At the westernmost tip of Flores is the town of Labuan Bajo. It lies peacefully with many wonders waiting for you to discover. Labuan Bajo used to be just a small fishing town but has grown into a gateway to many exotic destinations in East Nusa Tenggara.
These are the recommendations of favourite destinations that you must visit throughout Labuan Bajo.
Pink Beach
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Pink Beach is one of the seven pink beaches on earth and just one of the many amazing features of Komodo Island as a true natural wonder. This Labuan Bajo Pink Beach gets its striking color from microscopic animals called foraminifera that produce a red pigment on the reef.
For this reason, it is called Red Beach in the local language. Small pieces of red coral combine with the white sand to create the soft pink color you see along the coast. Apart from Pink Beach itself, several small stretches along East Komodo Bay are also pink.
The corals at Pink Beach’s underwater gardens are in excellent condition with hundreds of species of soft and hard corals and thousands of species of fish.
This Labuan Bajo Trip is great for snorkelers and beginner divers. The shallow waters are also home to a wide variety of creatures that are not only entertaining.
Komodo National Park
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Komodo Island is part of Komodo National Park, a group of tropical islands off the coast of Flores in eastern Indonesia. The Indonesian island of Komodo is famous for being home to the Komodo Dragon (the world’s largest lizard) and is an incredibly beautiful place with many other travel experiences.
This island is the original habitat of Komodo dragons. On Komodo Island there are more than 2,000 Komodo dragons that live in the wild.
Recognized as Komodo National Park by UNESCO, the national park features white and pink sandy beaches, exotic mountains for hiking, dozens of islands with coral reefs suitable for diving, and an up-close view of Komodo dragons. It’s the only place on earth where you can take wild pictures.
Padar Island
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Padar Island or best known as Pulau Padar Labuan Bajo is the most scenic viewpoint of Komodo in Labuan Bajo. A short 30-minute hike to the top of the mountain offers one of the best views in Southeast Asia.
It looks like a scene from Jurassic Park. The island has a huge X shape and he has three bays where you can see white beach, black beach, and pink beach.
Each of these sand colors are special in their own right, but seeing them all in one place is crazy. This is probably the only place in the world where you can have such an experience!
Padar Island is one of the smallest islands in Komodo National Park, but this scenic viewpoint has become a famous natural landmark in Indonesia.
Also read: Top 5 Best Places to Visit in Indonesia for First Timers
Batu Cermin Cave
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Batu Cermin Cave or Goa Batu Cermin is a tourist destination “belly of the earth” in Labuan Bajo with the charm of rocks that sparkle like a mirror when exposed to sunlight. Batu Cermin Cave can become a new favorite tourist destination in Labuan Bajo besides Komodo National Park.
In Batu Cermin Cave, tourists can see many interesting things. Starting from species and fossils of ancient relics found by the inventor of this cave, Theodore Verhove.
All these beautiful views can be enjoyed on the walls of the cave. According to the cave guards, the presence of corals, turtles, turtles, coral fossils, and other marine fish in this tourist area is due to the Batu Cermin Cave, which was once located under the sea.
Wae Rebo Village
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Wae Rebo is a very remote small village in Labuan Bajo. About 1,100 meters above sea level and approximately 3-4 hours on foot from Denge village. Wae Rebo is surrounded by panoramic mountains and the dense Todo Forest.
This tropical forest is rich in vegetation, with orchids and various ferns to be found, and many songbirds to be heard. Also, the village has no cell phone coverage and electricity is only available from 6 PM to 10 PM.
The air is relatively cold, especially during the dry season, so remember to bring a jacket if visiting the village.
The main feature of Wae Rebo is the unique house they call Mbaru Niang, tall and conical, completely covered from roof to floor with Lontar straw. Such houses seem to have once been widespread in the area. Today, however, it is the only village that maintains a typical Manggarai traditional house and without it, these unique houses would have fallen into complete decline.
Must Visit Rinca Island
Rinca Island is one of the best spots to witness the wild beauty of Indonesia’s Komodo National Park. Often called the quieter sister of Komodo Island, Rinca gives travelers a more authentic and less crowded experience with the legendary Komodo dragons.
Here, you can hike through rugged hills, spot exotic wildlife like water buffaloes and monkeys, and take in stunning panoramic views of the turquoise Flores Sea. It is one of the best Labuan Bajo attractions that you must experience while visiting.
The island’s dry savanna landscape, mixed with its unforgettable hidden gem, makes it a must-visit for anyone looking to experience raw nature at its finest.
A Must Explore Around Labuan Bajo, Rangko Cave
Rangko Cave, also known as Goa Rangko, is one of Labuan Bajo’s hidden gems that feels straight out of a tropical dream.
Located in a small coastal village, this stunning limestone cave hides a crystal-clear turquoise pool inside that will set perfect for a refreshing swim after a day of adventure.
When sunlight filters through the cave’s opening, the water glows with a magical blue hue, creating a surreal scenery that’s hard to forget.
Getting there involves a short boat ride and a bit of a walk, but the journey only adds to the sense of discovery. For travelers exploring Labuan Bajo, Rangko Cave is an unmissable spot that perfectly blends adventure, serenity, and natural wonder.
Dive in with Manta Rays at Manta Point
In surrounding island of Labuan Bajo lies here at Manta Point, you can dive into the crystal clear waters with Manta Rays, one of Komodo National Park’s most breathtaking underwater experiences.
This world-famous dive site is home to majestic manta rays that gracefully glide through the ocean currents, often swimming in large groups right beside divers and snorkelers.
The experience is amazing you can watch these gentle giants with wingspans reaching up to five meters dance effortlessly in the blue.
Cunca Wulang Waterfalls
Another hidden paradise in Flores Island goes to Cunca Wulang Waterfalls, a stunning scenic natural view. The best time to visit is from morning to afternoon. Here you can jump into the water with two height options 3 meter and 7 meter.
Surrounded by towering rock walls and dense greenery, Cunca Wulang feels like a secret jungle oasis straight out of a postcard. The short trek to reach it through villages and forest trails adds to the adventure. Cunca Wulang is a must-visit spot for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
Kanawa Island, Best Things to Explore the Marine Life
Kanawa Island is a hidden gem just off the coast of Labuan Bajo, famous for its breathtaking marine life and underwater world.
This is a perfect spot for snorkeling and diving in clear blue waters, just a few meters from the shore, you can already spot colorful coral reefs teeming with clownfish, starfish, sea turtles, and even small reef sharks.
The visibility is often excellent, making it easy to admire the diverse marine ecosystem in all its beauty. For those who love the ocean, Kanawa Island is the perfect place to spend hours exploring, swimming alongside tropical fish, or simply relaxing on the white sandy beach after a day beneath the waves.
