You’ve picked Labuan Bajo as your next destination, but you’re not sure where to start. This small harbour town on Flores is the gateway to Komodo dragons, pink beaches, and some of the best diving in the world. Here’s what first-time visitors need to know to plan a smooth trip.
Quick answer Fly in from Bali (about an hour), stay near the harbour or on Waecicu Beach, book a full-day boat trip for Komodo National Park, Padar, and Pink Beach, and bring cash for the islands. Plan your visit for April to October if you can, when seas are calmest.
Getting to Labuan Bajo
Most travelers fly into Komodo International Airport, with direct flights from Bali, Jakarta, and other Indonesian cities. The airport is about 10 minutes from town, and a taxi costs around 50,000 to 100,000 rupiah. Many hotels offer pickup if you book ahead. For every route, including ferries and boat trips, see how to get to Labuan Bajo.
Book flights early for peak season (July to August). The dry season runs from April to October, with calm seas and sunny days, while November to March brings rain and rougher seas. See the best time to visit Labuan Bajo for a month by month breakdown.
Money and ATMs in Labuan Bajo
Indonesia uses the rupiah (IDR). Cards work at many hotels, mid-range restaurants, and dive shops in town, but cash is still the norm at warungs, markets, ojeks, and anywhere on the islands.
Good to know There are no ATMs or card machines on the islands. Take out enough cash in town before your boat trip, including small notes for snacks and tips.
- ATMs: BCA, Mandiri, BNI, and BRI have machines along the main street, near the harbour, and at Komodo Airport, and most accept foreign Visa and Mastercard cards. Each withdrawal is capped at a few million rupiah, and your home bank may add a foreign transaction fee.
- Carry a buffer: ATMs in town can run out of cash at busy times, so don’t wait until your last note to withdraw.
- Money changers: There are a few on the main street, but rates are usually worse than in Bali or Jakarta. Skip the ones at the harbour and the airport, and count your cash before you leave the counter.
- Cards: Hotels, dive shops, tour offices, and mid-range restaurants usually take Visa and Mastercard. Bring a backup card in case one is declined.
- QR payments (QRIS): Common in town, but they usually need an Indonesian bank account or e-wallet, so don’t count on them as a visitor.
- Tipping: Not required, but appreciated by boat crews and park rangers. Small notes make it easy.
For a full breakdown of daily costs, see Labuan Bajo on a budget.
Top Attractions and Must-See Destinations
Three places define a first trip: Komodo National Park, Padar Island, and Pink Beach. You’ll see the famous Komodo dragons in the wild on Komodo and Rinca islands, always with a park ranger.
Padar Island offers the most famous view in the region. It’s a climb of about 800 steps to the top, and the view over three curved bays is worth every one of them. Go early for sunrise and cooler air.
Pink Beach gets its rosy colour from tiny fragments of red coral mixed with white sand. The reef starts right off the beach, so bring a mask. See our guide to the best beaches in Labuan Bajo for more.
Best Activities and Adventures in the Area
Beyond the big three, there’s plenty more to do. Snorkel the reefs at Pink Beach and Kanawa Island, or dive Castle Rock for reef sharks and big schools of fish. For manta rays, Manta Point is the place to go.
Take a late afternoon boat trip to Kalong Island to watch thousands of flying foxes leave the mangroves at dusk. Swim in the saltwater pool inside Rangko Cave, or head up to the viewpoints above town for sunset. Each one shows you a different side of the region, and our guide to island hopping from Labuan Bajo covers the boat options.
Where to Stay and Eat in Labuan Bajo
You’ll find everything from budget hostels to luxury resorts. Stay near the harbour for convenience and walkable restaurants, on the hills for sunset views, or on Waecicu Beach for a resort feel. Book early for July and August. Our guide to where to stay in Labuan Bajo compares areas and hotels.
For food, don’t miss the fresh seafood. The Kampung Ujung night market by the harbour grills fish, squid, and prawns to order every evening. Ask the price per kilo and agree on the total before your food is cooked. Local warungs serve good Indonesian dishes like nasi campur at low prices, and Western food is easy to find but costs more. See our guide on where to eat in Labuan Bajo for the best spots.
Planning Your Komodo National Park Experience
Visiting Komodo National Park is the main reason most people come. You’ll need a boat tour, either a shared day trip, a private speedboat, or a multi-day liveaboard. Most day trips include Padar, Komodo or Rinca, Pink Beach, and a snorkel stop like Manta Point. Tours leave early in the morning, so plan a quiet night before. For prices by boat type, see how much a Komodo tour costs.
Every visit must be booked through the park’s SiOra system, usually by your tour operator, and the number of visitors per day is limited. Some tours include the park entry fee and some don’t, so check what’s included before you pay. Current fees, booking rules, and availability are in our Komodo National Park guide.
Bring sunscreen, water, and a hat, and see our travel safety tips before you go. For a day by day plan, see our Labuan Bajo itinerary.
