Before you go
Labuan Bajo with elderly parents: what to know
- 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.
Easiest first
Places in Labuan Bajo sorted by walking effort
Easy on the legs (6)
- Kalong Island Flying Foxes (Places to visit · Around 30 to 60 minutes at dusk) — No walking at all; you watch from the boat. Older visitors should sit in a stable place and bring a light jacket, as the wind picks up at dusk.
- Kanawa Island (Places to visit · 2 to 3 hours including the swim) — Mostly beach and shallow water, with a short walk on sand. Getting from boat to shore can involve a wet landing, so wear sandals and ask the crew for a hand.
- Labuan Bajo Evening Fish Market (Food and restaurants · 1 to 1.5 hours) — The area is flat and near town, but plastic stools, uneven pavement and smoke from grills may be uncomfortable for some. Sit near the edge for air.
- Labuan Bajo Harbour Sunset (Places to visit · 45 minutes to 1.5 hours) — The waterfront is flat and near the centre, with many seats. Some streets and steps in town are hilly, so take a short taxi if energy is low.
- Liang Bua Cave (Culture and craft · 1 to 2 hours at the site, plus long road travel) — The visit is short and mostly level, but the road journey from Labuan Bajo is long and winding, which tires many older travellers. Ruteng is cooler, at about 1,188 m.
- Seraya Island (Places to visit · Half a day) — Mostly beach and calm water. The sunset viewpoint involves a short, uphill walk, which older visitors can skip while others go up.
Some walking — plan a break (4)
- Batu Cermin Cave (Places to visit · 45 to 60 minutes) — 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.
- Komodo Island (Places to visit · 3 to 4 hours on the island, plus a longer boat ride) — Walking is unshaded and the heat can be punishing by late morning. Rangers can choose shorter trails, but the jetty approach, rough ground and long boat ride make it harder for frail visitors than Rinca.
- Manta Point (Sports · Usually 45 to 90 minutes in the water, plus boat time) — 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.
- Rinca Island (Places to visit · About 2 to 3 hours on the island, plus the boat journey) — Trails are mostly flat or gently rolling but unshaded, with uneven ground and few places to sit. The park office area has shade and a small stall. Older visitors can ask the ranger for the shortest loop and move slowly.
Lots of walking or steps — choose carefully (2)
- Padar Island (Places to visit · 1 to 2 hours on the island, plus boat time) — The climb is steep, unshaded and uneven, with few places to rest. Older visitors, anyone with knee or heart conditions and young children should consider staying on the beach or boat while others climb.
- Wae Rebo Village (Culture and craft · Overnight; two days including travel) — The forest path is about 4.5 km and takes around 2.5 to 3 hours each way on foot, with climbs, roots and mud in wet weather. Older travellers and anyone with heart or joint problems should not attempt it. There are no vehicles on the last section.
Base yourself well
Where to stay in Labuan Bajo with parents
Town centre and the harbourBest for: First-time visitors, early boat departures and walkable dinners
Hillside and bay-view hotelsBest for: Sunset views and a quieter night
Waterfront resorts outside the centreBest for: Families wanting a pool and beach access
Small decisions
Practical tips for Labuan Bajo
- Park permits. Entry to Komodo National Park requires a permit and fees that have been revised more than once. A planned fee rise was cancelled in 2022, and periodic closures have been discussed. Check the current rules with your operator and the park authority, and ask whether fees are included in the quoted price.
- Choose a safe boat. Tour boats vary widely. Ask about life jackets, a working radio, shaded deck, toilets and crew experience, and compare itineraries by time at each stop rather than the price alone.
- Heat and sun. Even in the dry season the sun is harsh and the island trails have little shade. Wear a hat and sunscreen, and carry more water than you think you need.
- Sea conditions. December to March brings rough seas and cancellations. In the dry months the water is calmer, but strong currents affect some snorkel and dive sites. Follow crew instructions and use a life jacket.
- Money. Carry rupiah in cash for small shops, stalls and tips. ATMs are available in town but not on the islands. Some restaurants add a service charge, so check the bill.
- Dress and manners. Flores is mostly Catholic, with Muslim communities too. Beachwear is fine at the beach and on boats, but cover shoulders and knees in villages, churches and mosques, and ask before taking photos of people.
- Dragons and wildlife. Stay with your ranger, do not approach dragons and avoid wearing strong smells or carrying open food. Snakes also live on the islands, so wear closed shoes.
- Water and health. Do not drink tap water. Carry any regular medicines in labelled original packs, a basic first-aid kit and motion-sickness tablets for boat days.
Plan the rest of your Labuan Bajo trip
Want help?
Have Labuan Bajo planned around your parents
We build the route at their pace, book the stays, and can add a companion on the ground.