Experiences in Labuan Bajo
- 01
Kalong Island Flying Foxes
A mangrove island where thousands of flying foxes fly out together at dusk, usually seen from a boat on the way back to Labuan Bajo.
- Time needed
- Around 30 to 60 minutes at dusk
- Walking
- Easy
- Best time
- Just before sunset, in the dry months
- Tickets
- Usually included as a stop on a day or sunset tour; a separate return charter is also possible, with price negotiated. Confirm the cost and timing with your operator.
- 02
Kanawa Island
A small island west of Labuan Bajo with reef and calm shallow water, a popular snorkel stop that is easy on children and older swimmers.
- Time needed
- 2 to 3 hours including the swim
- Walking
- Easy
- Best time
- Morning or early afternoon in the dry season
- Tickets
- Island access and any resort day-use fees vary. Confirm with the operator whether the stop is included in the boat price.
- 03
Komodo Island
The island that gave the dragon its name, with a larger dragon population, longer trails and a more remote feel than Rinca.
- Time needed
- 3 to 4 hours on the island, plus a longer boat ride
- Walking
- Moderate
- Best time
- Morning; dry season from June to September
- Tickets
- A park permit and ranger are required. Fees and visitor rules have changed over the years and closures to some areas have been discussed, so check the latest position with your operator before you book.
- 04
Rinca Island
The easier of the two main islands for seeing wild Komodo dragons, with ranger-led trails of different lengths a short boat ride from Labuan Bajo.
- Time needed
- About 2 to 3 hours on the island, plus the boat journey
- Walking
- Moderate
- Best time
- Early morning, before the heat; June to September for the driest trails
- Tickets
- A park permit is needed and fees have changed more than once, so ask your operator what is included and check current rules. Rangers are required for the walk and are assigned in groups; confirm the arrangement before landing.
- 05
Seraya Island
A small island close to Labuan Bajo with calm water for snorkelling and a viewpoint for sunset, popular as a short half-day trip.
- Time needed
- Half a day
- Walking
- Easy
- Best time
- Afternoon into sunset
- Tickets
- Usually arranged as a short boat trip from the harbour. Confirm the cost, timing and what is included, as this stop is not in the main park.
Landmarks in Labuan Bajo
- 06
Batu Cermin Cave
A short cave in a rock hill a few kilometres east of town, known for walls that sparkle when morning light enters through a crack in the roof.
- Time needed
- 45 to 60 minutes
- Walking
- Moderate
- Best time
- Morning, when light enters the cave
- Tickets
- A small entry fee and a local guide are usual; confirm the current cost on arrival. Take a torch if the guide does not provide one.
- 07
Labuan Bajo Harbour Sunset
The harbour and waterfront at dusk, where fishing and tour boats line the water and the sky colours over the islands.
- Time needed
- 45 minutes to 1.5 hours
- Walking
- Easy
- Best time
- Around sunset
- Tickets
- Free to see from the waterfront. Wikivoyage lists several bars and cafes with sunset views; check their current status and prices.
- 08
Liang Bua Cave
The limestone cave in the Manggarai highlands where the remains of the small human relative Homo floresiensis were found in 2003.
- Time needed
- 1 to 2 hours at the site, plus long road travel
- Walking
- Easy
- Best time
- Dry season; morning
- Tickets
- Confirm current opening, fees and access with a local guide or driver. Wikipedia does not say how the site is open to visitors.
- 09
Padar Island
A rugged island with a ridge-top viewpoint over curving bays of different-coloured beaches, one of the most photographed views in Flores.
- Time needed
- 1 to 2 hours on the island, plus boat time
- Walking
- Demanding
- Best time
- Early morning or late afternoon; avoid midday
- Tickets
- A park permit is needed. Some operators sell Padar sunrise trips on overnight boats. Confirm what is included and whether any extra local fee applies.
Culture in Labuan Bajo
- 10
Wae Rebo Village
A mountain village of seven conical thatched Mbaru Niang houses, reached by road and a forest walk, usually as an overnight trip from Labuan Bajo.
- Time needed
- Overnight; two days including travel
- Walking
- Demanding
- Best time
- Dry season, June to September
- Tickets
- Visits are organised with the community; most travellers book through an operator and stay overnight in the traditional houses. Confirm fees, dress and etiquette in advance.
