Labuan Bajo is a little fishing village that has a lot to offer. Labuan Bajo lies on the western edge of Flores Island in Indonesia. It is the starting point for one of the most amazing marine and island journeys in Southeast Asia. Labuan Bajo is more than simply a stop on the way to Komodo National Park.
It has become a magical place where sunsets colour the sky, manta rays dance under your fins, and the charm of the islands meets modern convenience.
This post has all you need to know about visiting Labuan Bajo, including honest reviews, wise suggestions, where to eat and stay, and all the aspects that make Labuan Bajo a great place to visit.
Who Would Labuan Bajo Be Perfect For?
- People who like nature and island hopping
Labuan Bajo is the place for you if you love pristine beaches, forest hikes, and snorkelling that feels like it came from a dream.
- Divers and those who explore the ocean
One of the best places in the world to go scuba diving is Labuan Bajo. From manta rays to coral-covered walls, it is like enchantment under the sea.
- People who travel on a budget and with a rucksack
Yes, Labuan Bajo has fancy hotels, but it is also an excellent place for travellers who seek a world-class experience without spending much money.
- Couples and newlyweds
Labuan Bajo is a great place for romance—picture candlelit meals by the sea, private boat cruises, and secret pink beaches.
- People who work from home and make content
Want to get your creative juices flowing again? Labuan Bajo has a laid-back way of life, great cafés, hotels that are good for Wi-Fi, and beautiful scenery that makes for great Instagram photos.
Where to Stay
- AYANA Komodo Resort is a good place to stay in Labuan Bajo.
If you appreciate luxury, this is your dream. Rooms with views of the ocean, a private jetty, and an infinity pool that flows into the sea.
- Seaesta Komodo Hotel and Hostel
The best place to hang out with a rooftop pool, an ocean-view bar and a mix of private and dorm-style accommodations. Perfect for people who work from home!
- Eco Tree O’tel
It is fashionable, inexpensive, and eco-friendly, plus it has a rooftop restaurant.
- The Sylvia Resort in Komodo
This beachside stay is peaceful and a little off-center, and it has a private feel at a reasonable price.
Tip: Make your reservation ahead of time during the dry season (April to October). Many people are going to Labuan Bajo right now!
What to eat and where to eat in Labuan Bajo. Local dishes you have to try:
- Ikan Bakar (grilled fish) is fresh, tasty, and typically caught just a few hours before you eat it.
- Sambal Luat is a hot sauce from Flores that is created with lime and chillis.
- Rumpu Rampe is a traditional stir-fry with vegetables and papaya flowers.
The Best Restaurants in Labuan Bajo
- La Cucina serves Italian food with an Indonesian twist. People love their pizzas cooked over a fire.
- Bajo Taco: Tacos and margaritas with a view of the sunset. What else do you need?
- Le Pirate Restaurant: Eat on the beach with live music and delicious seafood and It is so impressive.
- Happy Banana has sushi, smoothie bowls, and healthy food that looks good on Instagram and tastes well.
The best places to take pictures and post on Instagram in Labuan Bajo include the Padar Island Viewpoint, which has fantastic views of the islands from a short walk.
- Yes, Pink Beach is actually pink! A rare natural wonder close to Komodo Island.
- Kelor Island Jetty: Get that turquoise water and swing atmosphere.
- Labuan Bajo Harbour, especially around sunset when the boats look black against the orange sky.
- Rangko Cave is a secret cave with water that is as clear as glass.
If you can, use a drone—Labuan Bajo’s landscape looks finest from above.
What People Who Live in Labuan Bajo Say
People in Labuan Bajo consider it as both a treasure and a duty. It has been a fishing village for years, and everyone knows everyone. In the last few years, tourism has turned it into an international centre. The boom has offered new chances, but locals want visitors to respect the culture, safeguard the marine life, and shop at local stores instead of foreign-owned chains.
Many locals now work as dive instructors, eco-guides, or run homestays. To get the most authentic experience of Labuan Bajo, talk to them.
How to Avoid Common Tourist Mistakes
- Labuan Bajo deserves more than just one night. Plan on spending at least three to five nights exploring outside the harbour.
- Last-minute boat cruises can be very different in terms of quality and expense. Look into it and make a reservation.
- Not bringing enough cash—lots of locations still only take cash. It can be hard to trust ATMs.
- Not using sunscreen or reef-safe products— The coral is weak, but the sun is intense. Be careful.
- If Wi-Fi is fast everywhere— Some destinations are far away and slow. Get maps and other materials ahead of time.
Labuan Bajo: Smart Ways to Budget
- Stay in a guesthouse or hostel. Many of them have amazing views and are much cheaper than resorts.
- Go on shared boat tours to see Komodo, Padar, and Pink Beach. You can split the cost with other people.
- Eat at local warungs. You can get real, tasty food for as cheap as $2.
- Be polite when you negotiate, especially when it comes to transportation or souvenirs.
- Book combo tours: Some companies give you a discount if you book more than one day of activities.
Things to remember when packing for Labuan Bajo
- Clothes and swimsuits that dry quickly— You will be in and out of the water all day.
- Sunscreen that is safe for reefs will protect your skin and the coral.
- A little rain jacket, just in case. From November to March is the wet season.
- Keep your phone and other valuables safe on boat journeys with a dry bag.
- Hiking shoes or sandals are needed for climbing Padar and neighbouring islands.
- Power bank: You might not be able to charge your phone on boat tours.
Remote work and content creation are both welcome.
Labuan Bajo is far away, but it is suitable for remote work. Carpenter Café, Seaesta Rooftop, and Happy Banana are all cafés with reliable Wi-Fi and decent coffee. Mid-range hotels also include calm spots and lovely views that are great for digital nomads.
Best for Creators:
- Vlogging on an island
- Taking pictures of animals and plants in the water
- Timelapses of the sunset
- Drones flying over
- Telling stories about food and local culture
Tip: Make content while you are island-hopping, then upload it when you get back to your hotel.
Extra Experiences Nearby
- Komodo Island is home to the famous Komodo dragons.
- The Padar Island Sunrise Hike is one of the most iconic vistas in Indonesia.
- Swim with beautiful manta rays at Manta Point Snorkelling.
- Rangko Cave: A hidden cave pool with a creepy beauty.
- Cunca Wulang Waterfall is an excellent place for canyoning and cliff leaping.
You can go to all of these places by boat or car from Labuan Bajo.
A list of things to do to show respect for other cultures and the environment
- Do not touch or feed wild animals, especially Komodo dragons!
- Only use goods that are safe for reefs. This will help protect the marine habitat.
- It is polite and appreciated to ask locals if you can take their picture.
- Support local businesses that are good for the environment—your money can help communities.
- Throw away your waste in the right way, especially when you are on a boat. Bring a bag that can be used again.
What Labuan Bajo Has Been Like Over the Years
Ten years ago, Labuan Bajo was a quiet village with only one port and a few boats. Today, it is a busy but delightful combination of backpacker energy, high-end shopping, and tourism that is driven by the community.
Labuan Bajo is still a magical spot, even if it has grown. It is one of the few places where the sea and sky meet in a bizarre way. The town is steadily becoming a model for sustainable tourism in Indonesia, and efforts to protect the environment are growing.
People in the area are accepting modernisation while staying true to their traditional heritage. You can find dive centres next to old wooden cottages and fishermen who are now qualified eco-guides.
My own experience and final thoughts
It felt like I found a secret entrance to another world when I went to Labuan Bajo. I snorkelled with manta rays that seemed like angels from the water, hiked hills that opened up to landscapes I thought only existed in postcards, and joked with people who made me feel like family.
However, what really got to me was the purity—the raw beauty, the honesty in every wave, every trail, and every grin.
Labuan Bajo is more than just a place to visit. It reminds me that there are still wild, warm areas in the world that need to be protected.
Labuan Bajo is calling your name if you want adventure, peace, connection, and moments that are worth telling.
📍 Flores, Indonesia, Labuan Bajo ✈️ You may easily get there by taking a daily flight from Bali or Jakarta. The best time to go is from April to October. Your journey starts where the dragons live!
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