You might have already spent enough time soaking up Bali’s stunning beaches, Instagrammable cafes, and vibrant nightlife. But if you still have extra time and want to explore another side of Indonesia, Labuan Bajo could be the perfect answer. This small town on the western tip of Flores Island is famously known as the gateway to Komodo National Park. If you’re looking to meet the world’s largest lizards in their natural habitat, Labuan Bajo is where your journey begins. So, how do you get from Bali to Komodo Island via Labuan Bajo? Keep reading to find out all the details!

From Bali to Labuan Bajo

Before we dive into the transport details, you might be wondering, “What’s so special about Labuan Bajo?” Well, it’s not just about the Komodo dragons. This harbor town was once a small fishing village that has now grown into one of Indonesia’s international tourist hotspots. Its attractions aren’t limited to seeing the “prehistoric lizards,” but also include exotic islands, untouched beaches, and golden savanna hills during the dry season.

While Bali offers you popular beaches like Kuta, Legian, and Uluwatu, Labuan Bajo offers a wilder kind of adventure. The surrounding scenery is truly breathtaking, offering an amazing view of the beautiful islands in Nusa Tenggara during the boat ride from Bali to Labuan Bajo. You’ll also get the chance to explore the islands of Komodo National Park—famous for being the natural habitat of the Komodo dragon. Excited yet? Let’s check out the travel options that can take you there.

From Bali to Labuan Bajo

1. Direct Flight from Bali to Labuan Bajo

The fastest and easiest way to reach Labuan Bajo from Bali is by a domestic flight. Several airlines operate this route, including:

• AirAsia Indonesia
• Batik Air

The flight takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes. Ticket prices typically start at around USD 33, but keep in mind that airfares are subject to change, especially during high season or long holiday periods. Aside from direct flights, there are also connecting flights offered by airlines like Citilink and Super Air Jet, with prices starting at around USD 103. Although connecting flights take longer, they can be a good option if the direct flight schedule doesn’t fit your plans.

Tip: Always check the latest flight schedules and book your tickets as early as you can. Schedules and prices can change anytime depending on the airline’s policies.

2. Taking a Ferry from Bali to Labuan Bajo

If you have plenty of time and want to enjoy the open sea during your journey, taking a ferry could be an exciting adventure. Usually, ferries depart from Padang Bai Harbor on Bali’s eastern coast and head to Labuan Bajo Harbor on Flores Island. Because you’ll be passing by several islands, the trip can take around 23 hours or even longer, depending on sea conditions and weather.

While this sounds lengthy, traveling by boat offers a unique experience. You can watch the endless blue ocean and, if you’re lucky, spot dolphins swimming in the distance. The boat ride also provides an amazing view of the beautiful islands in Nusa Tenggara. It’s a great way to take a break from the hustle and bustle of modern life and immerse yourself in nature.

Read more: Are Labuan Bajo and Komodo Island the Same? Here’s the Answer!

What Adventures Await in Labuan Bajo?

After your eventful trip from Bali to Labuan Bajo, it’s time to explore all the cool places around this town. Many travelers choose Labuan Bajo as a key destination during their Bali holidays, often as a starting point for excursions to the Komodo Island National Park. Labuan Bajo itself is pretty small, and most tourist activities are centered around its harbor, where phinisi boats and speedboats dock. You’ll also find plenty of restaurants, cafes, and hotels with gorgeous sea views.

Let’s check out the must-visit spots!

1. Komodo Tour to Komodo National Park

Who hasn’t heard of Komodo Island? These prehistoric reptiles are the main draw for travelers visiting East Nusa Tenggara. But remember, Labuan Bajo is the gateway to Komodo Island. From Labuan Bajo Harbor, you can travel by speedboat or phinisi boat to Komodo National Park.

For an efficient trip, you can join a Komodo tour that covers several islands in Komodo National Park. Various tour operators in Labuan Bajo offer day trips or multi-day tours to Komodo Island. While a day trip is possible, staying overnight is a more favorable option to fully experience the destination. For example, you might visit:

• Komodo Island: Home to the world’s largest lizards. You’ll walk around with a ranger to observe the Komodos and take in the savanna scenery.
• Padar Island: A must for photography lovers. This island features towering hills surrounded by beaches of white, pink, and black sand!
• Pink Beach: A truly pink-sanded beach—this rare color is formed by red coral fragments mixing with white sand.
• Taka Makassar: A tiny, crescent-shaped isle with soft white sand and crystal-clear water.
• Manjarite Island: A snorkeling spot with healthy coral reefs and vibrant marine life.

All these islands are part of Komodo National Park. Going on a Komodo Island tour package means you won’t have to worry about planning your own itinerary—there’s already a guide, boat, meals, and snorkeling gear included. All you need is enough energy and a camera, because the scenery is incredibly photogenic!

2. Rangko Cave

Besides Komodo tours, Labuan Bajo has many other places worth checking out, and Rangko Cave is one of them. This cave is located on the outskirts of Labuan Bajo, housing a clear saltwater pool inside a limestone cavern. When sunlight filters through the opening and hits the water, the cave looks dramatically beautiful, with a shimmering blue glow. You can swim there, but be careful with the slippery rocks around you.

Getting to Goa Rangko typically involves a short boat ride from a nearby pier. Once you arrive near the cave area, you’ll walk a bit before entering the cave. It feels like discovering a hidden swimming pool that few people know about.

3. Bukit Sylvia or Sylvia Hill

Although Labuan Bajo is mostly known for its sea and islands, don’t forget that the region also has beautiful savanna hills. One popular spot among travelers is Sylvia Hill. The story goes that it’s named after the nearby Hotel Sylvia. From the top of Bukit Sylvia, you can enjoy an amazing view of the ocean, Labuan Bajo Harbor, and rolling savanna hills that turn golden in the dry season.

The trek to reach the top is pretty easy. Most visitors can get there quickly. Once you’re at the summit, you’ll see anchored boats and a wide-stretching horizon. It’s also a favorite spot to watch the sunset because the twilight sky over Flores is simply stunning.

4. Batu Cermin Cave

Another cave you should explore in Labuan Bajo is Batu Cermin Cave, located in West Manggarai Regency. The unique thing about this cave is that it’s believed to have once been under the sea. Due to major tectonic shifts and earthquakes, the cave was pushed above ground. Fossils of marine life like turtles and fish are said to have been found inside.

The name “Batu Cermin” (which means “mirror rock”) comes from the way the cave walls reflect sunlight, making them shine like crystals. To reach certain parts of the cave, visitors have to carefully navigate narrow, slippery pathways. Exploring the cave’s corridors with a local guide is sure to add an adventurous edge to your Labuan Bajo trip. Additionally, engaging with local people during your visit can provide a deeper understanding of the traditional local life that still thrives despite the growing tourism.

5. Wae Rebo Village

If you’re looking for a cultural trip amid Flores’ natural wonders, add Wae Rebo Village to your list. This traditional village in Manggarai District sits at about 1,100 meters above sea level and is famous for its cone-shaped communal houses known as “Mbaru Niang.” The local community, primarily composed of local people, still preserves their ancestral traditions and culture.

Getting to Wae Rebo can be time-consuming and physically demanding. Visitors usually hike for a few hours along a forest trail. But when you finally arrive, you’ll be greeted by the warmth of the local residents and a village often cloaked in mountain mist. You can even stay overnight in a traditional house while sipping the renowned Flores coffee.

Read more: 10 Must-Visit Spots in Flores Beyond Komodo Island

Explore with Bali to Komodo Island Tour Package

By now, you should have a clear picture of how many adventures Labuan Bajo has in store—from searching for Komodo dragons to exploring enchanting caves. Everything is easily accessible. For those seeking convenience, Komodo Luxury also offers a Bali to Komodo Island tour package that already includes:

• Round-trip plane tickets from Bali to Labuan Bajo
• Accommodation in Labuan Bajo
• Boat tour to Komodo National Park (including Padar Island, Komodo Island, and other islands)
• Meals during the trip
• A professional guide
• Snorkelling gear

This kind of package is perfect if you don’t want any hassle, especially if your vacation time is limited. Just pick your tour date, settle the payment, and get ready for an unforgettable journey! Komodo Luxury offers a range of phinisi boats or speedboats for every budget and preference. You can customize the itinerary to focus on diving, snorkeling, or simply catching the sunrise around the islands.

Important Tips Before You Go

• Plan Your Itinerary Carefully: Knowing how much time you have helps you decide on the best transport and places to visit. If your schedule is tight, a direct flight to Komodo International Airport (LBJ) from major Indonesian airports like Soekarno-Hatta International Airport (CGK) in Jakarta or Juanda International Airport (SUB) in Surabaya makes more sense than a 23-hour boat journey.
• Pay Attention to Seasons and Weather: The dry season (April–October) is usually the best time to visit Labuan Bajo. Rainfall is low, skies are clear, and the sea is calmer. If you travel during the rainy season, watch out for possible cancellations or delays of boat and flight schedules.
• Book Your Accommodation Early: Labuan Bajo is getting more popular. Make sure you book your place to stay well in advance, especially during high season (July–August and year-end).
• Respect the Environment and Wildlife: When visiting Komodo National Park, follow all the rules. Don’t litter, disturb the Komodo dragons, or damage the coral reefs. We need to preserve nature so future generations can enjoy it too.
• Prepare Physically: Some destinations—like Padar Island, Sylvia Hill, and even Wae Rebo—require a bit of hiking. Make sure you wear comfy shoes and are physically prepared. Don’t forget sunscreen because the sun in eastern Indonesia can be scorching.

Responsible Travel in Labuan Bajo

As Labuan Bajo continues to grow in popularity, it’s crucial for visitors to practice responsible travel to minimize their impact on the local environment and community. One of the first steps is to respect local customs and traditions. Labuan Bajo is a predominantly Muslim town, so it’s important to be mindful of local practices, especially during Ramadan.

Reducing plastic waste is another significant way to contribute positively. Labuan Bajo faces a considerable plastic waste problem, and visitors can help by minimizing their use of single-use plastics and bringing reusable bags and water bottles. Supporting local businesses is also essential. By dining at local restaurants, staying at locally-owned accommodations, and shopping at local markets, you can help boost the local economy.

Protecting the environment is paramount. Avoid littering, refrain from touching or standing on coral reefs, and do not feed wildlife. These small actions can make a big difference in preserving Labuan Bajo’s natural beauty for future generations.

Read more: How to Become an Ecotourist in Komodo National Park

Explore Labuan Bajo with Komodo Luxury

So, if you’ve already explored Bali and still crave more adventure, Labuan Bajo is the next destination you should try.
Ultimately, Labuan Bajo is more than just a “stopover” to see the Komodo dragons. This town has its own charm, offering a variety of natural, cultural, and adventurous tourist spots. From Goa Rangko, which boasts a hidden saltwater pool, and Sylvia Hill with its harbor view, to Wae Rebo Village steeped in local culture, there’s plenty to discover.

For those who don’t want any fuss, Komodo Luxury offers Bali to Komodo Island Tour packages with various boat, accommodation, and itinerary options. Or you can also choose Komodo tours ranging from open trips, private trips, to one-day trips, choose according to your preferences. Our Komodo Island Tour takes care of all the details. That way, you can focus on gearing up your camera, your energy, and your excitement for conquering your next adventure in Labuan Bajo.

So what are you waiting for? Start planning your trip from Bali to Labuan Bajo and create amazing stories you’ll remember for a lifetime!