Labuan Bajo is a coastal town at the western tip of Flores in eastern Indonesia. It lies in Komodo District, West Manggarai Regency, East Nusa Tenggara Province, and looks out towards the islands of Komodo National Park, with Sumbawa in West Nusa Tenggara further to the west. The Indonesian government has designated Labuan Bajo as one of its "super priority" tourism destinations, and the town has grown considerably in recent years as a base for visiting the surrounding islands.
Labuan Bajo is the main gateway to Komodo National Park, which is known for its wild Komodo dragons, its many small islands and its marine life. Most boat trips into the park start from the town's harbour. On land, several hilltop viewpoints near the town and Komodo Airport are popular at sunset, including Bukit Cinta, Bukit Sylvia and Amelia Hill. Batu Cermin cave and Rangko Cave, which has a pool of clear seawater inside, are also visited by many travellers. Paths to viewpoints can be steep and uneven, so wear suitable footwear and bring water.
For visitors who enjoy the outdoors, a walk to Cunca Wulang, a waterfall and river canyon inland from Labuan Bajo, is one option. Another is a liveaboard trip on a traditional-style phinisi boat, spending one or more nights at sea while visiting different islands. The waters around Komodo are well known among divers, but currents in the area can be strong, so diving and snorkelling should be done with a licensed operator and within your experience level. Check the safety equipment and the operator's credentials before booking any boat trip.
The Gateway to Komodo National Park
Labuan Bajo and Komodo National Park are closely linked, and most visitors to the town spend at least a day in the park. The islands are reached by tour boat or speedboat from Labuan Bajo, with day trips and multi-day itineraries available; departure times and arrangements vary by operator and season. Komodo National Park was established in 1980 and inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1991. It includes Komodo Island, Rinca Island and Padar Island, along with many smaller islands and the surrounding waters. Park entry fees and visitor regulations have changed several times, so check the latest official information before you go.
The Komodo dragon (Varanus komodoensis) is the largest living species of lizard. It was formally described in a scientific paper in 1912 by Pieter Antonie Ouwens, director of the zoological museum in Buitenzorg (now Bogor). Interest from scientists and travellers followed, and the animal became closely associated with the region. Local people call the Komodo dragon "ora".
Seeing Komodo dragons in their natural habitat is the main reason many people visit the park. Dragons are wild and potentially dangerous animals, so visits to Komodo and Rinca islands are made with park rangers, and visitors are expected to stay on marked trails, keep a safe distance, and follow the rangers' instructions at all times, including when taking photographs. Beyond the dragons, the park's scenery is a major draw. Padar Island is widely photographed for its ridges and curved bays seen from the viewpoint at the top of its trail, and the small island of Kelor offers a short but steep climb with views over the surrounding sea.
Another frequently visited spot is Pink Beach, known locally as Pantai Merah. Its pinkish tint comes from fragments of red coral and the shells of tiny marine organisms mixed with the white sand; the colour is subtle and depends on the light. As in the rest of the park, avoid taking sand, coral or shells, and do not stand on or touch the reef while snorkelling.