Kalong Island is a low mangrove island in the heart of the park — nothing special by day. But just as the sun touches the horizon, the flying foxes (kalong in Indonesian) that roost in its trees start to stir, and within minutes a river of huge fruit bats streams out over the water towards Flores to feed for the night.
Boats anchor offshore and guests watch from the deck, usually with a drink in hand. It is the traditional finale of many day cruises and the first evening of most liveaboards.
Top things to do at Kalong Island
Watch the bat exodus at dusk
The show builds for around half an hour — first a few scouts, then thousands at once overhead.
Photograph the silhouettes
A fast shutter and the orange sky behind make for dramatic images; video captures the scale best.
Enjoy dinner on board
On liveaboards, dinner is usually served at anchor near Kalong as the sky darkens.
Best tours that visit Kalong Island
These top-rated trips from Labuan Bajo include Kalong Island:
Private sunset cruise Flying Fox Sunset Cruise (Private Boat)
A short, easy evening trip to Kalong Island, where huge fruit bats pour out of the mangroves at dusk. Perfect for your arrival day or the evening before a long boat trip.
- Tens of thousands of flying foxes
- Private local boat
- Park fee & hotel pickup included
Best for: arrival day, families and short stays
Half-day island hop Kelor, Manjarite & Kalong Sunset Trip
A great-value half-day: climb Kelor’s little peak for a 360° view, snorkel over colourful reef at Manjarite and end with the Kalong Island bats against an orange sky.
- Short hike on Kelor Island
- Snorkeling at Manjarite
- Flying-fox sunset
Best for: budget travellers and a relaxed first taste
How to get to Kalong Island
- Book the short flying-fox sunset cruise from Labuan Bajo.
- Or combine it with Kelor and Manjarite on a half-day sunset trip.
- Many premium day cruises and liveaboards end the day here.
- Bring a light jacket — it gets breezy on deck after sunset.
- Mosquito repellent is useful at anchor near the mangroves.
- Do not use flash; it disturbs the bats and rarely helps the photo.
