Labuan Bajo was a sleepy fishing village only a generation ago. Today it is one of Indonesia’s designated “super-priority” tourism destinations: a lively harbour town of dive shops, cafés, boutique hotels and hundreds of traditional phinisi boats, all facing a bay dotted with islands. The sunsets over the harbour are legendary.
Every boat trip into Komodo National Park starts here, and it is worth spending an extra day or two to explore the town itself — hilltop viewpoints, the Batu Cermin mirror cave, swimming in Rangko Cave, waterfalls in the hills and the Kampung Ujung night market for grilled fish.
Top things to do at Labuan Bajo
Watch sunset from a hill
Bukit Sylvia, Amelia Hill and Puncak Waringin all look out over the bay and its islands as the sky turns orange.
Swim in Rangko Cave
A boat ride and short walk bring you to a cave with a glowing turquoise saltwater pool. Try the Rangko Cave half-day tour.
Explore Batu Cermin
The “mirror stone” cave, just outside town, has fossilised coral and a shaft of sunlight that reflects off the rock at midday.
Eat at the seafood night market
Pick your fish at Kampung Ujung on the waterfront and have it grilled with sambal and rice.
Visit waterfalls and villages
Day trips inland reach Cunca Wulang and Cunca Plias waterfalls and traditional Manggarai villages.
Best tours that visit Labuan Bajo
These top-rated trips from Labuan Bajo include Labuan Bajo:
Half-day tour Rangko Cave & Beach Snorkeling Half-Day Tour
A fun, popular add-on to your boat days: swim in the turquoise saltwater pool inside Rangko Cave, snorkel off a quiet beach and catch sunset from a hilltop.
- Swim in Rangko Cave’s glowing pool
- Snorkel at Boleng Beach
- Sunset from Amelia Hill
Best for: a spare afternoon in Labuan Bajo
Night wildlife walk Night Herping Tour: Snakes & Jungle Wildlife
Komodo’s reptiles do not stop at dragons. Head into the bamboo forest after dark with an expert herpetology guide to find pit vipers and other night creatures.
- Spot vipers, geckos and frogs
- Bamboo forest & mangroves
- Mirror Stone Cave visit
Best for: nature geeks and curious families
How to get to Labuan Bajo
- Fly into Komodo Airport (LBJ), 2 km from the harbour, with direct flights from Bali and Jakarta. See how to get to Komodo.
- Arrive by sea on a 4-day sailing trip from Lombok, or by public ferry from Sape on Sumbawa.
- From the airport, a taxi or hotel shuttle to the town takes 5–10 minutes.
- Book your boat trip a few days ahead in July–August; last-minute deals are rare in peak season.
- Stay at least two nights so a delayed flight does not ruin your boat day.
- ATMs are plentiful in town, but carry cash for park fees and small islands.
