestic-only, meaning you’ll need to enter Indonesia through one of the primary ports of entry into and grab a flight to Komodo Airport (LBJ).
Major international ports of entry
On my April 2023 trip to Labuan Bajo, the airport is making improvements to begin accepting international flights. The airlines or routes have yet to be discovered; however, it is rumored that Komodo Airport will be a direct flight from some Australian destinations.
Visitors to the area are greeted with breathtaking panoramic views of the harbor and pristine beaches. The choice to embark on an adventure or relax in a tropical paradise is up to you.
Labuan Bajo is very small, and hotel options could be more plentiful; however, I stayed at the Meruorah Komodo Labuan Bajo, which was nothing less than fantastic. The modern hotel was very well maintained and priced modestly. I suggest considering Meruorah Komodo Labuan Bajo when visiting.
Activities and top tourism destinations in Labuan Bajo
While East Nusa Tenggara island is expansive and has destinations to visit, most tourists heading to Labuan Bajo are destined for the Komodo National Park and the dozens of untouched, uninhabited islands surrounding it.
You’ll have numerous options to pick and choose excursions operating from the marina to take you in and around the Komodo National Park. The tours are generally 3-4 days with overnight accommodations on the Phinisi boats.
Each boat holds 10-20 passengers, and the accommodations were quite comfortable. The crew of awesome locals provides entertainment, freshly cooked (and caught) food, and an atmosphere to make your trip memorable.
This is a list of some destinations we visited while exploring the Komodo National Park.
Destinations in and around Komodo National Park
Labuan Bajo Uncensored
Having explored Indonesia many times, my first impression of Labuan Bajo was very positive!
As the gateway to Komodo Island, the Indonesian government has made impressive progress in creating the infrastructure to support increased tourism to Komodo Island. While the town is small and has little else to do besides serve as a departure point for Komo Island tours, it has managed to attract top chains to the area to support the tourism efforts further.
Labuan Bajo and its proximity to Komodo National Park is a great place to spend a day or two before embarking on your enchanting journey into a world of natural beauty, biodiversity, and cultural richness that the surrounding islands hold.
In Conclusion
Visiting Labuan Bajo was an unexpectedly excellent destination that I highly recommend to visitors exploring Indonesia – it is worth the trip.
I can’t say enough positive things about my Phinisi boat tour of Komodo National Park and all the destinations we visited. The crew of the boat was fantastic.
The entire country of Indonesia is simply amazing.