At a Glance
- Where: the weste tip of Flores Island
- Role: gateway to Komodo National Park
- Airport: Komodo (BJW), ~1 hr 20 min flight from Bali
- From here: day speedboat tours and multi-day liveaboard cruises
- When: year-round; peak is the dry season, April–December
Labuan Bajo is a former fishing village that is now the main gateway to Komodo National Park. Every route to the dragons, Padar, and Pink Beach leaves from here, and the town's airport links the park to Bali and Jakarta. Strung along a bay dotted with little islands, Labuan Bajo is also known for its sunsets.
Why Everyone Starts Here
There's no direct transport to the park's islands — only by water, and almost always from Labuan Bajo. The harbour is home to speedboats for day tours and traditional pinisi boats for ove ight cruises. Most travellers spend at least one night here before or after heading into the park.
In and Around Town
- Harbour & sunsets — a waterfront of cafés looking out over the islands; the sunset is best seen from the water or the hilltop viewpoints.
- Batu Cermin Cave — the "mirror cave", with stalactites and narrow passages, a few kilometres from town.
- Offshore islands — Kanawa, Kalong, and others, reached on short boat trips.
Getting There & Pla
ing
- By air — flights to Komodo Airport (BJW) from Bali (~1 hr 20 min) and from Jakarta.
- Then by water — book a boat tour: a day trip (Padar, Rinca/Komodo, Pink Beach, snorkelling) or a 2–4 day cruise.
- Season — the dry months April–December for calm seas; some routes close from January to March due to rough water.
FAQ
Why do I need Labuan Bajo? It's the only practical starting point — the airport, harbour, and all park tours are concentrated here.
How long is the flight from Bali? About 1 hour 20 minutes to Komodo Airport.
Do I need to stay ove ight? Usually yes — at least one night, so you can set off into the park at dawn.
Excursions visiting Labuan Bajo
