The Best Things To Do In Labuan Bajo

From searching for Komodo dragons to world class snorkelling with manta rays, here are some of the best things to do in Labuan Bajo!

Honestly, if you told me a few years ago that a tiny fishing village on the edge of Flores would become my absolute favourite escape in Indonesia, I wouldn’t have believed you. I visited Labuan Bajo in July last year and completely fell in love. I’m returning again this year and then have already booked my wedding there for 2027! I would spend all of my holidays there if I could.

Labuan Bajo isn’t just a jumping-off point for the Komodo dragons anymore. Whether you’re watching the sunrise from the top of Padar Island or just drifting over coral reefs in a traditional Phinisi, Labuan Bajo definitely lives up to the hype. Here are some of the absolute best things to do in Labuan Bajo and surrounding areas.

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Labuan Bajo and the surrounding Komodo National Park has some of the best snorkelling and diving in the world. You can see eagle rays, sea turtles, black and white tip reef sharks, as well as amazing colourful fish and coral. A Komodo National Park snorkel tour is the best way to get out to a few different areas and give you the best chance at spotting some cool marine life.

If you go at the right time of year, you can even spot the majestic manta rays that the area is famous for. Peak manta ray season is December to March, but you still have a chance at spotting them from September onwards.

There is a daily charge for entering and diving in Komodo National Park. This will usually be sorted out by the tour company but just important to note that there are extra fees.

Bukit Amelia sunset viewpoint

One of the best places in Labuan Bajo to watch the sunset is the viewpoint on Bukit Amelia, sometimes known as Silvia Hill. From here you can look out over the ocean dotted with distinctive, mountainous islands. It is the perfect place to watch the sun dip below the horizon and the sky turn a hundred shades of pink.

Be warned, there is a short but steep climb to the top from the carpark. It also can get pretty busy during peak tourist seasons.

Melo village

Melo village is a little bit out of town and a little bit touristy. There was no other tourists there when we went, so it felt very local and nice. We paid 5k and they dressed us up in local sarongs, had some tea and took some photos.

Apparently when there are large groups visiting, the experience is quite different and can feel a bit inauthentic. I would still recommend stopping by on your way to the other parts of the island, or as part of a day trip.

Cunca pelias waterfall

Cunca Pelias waterfalls are in the mountains outside of Labuan Bajo town. While you can drive there yourself, you will need to pay 10 000 Rp to a local guide to access the waterfalls.

When you arrive you will be assigned a guide. Our guide was a young guy with limited English but super friendly. He pointed out plants like pineapple, vanilla beans and coffee growing along the walk to the falls.

There are 3 waterfalls which are all beautiful. The final waterfall is an incredible 30m drop with a natural infinity pool that you can swim in at the top. If you’re lucky, you will have it all to yourself and can look out over the misty jungle below. Top tier experience.

Hire a scooter and Explore Labuan Bajo

Although there are some good tour options, in my opinion one of the best things you can do in Labuan Bajo is hire a scooter and get out and explore the local area independently. There is really nothing like taking your time, making your own choices and embracing the freedom of being on holidays in one of the most beautiful parts of the world.

The roads around town are generally well-paved and easy to navigate, though things can get a bit off-road and bumpy once you head into the hills. Scooter hire is around 75-100k per day and can usually be organised through your hotel.

Sunset Cruise

There is truly nothing like watching the sky turn a fiery orange from the deck of a boat as you sail through the iconic islands of Komodo National Park.

Whether you’re on a luxury yacht or a charming local wooden boat, sipping a cold drink while the sun dips below the volcanic horizon is the ultimate way to toast to your trip. If you’re staying at AYANA, they have an excellent sunset cruise option with drinks and music. Otherwise check out some of the options below.

Some cruises will take you to Flying Fox Island to see thousands of flying foxes make their way through the sky as the sun goes down. There is a sunset cruise for every budget and it really is one of the best ways to enjoy Labuan Bajo’s insane natural beauty.

Mirror stone cave / Batu Cermin

Another really cool thing to do near Labuan Bajo is Batu Cermin, or Mirror Stone Cave in English. Entry is just 50k IDR, and while a local guide is technically optional for another 50k, it would be absolutely insane to go in without one. You’ll be navigating narrow crevices, hitting dead ends, and literally crawling at times. The guide showed us exactly where to go and I would have been pretty scared and turned around a lot earlier if I didn’t have the guide to show us where we could safely go.

Keep your eyes peeled for incredible fossilized coral, ancient sea animals, and shells embedded in the walls, a crazy reminder that this whole mountain was once under the ocean. This is all on top of the cave’s namesake, the mirror effect created when the sunlight hits parts of the sparkly rock.

Rangko cave

Rangko cave is located out of town and only accessible by boat. It is Labuan Bajo’s answer to the cenotes you will find around Cancun and Bacalar in Mexico.

Enter through a small opening to find a pool of turquoise water within a gallery of stalagmites and stalagtites. The water is clear but super salty, so you can float really easily inside.

As the pool is located inside the cave, it is best to arrive in the early afternoon if you want to get the best photos. We went a little later in the afternoon and the lighting made it harder to snap a good pic!

Day Trip to Le Pirate Island

Sorry for anyone travelling with little ones, this one for the grown-ups only. Picture crystal clear water teeming with sea life, a beach bar selling happy hour cocktails and coconuts, some of the best food in the area and… no children!

Le Pirate Island is an easy day trip and is a must-do when visiting Labuan Bajo. If you have the time to stay a few nights, definitely take the opportunity! I spent a few days on Le Pirate Island and I can’t think of another places on earth that was as relaxing. Big words, I know. Read my complete review of Le Pirate Island and decide for yourself.

Visit Komodo National Park

One of the highlights of visiting Labuan Bajo is the opportunity to see Komodo dragons in the wild. Komodo dragons are the largest and heaviest lizards in the world and have a venomous bite. It is pretty wild to see them up close and a must-do when visiting Labuan Bajo!

Taman Laut

Taman Laut is a restaurant on the hill above Labuan Bajo town. It is famous for its seafood, especially the lobster, which is cheap and delicious!

The views from the terrace of the restaurant are stunning, overlooking the water and nearby islands. Taman Laut is a great place to sit and have a sunset meal or cocktail and enjoy those holiday vibes.

Getting to Labuan Bajo

Getting to Labuan Bajo is surprisingly easy, with most travelers flying into Komodo International Airport (LBJ). You’ll find frequent, direct flights from Jakarta (about 2.5 hours) or Bali (just a quick 1-hour hop). Once you land, the town center is only about 10 minutes away by taxi or shuttle.

If you’re feeling more adventurous and have time to spare, you can also take a boat from Lombok. I personally haven’t done this but it looks like it would be a fun way to travel!

The Best Time to Visit Labuan Bajo

The best time of year to visit Labuan Bajo is during the dry season from May to October. During this time, rain is less likely and the humidity is lower making land-based activities more enjoyable. The dry season is also a great time for snorkelling and diving. The water is warm and there is a good chance of spotting manta rays at this time of year.

If you are planning on taking a multi-day boat trip, many will not run during the height of the rainy season. Be sure to check boat tour departures before you book your flights.

For your best chance to see Komodo dragons, try to avoid the months of July and August. This is mating season for Komodo dragons and they tend to retreat deeper into the forest making them harder to find.

Where to Stay in Labuan Bajo

Budget – Zazgo Hotel has way more than you would expect for a budget hotel. The staff are super friendly – one of the women working reception even loaned me her scooter for a couple of hours! The restaurant has a great view over the islands and there is a pool with swim up bar, perfect for sunset. It is located just off the main street and if you’re looking to save money, you can even walk from the airport.

Mid-range – Seaesta is the perfect middle ground. It has a really social vibe, great views from the pool area of the nearby islands and is conveniently located on the edge of town.

Luxury – My favourite place to stay in Labuan Bajo is AYANA resort. We stayed for a couple of nights for a treat at the end of our holiday. We both loved it so much, we booked it for our wedding! It is not a cheap stay, but it is heaven on earth and worth every penny!