{"id":26039,"date":"2024-08-27T13:59:10","date_gmt":"2024-08-27T03:59:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/luxuryescapes.com\/inspiration\/?p=26039"},"modified":"2026-05-21T13:36:49","modified_gmt":"2026-05-21T03:36:49","slug":"things-to-do-labuan-bajo-flores-island","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/luxuryescapes.com\/inspiration\/things-to-do-labuan-bajo-flores-island\/","title":{"rendered":"Things to Do in Labuan Bajo: Beyond the Komodo Dragons"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Labuan Bajo is Indonesia’s gateway to Komodo National Park \u2013 and a destination worth exploring long after you’ve spotted your dragon.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Reachable in little over an hour from Bali, Labuan Bajo<\/a> is one of Indonesia’s fastest growing destinations, with increased connectivity and new resorts making a visit more compelling than ever. Most travellers arrive for the dragons \u2013 the prehistoric Komodo dragons of the national park that bears their name \u2013 and leave having swum with manta rays, eaten fire-cooked chicken in a jungle garden and watched the sun drop behind a harbour full of tall-masted Phinisi boats. This is eastern Indonesia<\/a> at its most cinematic, and it’s still early enough that you’ll have most of it to yourself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Where is Labuan Bajo?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to get to Labuan Bajo<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

For Australian travellers, the easiest route to Labuan Bajo is typically via Bali\u2019s Denpasar International Airport (DPS), with frequent direct flights to Denpasar from major cities including Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide. It’s then a 75-minute flight to Flores. Several airlines fly domestically from Jakarta, Surabaya, Bali and Kupang, including the country\u2019s national carrier, Garuda Indonesia. International access has also expanded, with direct flights now operating from Kuala Lumpur via AirAsia and from Singapore via Scoot, further strengthening Labuan Bajo\u2019s position as the gateway to Komodo National Park.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When is the best time to go to Labuan Bajo?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The dry season \u2013 April to October \u2013 is when Labuan Bajo is at its best. Seas are calm, diving visibility is sharp and the trails through Komodo National Park are dry underfoot. April to June is the sweet spot: the landscape is still lush from the wet season, temperatures are slightly cooler and the crowds haven’t yet arrived. July and August bring peak conditions for diving and island hopping, and more company at the popular viewpoints. September and October are arguably underrated \u2013 warm water, fewer visitors and some of the best manta ray sightings of the year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The wet season runs November to March, bringing tropical downpours and occasionally disrupted boat schedules. It’s not without its appeal \u2013 the scenery is greener, accommodation rates are lower and the harbour feels more like the fishing village it once was. Worth knowing: Flores runs drier than Bali, so even a shoulder-season visit rarely means a washout.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Three to four days gives enough time to do a two-night Phinisi trip, visit Dapur Tara and explore at least one cave or waterfall. Five days or more allows for a dedicated dive itinerary and a slower pace around town.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Where to stay in Labuan Bajo<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

While the area is still a lesser-known Indonesian destination compared to Bali<\/a> (at least for Australians), an increasing number of luxury hotels invite you to explore this lesser-known destination in superior comfort. Here are three of the best.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Meruorah Komodo Labuan Bajo<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For some of the best uninterrupted views over Labuan Bajo\u2019s sunset, five-star Meruorah Komodo Labuan Bajo is perfectly positioned directly on the waterfront in the town\u2019s downtown marina. Head up to  Moon Bar or the hotel\u2019s rooftop infinity pool for sundowners and the panoramic views over the Flores Sea.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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