Labuan Bajo : Gate To The National Park of Comodo Dragon

Labuan Bajo is a beautiful little harbor at the western tip of the island of Flores and is the entrance to the National Park of Comodo Dragon (TNK) and the other beautiful islands in the surrounding areas. Labuan Bajo’s most significant features are probably its traditional harbor dotted with small islands and its hard-to-beat colorful sunsets. Several islands offer great diving and snorkeling opportunities: Bidadari Island, Seraya Island, Sabolo Island, Kanawa, and Sebayur island. Bidadari Island has beautiful beaches for sunbathing, snorkeling and diving. Kanawa Island and Island Small Kukusan also interesting for snorkeling and diving activities. In addition, Serayu island also has white sand and beautiful coral. Every evening at Kalong Island, thousands of flying fox bats put on an amazing display.

   
Facilities

The local economy in the town is centered around the ferry port and tourism, local shops and restaurants, and the diving trade. Furthermore, there is a wide range of accommodation, starting from simple guesthouses to star-rated hotels along the beachfront. You can hire a car from the airport of Labuan Bajo to visit any place in mainland Flores. The price level depends on your negotiation, the current prices offered ranged Rp 500,000,00 / day. Hotel can help you get a rental car. For your mobility in the city, bemo (traditional public transport) and motorcycle taxis are available, but only operates until 09:00 pm. If you want to visit nearby islands, such as to the park or Rinca, motor boats and speed boats are available at the port.

Labuan Bajo Harbour

How To Get There

If you from Bali, Aviastar operate flights twice daily from Denpasar (Bali) to Labuan Bajo, departing from Bali at 08.00 am and arrive in Labuan Bajo 12.00 pm. Flight takes about 1 hour.

TransNusa also has 3 weekly flights from Bali to Maumere using Jet Ba3-146 with a capacity of 82 seats.

From Flores, Labuan Bajo can be access by air, sea, and land. The fastest and most convenient option for longer distances is airplane. There are regular flights from Maumere and Ende to Labuan Bajo. On the ground, there are many transportation options. Regular direct buses to Labuan Bajo depart from all major towns – Ruteng, Bajawa, Ende, Maumere, and Larantuka.

Tips

Make sure you bring mosquito repellent and anti-malarial drugs, as Labuan Bajo is a malaria endemic area. Bring sunblock cream also, hats, and sunglasses, because the air here is very hot during the dry season. However you can purchase this equipment in a supermarket in the town or from the hotel shop.

The payment in Flores is cash-based., only Indonesian Rupiah (IDR) is accepted for cash payments. Money transfers are usually not possible, as using international accounts is not very common yet. There are ATMs in the district capitals which – depending on the Bank - accept the major credit cards (Visa/ Master) where you can get cash. Also you can change your money in the banks or at local money changers in Labuan Bajo. Be sure to check about their exchange rates and fees before the transaction. Travellers Cheques are rather difficult to change.