USD
More Than Dragons: How to Explore Labuan Bajo & Komodo National Park
Written by Emily Christensen
The Indonesian harbour town of Labuan Bajo is famously the gateway to Komodo National Park. Beyond Komodo dragons the region offers luxury stays, authentic culture and thrilling adventures all just waiting to be explored.
Where is Labuan Bajo
Labuan Bajo sits on the western end of Flores, a large island within the Indonesian province of East Nusa Tenggara. The town itself (as well as the surrounding coastline) is considered a part of the famed Komodo National Park, along with three larger islands and 26 smaller islands in the region.
How to get to Labuan Bajo
Labuan Bajo is a 75-minute flight from Bali’s Denpasar International Airport (DPS) but feels worlds away from the hustle and bustle. Several airlines fly domestically from Jakarta, Surabaya, Bali and Kupang, including the country’s national carrier, Garuda Indonesia. From September, the island will welcome its first direct international flight from Kuala Lumpur with Air Asia, with more airlines rumoured to follow the trend.
Where to stay in Labuan Bajo
While the area is still a lesser-known Indonesian destination compared to Bali (at least for Australians), this certainly doesn’t mean you will be roughing it. Labuan Bajo is already home to 12 four- or five-star resorts, with five more under construction, including Crowne Plaza’s first property in the region.
Meruorah Komodo Labuan Bajo
For some of the best uninterrupted views over Labuan Bajo’s sunset, five-star Meruorah Komodo Labuan Bajo is perfectly positioned directly on the waterfront in the town’s downtown marina. Head up to Moon Bar or the hotel’s rooftop infinity pool for sundowners and the panoramic views over the Flores Sea.
TA’AKTANA, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Labuan Bajo
TA’AKTANA, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Labuan Bajo, one of the newest additions to the island, blends Flores tradition with elegance at every turn. The hotel features an Olympic-sized swimming pool, farm-to-table restaurant Umasa and exclusive overwater villas (with butler service, of course).
Ayana Komodo Waecicu Beach
Ayana Komodo Waecicu Beach brings unparalleled luxury to the region, with exclusive amenities such as five boats, the tranquil AYANA Spa, seven bars and restaurants, and a private island, all seamlessly combined to offer every indulgence you could ever want.
What to do in Labuan Bajo
Once a mere fishing village, Labuan Bajo (and the region as a whole) is quickly becoming a hotspot for those looking to experience adventure and authentic local traditions, all without sacrificing modern comforts.
Spend the night onboard a Phinisi yacht
A signature experience of the area is a stay onboard a Phinisi boat (a traditional two-masted sailing ship). Upon arriving in Labuan Bajo you’ll see a harbour full of traditional sailing boats, many converted to accommodate guests wanting to experience the region in a unique way.
With a range of styles, from traditional vessels to luxurious five-star yachts (notably AYANA’s Lako Di’A), guests can charter one for a private group, or opt for a shared experience, with stays from one to three nights onboard.
Typical itineraries include a sunrise hike at Padar Island, a visit to Pink Beach for snorkelling, a stop at Kalong Island to witness the bats at sunset, Komodo/Rinca Island to spot the Komodo dragons in their natural habitat, plus a number of other hidden gems of the region, only discoverable by boat.
Discover authentic villages
While Labuan Bajo continues to grow and develop, it certainly hasn’t lost its traditional charm and authenticity.
Take the 40-minute journey out of Labuan Bajo to find yourself immersed in the lush green hills of Melo Village. Take part in a half-day cultural tour of the village, to gain a greater understanding of the traditions and the history of the region. The tour begins with a warm welcome ceremony before sitting back to enjoy a number of cultural performances, while sipping on a cup of Flores coffee. Witness the traditional bamboo pole jumping game ‘Tetek Alu’, the ‘Ndundu Dake’ dance and the well-known Caci performance (a dance using whips and shields denoting war and folk games, that is performed to the beat of traditional musical instruments).
Eat like a local
When it comes time to refuel, it doesn’t get more authentic than eating local ingredients foraged from an onsite jungle garden at Dapur Tara Flores Restaurant.
Traditional dishes are prepared over an open wood fire, and you can enjoy your meal in the dining area or among the garden. With specialties including six-hour smoked chicken, sticky bamboo rice, crispy papaya, Lomak and pineapple salad, savour the authentic taste of the vibrant flavours from the very garden that surrounds you.
Explore more (on land)
Once you’ve ticked off the main tourist attractions of the area, take your time to uncover some of the other wonders of Flores.
Stretch your legs with a hike out to one of the many waterfalls. Cunca Wulang Waterfall is nestled within the tropical rainforest, and accessed by a hike from Wesawe village. Trek past picturesque views of rice fields, discover local vegetation including vanilla, coffee and cacao before reaching the canyon and taking a dip into the clear fresh water.
Explore more (underground)
Just four kilometres from town, Goa Batu Cermin (Mirror Stone Cave) is a tunnel in Labuan Bajo’s stone hills. The cave features tiny holes that reflect light throughout the cave, as well as visible fossils on the cave wall and a local bat colony.
Goa Rangko (Rangko Cave) is a stunning limestone cave with a sunlit blue hue, perfect for swimming. It’s accessible only by a 10-minute boat ride from Rangko Village, a 30-minute drive from Labuan Bajo.
Explore more (underwater)
For those looking to dive a little deeper, the area is brimming with dive sites, 54 of them to be exact, and is home to one of the most diverse and vibrant underwater ecosystems. Spot reef sharks, hawksbill turtles, thorny seahorses, and (potentially one of the main draw cards to the area), various types of rays including manta rays and eagle rays.
Whether you’re a beginner looking to get certified, or an experienced open-water diver, with nearly 50 dive centres and a range of day trips to overnight excursions, you’ll be spoilt for choice regardless of your experience level.
Discover Labuan Bajo
Looking for more inspiration? Check out the Top Things to Do in Bali.
The writer was a guest of Indonesia’s Ministry of Tourism and Garuda Indonesia.
