Top 15 Places to Visit in Labuan Bajo, Indonesia
Located on the picturesque landscape of Flores, Labuan Bajo is a tourist’s paradise in every sense of the word. It has spectacular views that leave even the seasoned traveler mesmerized. The steep rise of the hills that start right at the shores combined with the breathtaking sunset makes it one of the most favored destinations in Indonesia.
There are plenty of things for the discerning traveler to do in Labuan Bajo, both in the city and on the undulating countryside. Here is a look at the top 15 things to do in Labuan Bajo:
1. A Hike through the Greenery of Komodo
Many tourists find the forests of Komodo quite alluring for its many attractions. The most famous of these is the fact that it is the home of Komodo Dragons. The dragons are to be found relaxing under shades in the afternoons. The baby dragons, however, are more active and prefer to wander around.
Trips to the Komodo Islands are arranged with the help of the rangers. You can choose one of the many packages available. Some of the hikes are short and take between 30 minutes and 1 hour. Others are longer and may require that you camp on the island overnight.
The Komodo Islands tour makes Flores a must-stop place for anyone looking to spend quality time in Indonesia.
2. Spectacular Diving at Manta Point
Mantas Point is in Komodo Island. It is known for two key attractions: diving and the aquatic life. Experienced divers are enthralled by some of the most famous drift-dive sites that Manta Point has to offer.
The ocean currents are rich in nutrients. This has encouraged the influx of turtles and Manta Rays to this location. Large schools of Manta Rays co-exist side by side with the turtles. A remarkable sight indeed!
3. The Great Padar Island Viewpoint
In times of height, the Padar Island is the crown jewel of the Komodo Islands. From the highest point of Padar, you can see all the spectacular beauty of the entire beach. You will clearly see the white, pink and black beaches of Padar from the highest point. The climb to the top in itself is remarkable. You are likely to see a number of Komodo dragons as they lounge on the rock faces. This is a great opportunity for selfies!
4. Snorkeling at the Komodo Pink Beach
The Komodo National Park comprises 27 islands. Of these, the Komodo Island is the biggest. This means that it has a lot to offer. Apart from the forest hikes and the dragons, you can choose to tour the Pink Beach. Large pinkish grains of sand that originate from colored sea coral characterize the Pink Beach. It is from these grains of sand that the beach gets its name.
Many tourists enjoy the photo opportunity that the Pink Beach offers. Others enjoy swimming as they explore. You can also go snorkeling through the coral reefs.
5. Visit the Paradise Reggae Bar
Overlooking the Labuan Bajo Bay and not far from the ocean is the Paradise Reggae Bar. It is a favorite spot for tourists in the evenings. It offers cold beer accompanied by reggae beats from live bands. The ambiance of the bar is enhanced by the interesting mix of tourists from diverse nationalities who patron it. Although the food offered here might not be anything spectacular, it is a must-visit for those who live some bit of sunset fun.
6. Komodo Islands Live Aboard Tour
The Komodo Islands Live Boat Tour offers a number of options. Each of these options is tailored to cater for different interests and budgets. Actually, there is a package for almost any type of a budget.
One option is for those who wish to visit Labuan Bajo for 5 days. For these, a 3-day 2-night trip is best. This package is enough for you to trek through the Komodo Island Forest, visit the Pink Beach and hike the Padar Island.
7. The Beautiful Sunrises and Sunsets
Photo by A Raharja
The sunrises and sunsets in Labuan Bajo are a sight to behold. The kaleidoscope of colors played over the harbor is awesome. Do not miss out on this. Ensure that you book a hotel room that offers you the full view of the harbor.
8. The spectacular Amelia Sea View
Photo by Indonesia Tourism
One of the most famous sites in Labuan Bajo is the Amelia Sea View. This viewpoint is on a hill and offers one of the most spectacular sights below. You will see the bay at a distance, and beautiful grassland with swaying palm trees. There are no hotel developments on this hill yet.
9. The Joys of Rinca Island
Of all the islands in Komodo National Park, Rinca Island offers the best opportunity to see the highest numbers of Komodo dragons. Tours around the island are organized to enable tourists to see the dragons. Although the trips are shorter than those in Komodo Islands, they’re not any less spectacular. Actually, you can even see dragons hanging around the kitchen at the ranger station.
10. An Enjoyable Night on Kanawa Island
Kanawa Island is beautiful, with thatched huts dotting the landscape. Most of these huts serve as accommodation for guests. Its beauty is enhanced by the coral reefs and wooden piers on the ocean shores.
As a resort island, Kanawa is in dire need of a makeover. It has deteriorated in recent years. Most of the buildings are becoming worn out, and the food is not as great as it used to be. It has a lot of potential as a tourist sight. We can only hope that investors will come to its rescue soon.
11. Komodo Speed Boat Tour
The speedboat tour allows you to see a lot of things in a relatively short time. This means of tourism is much favored by tourists
without much time to spare. Once you hire a speed boost at Labuan Bajo, there a lot you can see within a very short time. Start at Padar Island, move to Rinca Island, take photos at the Pink Beach and go snorkeling at Manta Point. All in one day!
12. Delicious Fish at the Fish Market
The fresh fish market at Labuan Bajo seafront is a must-visit if you love fresh fish delicacy. The fish is caught in the ocean,
cooked and served right before your eyes. It can never get any fresher than this! The fish market is a favorite of an interesting mix of local and international tourists. After a good meal, you can proceed to the nearby Paradise Reggae Bar for an evening of fun.
13. The Amazing Rangko Cave Lake
The Bangko Cave has an underground cave that is a favorite with many visitors to Labuan Bajo. Located not far from the city, the underground lake offers an opportunity for swimmers to experience swimming in a cave. It is very spectacular at midday when the sun shines directly on the pool waters, creating an array of colors.
The cave is one hour’s drive from Labuan Bajo to a small village. From the village, you ride by boat for 10 minutes to a beach. From this beach, the cave is only 5 minutes’ hike away.
14. The Batu Cermin Cave
Tourists favor this site for its close proximity to Labuan Bajo. The Batu Cermin is in a cluster of caves that are in a natural valley
between steep rocks. The Mirror Rock’ caves, as the Batu Cermin means in Indonesia, gets the highest number of visitors between 9 and 10 am. At this time, the sun reflects the many crystals on the rock face, creating a mirror effect. That is how the cave got its name: Batu Cermin (Mirror Rock) Cave.
15. The Amazing Cunca Rami Waterfall
A day trip by car will take you to the Cunca Rami Waterfall. To get to the waterfall, you will follow narrow tracks on winding, bumpy roads to the village close to the falls. A guide from the village will take you through a 30-minute trek to the waterfalls. To crown your spectacular trip, you can take a refreshing swim at the bottom of the falls.
In Conclusion…
Labuan Bajo remains a worthy destination for tourists visiting Indonesia. There is a lot that you can do here. It is a great place
for you to holiday as an individual, a couple, your family or even a larger group. You can start with the above 15 suggestions given above to plan your trip. It will be unforgettable.
