Sven and Ingrid from The Real Traveler holding hands lying down in pink sand beach with the wave approaching.

Planning your visit to the Komodo Islands and wondering how to make the most of your stay? We’ve got you covered! This guide will help you navigate Labuan Bajo and its surroundings with tips on what to do, how long to stay, and where to eat.

Five Phinisi boats ankering in front of an island with big mountains in the Komodo National Park. — **HOW MANY DAYS |**
2
to 5

**BEST TIME TO VISIT |** April to June

**WHERE TO STAY |**

Danke Lodge

**BEST TOUR |**
eastiopia
x eastnesia trip

**TOP THINGS TO SEE |**
Komodo National Park,
Rangko Cave, Wae Rebo Village

**HOW TO GET AROUND |** rent a scooter or hire a driver

Labuan Bajo, a charming town on the western tip of Flores Island, is the perfect base for exploring the incredible natural beauty of the region. As the gateway to Komodo National Park, it offers the chance to see the legendary Komodo dragons and explore one of the most biodiverse marine ecosystems on Earth.

Beyond the Komodos, Labuan Bajo is filled with opportunities for adventure—offering everything from hiking to breathtaking viewpoints, to exploring hidden waterfalls and immersing yourself in the local culture of secluded tribes.

HOW MANY DAYS?

The number of days you spend depends on the tour you choose. There are options ranging from a day trip to a multi-day adventure, such as the 4D/3N trip from Lombok to Labuan Bajo. We chose a 2-day/1-night tour to experience the highlights while still enjoying a slow boat trip. Arriving a day before is ideal if your tour is booked, or two days earlier if you're arranging it on-site. After the tour, consider adding an extra day in Labuan Bajo to explore the town and its surroundings, or two more if you plan to visit Wae Rebo Village.

WHEN TO VISIT?

You can visit Labuan Bajo and the Komodo Islands from April to November, with the best time being from April to June when the islands are lush, the temperatures pleasant and the crowds are not as big.

Rainy Season (Dec-Mar): This is the wettest time of the year, with frequent rainfall, strong winds, and high waves. Some boat operators may close due to difficult conditions, making travel challenging.

Shoulder Season (Apr-May): This is when the islands are lush and vibrant, although light rain showers can occasionally occur. The weather is generally favorable, providing excellent conditions for exploring the islands without the peak crowds.

Dry Season (Jun-Sep): The dry season offers the best weather, with clear skies and pleasant temperatures, but also brings more tourists and higher prices.

Shoulder Season (Oct-Nov): This period brings dry weather, but with higher temperatures and dusty conditions. Rain is infrequent, but occasional light showers can occur, especially in November. It's less crowded than the peak season, but the hot and dusty conditions might not be ideal for everyone.

HOW TO GET AROUND?

Most tours typically include hotel pick-up and drop-off. To explore Labuan Bajo and its surroundings, renting a scooter is a convenient option. While a driver's license wasn't required, we always carry our International Driver's License just in case. If you're not comfortable riding a scooter, you can easily hire a driver or take a taxi. Ask your hotel staff for recommendations or local contacts.

PRICE | 80k Rp | €5 | US$5 scooter per day

WHERE TO STAY?

We stayed at the budget-friendly Danke Lodge, which not only boasts great reviews but also provides convenient amenities like a free shuttle to and from the airport, plus complimentary rides to the city center. We used this shuttle service, where the staff drives you to your destinations until 10 p.m. Breakfast is included, offering options like Indonesian pancakes, fried rice (nasi goreng), or fried noodles (mie goreng). The lodge also provides scooter rentals, which we took advantage of to explore Labuan Bajo during our stay.

BOOK | Danke Lodge

HOW TO GET HERE?

Labuan Bajo’s Komodo International Airport (LBJ) can be easily reached by flights from Bali, Jakarta, Surabaya, or Kuala Lumpur. The airport is only a 10-minute drive from the city center, and most hotels offer a free pick-up service.

Alternatively, you can take a 4-day, 3-night boat trip from Lombok to reach Labuan Bajo and the nearby Komodo National Park.

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HIGHLIGHTS WITHIN THE KOMODO NATIONAL PARK

This cluster of islands is the main attraction that draws visitors from around the globe to Labuan Bajo. Touring the islands by speedboat or traditional Indonesian vessel allows you to marvel at the breathtaking natural beauty of this unique destination.

Rinca Island and Komodo Island

These islands are home to the legendary Komodo Dragons, a species found nowhere else in the world. As the largest lizards on Earth, these carnivorous reptiles use their venomous bite to bring down their prey. Hike across one of the islands with a mandatory guide to spot the majestic creatures and capture a photo from a safe distance, creating a lifelong memory of this incredible encounter.

Pink Beach

One of the few pink beaches in the world, this remarkable spot owes its unique hue to crushed red coral mixing with the white sand. It’s perfect for capturing stunning photographs and soaking in the breathtaking scenery. Dive into the clear waters to explore the vibrant corals and colorful fish while snorkeling.

Padar Island

Known for its most instagrammable panoramic views, this island offers a moderate hike to the top, rewarding you with one of Indonesia’s most iconic vistas. From the summit, you’ll find three distinct bays below, each with a different colored sand—pink, white, and black—creating a breathtaking and unique landscape.

Manta Point

Dive into the clear waters and swim alongside majestic manta rays. Watching these gentle giants glide gracefully through the ocean was an unforgettable experience for us.

Man with white shirt freediving head first towards the seabed.

Woman with black shirt standing on a viewpoint on Padar Island during sunrise.

Two Komodo dragons lying next to each other under a tree in the shade.

HOW TO CHOOSE A KOMODO ISLAND TOUR

We covered this in a separate blog, as there are simply too many options to list—open trips, yachts, diving options, shared boats, maximum capacity, AC options, Phinisi vessels, and more. In this guide, we've highlighted key factors to consider when booking a tour, including packing tips and must-see sights. We also share our personal experience and important considerations you shouldn’t overlook.

READ | How to Find the Best Komodo Island Boat Tour?

BOOK TOUR | eastiopia x eastnesia trip

White fishing boat in front of the shore of an island that has some rustic houses.

EXPLORING AROUND LABUAN BAJO

Rangko Cave

This adventure kicks off right from the walk to the boat, as the pier is missing several wooden planks, requiring you to carefully balance your way across—definitely not for the faint-hearted! The cave entrance is accessible after a 15-minute boat ride followed by a short 5-minute walk. For the best experience, visit between 1:30 p.m. and 3:00 p.m., when the sunlight filters into the cave, making the water glow with an enchanting, crystal clear blue. Take a dip in the warm water and enjoy floating in this serene spot.

Be sure to check with your hotel about the boat prices beforehand, as the “Official Tourism Office” has been known to charge varying rates to foreign tourists. You can also try to negotiate politely or team up with other travelers to share the boat. And of course, don’t forget your swimsuit! You do not need to bring a snorkeling set, there is nothing to see underwater.

OPEN | 6:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

ENTRANCE | 50k Rp | €3 | US$3 per person

PRICE | 300k Rp - 500k Rp | € 18- €30 | US$18 - 30 per boat

Wae Rebo Village

Wae Rebo village offers a truly unforgettable chance to dive into the rich customs and traditions of the Manggarai people. A standout feature of the village is its iconic conical huts, which dot the landscape. These traditional homes, with their steep thatched roofs, are designed to endure the harsh mountain climate while beautifully reflecting the indigenous Manggarai culture.

Getting to Wae Rebo is an adventure in itself. The 4-5 hour trip from Labuan Bajo to Denge Village involves bumpy, unpaved roads, best navigated by car or as part of a tour. While a scooter is an option, it demands excellent driving skills. From Denge, a scenic 3-4 hour hike leads to Wae Rebo, where hiring a local guide is essential unless you’re with a tour group.

You’ll stay overnight in a dorm-style room, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the village’s way of life. Though we didn’t visit personally, many travelers we spoke with highly recommended this experience. As a perfect finale, the village’s minimal light pollution offers a stunning view of the Milky Way, making it an ideal spot for stargazing.

PRICE |

375k Rp | €22 | US$22 on your own

2.6 Mio. Rp | €155 | US$159 tour price

BOOK | Wae Rebo Tour

Cunca Rami & Cunca Wulang Waterfalls

Cunca Rami and Cunca Wulang are two breathtaking waterfalls near Labuan Bajo, each offering a unique natural experience. Cunca Rami, with its 100-meter cascade into a tranquil pool, is surrounded by lush farmlands and requires a 45-minute hike through scenic rice fields.

In contrast, Cunca Wulang, known for its clear waters and canyon-like rock formations, is perfect for swimming and exploring. Both waterfalls are about a 1.5-hour scooter ride from Labuan Bajo, making them accessible for a day trip. Guided tours are recommended to fully enjoy the trek and natural beauty.

Sunset at G’Spot

Make sure to catch the stunning sunset from the coffee shop G’Spot or one of the nearby viewpoints along the same street. It was definetly one of the best sunsets of our entire world trip!

View into the deep blue water of the Rangko Cave surrounded by stalagmites and rocks.

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WHERE TO EAT?

If you love Indonesian cuisine and seafood, the Handayani Restaurant is the spot for you. It's a local favorite, so be prepared to wait in line. We highly recommend the Seafood Platter—it's the perfect choice to try a variety of seafood and experience different local preparations.

WHERE | Taman Laut Handayani Seafood Restaurant

PRICE | 85k Rp to 200k Rp | €5 - €12 | $US5 - $13

This was our top pick—everything was absolutely exquisite. The Kitchen Garden offers Indonesian cuisine with a modern twist, sourcing ingredients from their own garden. They have a smoker on-site, so any dish from the “smoked” section—whether meat or seafood—is a must-try. They also feature a wide variety of vegetarian and vegan options. You definitely cannot miss their homemade drinks and dessert, they are outstanding.

WHERE | The Kitchen Garden

PRICE | 85K Rp - 200k Rp | €5 - €12 | $US5 - $13

For the pizza lovers, Fellas Pizzeria has you covered. Their Italian style pizzas are baked in a wood-fired oven. In addition to classic Italian pizzas, they also offer some unique, out-of-the-box flavors, including falafel, truffle, French fries, and Rendang. Our personal favorite is the Zucona—a vegan pizza with pumpkin cream, caramelized onions, sun-dried tomatoes, truffle oil, walnuts, and oregano. One pizza is enough for two people.

WHERE | Fellas Pizzeria

PRICE | 85K Rp - 155k Rp | €5 - €9 | $US5 - $10

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