Labuan Bajo itinerary

Plan 01

1 day in Labuan Bajo

1. 01

   Day 1: Rinca and a sunset

   Take an early boat to Rinca for a ranger-led walk to see Komodo dragons, which is the easiest way to see them for most families. Stop at a small island on the return for a swim or snorkel, then come back to town for the harbour sunset and dinner. If you have a flight the same evening, keep the whole day for Rinca and be back by mid-afternoon.

Plan 02

2 days in Labuan Bajo

1. 01

   Day 1: Rinca, Kanawa and sunset

   Visit Rinca in the morning with a ranger, then continue to Kanawa for a swim and snorkel in calm water. Return to town for the harbour at dusk.

2. 02

   Day 2: Padar, beach and Manta Point

   Leave very early for Padar so you reach the viewpoint before the heat; fit travellers can climb, others can stay at the shore. Add Pink Beach or Manta Point depending on conditions and your guide's advice, and watch the Kalong flying foxes on the way back if the schedule allows.

   Stop	Time needed	Walking	Best time
   Manta Point	Usually 45 to 90 minutes in the water, plus boat time	Moderate	Dry season; ask the crew about the tide and current on the day

   Pace: Moderate walking today — plan a sit-down break between stops.

   With parents at Manta Point: Snorkellers need to be confident in open water with current. Getting in and out of the boat is the challenge, and older visitors should wear a life vest and stay close to the boat; watching from the deck is also an option.

Plan 03

3 days in Labuan Bajo

1. 01

   Day 1: Rinca and Kalong

   Take the Rinca dragon walk in the morning, snorkel on the return, and finish with the dusk emergence of flying foxes at Kalong Island.

2. 02

   Day 2: Komodo, Padar and a beach

   A long boat day: dragons on Komodo, the viewpoint at Padar if you are fit, and a swim at a nearby beach. Tell the operator in advance if older travellers will skip the climb.

3. 03

   Day 3: Land day and slow evening

   Visit Batu Cermin cave near town in the morning, rest in the heat, and spend the late afternoon at the harbour and fish market. Or use the day for Manta Point if conditions allow, or for a long highland trip to Wae Rebo or Liang Bua with an overnight stay.

   Stop	Time needed	Walking	Best time
   Batu Cermin Cave	45 to 60 minutes	Moderate	Morning, when light enters the cave
   Manta Point	Usually 45 to 90 minutes in the water, plus boat time	Moderate	Dry season; ask the crew about the tide and current on the day

   Pace: Moderate walking today — plan a sit-down break between stops.

   With parents at Batu Cermin Cave: The passages are narrow and low in places, with uneven or damp ground and some stooping. Older visitors with knee or back problems may find parts difficult; a guide can help you choose how far to go.

   With parents at Manta Point: Snorkellers need to be confident in open water with current. Getting in and out of the boat is the challenge, and older visitors should wear a life vest and stay close to the boat; watching from the deck is also an option.

Read before you go

Guides for the stops on these routes

Pacing

Pacing a Labuan Bajo trip for parents and children

• Pick Rinca for dragons before Komodo or Padar: the trails are shorter and more flexible, and rangers can choose a gentler route. Tell the ranger at the start if you want the short walk.
• Boats have steep steps, low roofs and rolling decks. Choose a larger boat with a rail and shaded deck, and practise the step onto the jetty before the walk.
• Heat and sun are strong even in the dry months. Wear a wide hat, carry water and sun protection, and avoid the Padar climb in the middle of the day.
• Do not walk alone on the islands. Komodo dragons are wild animals and snakes live on the trails; stay with your ranger and follow instructions.
• Carry travel insurance that covers medical evacuation. There are clinics in town but for serious problems patients are normally flown to hospitals on other islands.
• Arrange vegetarian or soft meals with your boat operator beforehand, since the crew cooks on board and there is nowhere to buy food on most islands.

Labuan Bajo with elderly parents: the full guide →