A fishing village located on Flores Island in East Nusa Tenggara, Labuan Bajo is a hidden gem with tons to explore! If you’re looking for a new Asean holiday destination, then Labuan Bajo is a must-add to your list. There are tons of things to do in Labuan Bajo, from snorkelling in search of manta rays to trailing around Komodo National Park to seek out the exotic Komodo dragons. The island is also just a boat ride away from some of the most gorgeous beaches, like the Instagram-worthy Pink Beach.
However, planning the perfect Labuan Bajo trip will take some research. Fret not, because we have just the guide to help you create the best trip itinerary and make the most unforgettable memories. Thanks to AirAsia, we recently had the opportunity to visit Labuan Bajo, so we know a thing or two about the island and what to do. Keep scrolling to learn the best time to visit, the best place to stay and more:
The Best Time To Visit
Let’s start with arguably the most important question of them all: when is the best time to visit Labuan Bajo? While you can still fly to the island all year round, the best time to visit, according to the local tour guides, is from March to May and from September to December. This timing means the best weather in Labuan Bajo to visit all the stunning beaches and neighbouring islands.
If you want to see as many Komodo dragons as possible, visiting Labuan Bajo during these two periods will also be great because it’s outside of the May to August mating season, leading to more appearances. Unfortunately, given the location of Labuan Bajo, the island is heavily affected by the Lewotobi volcano, and its activity can be unpredictable. However, from our experience, you can still visit Labuan Bajo even after a recent eruption, but practice caution.
How To Get Around Town
Getting around a foreign country can be intimidating, but not if you have a reliable transportation service. Whether you’re travelling in groups or going solo, the best way to get around the mainland is by car. During our visit, East Pearl and Komodo Shuttle were our choice of transportation services. Both companies offered safe transportation throughout our stay and even followed our requests for quick stops at convenience stores.
Being in Labuan Bajo means island hopping and visiting the stunning beaches – and for this, you’ll need a Phinisi. We were lucky to check into one of Lamain Voyages’ overnight cruises during our stay. We were very comfortable on those two days. Despite some unexpected issues due to weather conditions, the team ensured we had a great time. Of course, other cruises operate on the island, and each offers their speciality, so choose one that suits you and your needs the best.
Where To Stay While On The Island
What about accommodation when you’re on the mainland? Well, Labuan Bajo is home to several gorgeous resorts from award-winning brands, so there are plenty to choose from. During our visit, we checked into the AYANA Komodo Waecicu Beach Resort and “heavenly” was the best way to describe our stay. Not only were the rooms comfortable and well-equipped, but the available amenities and facilities ensured that everyone, from young to old, would have a great time.
If you’re looking for somewhere more serene and private, with the beach right by your doorstep, then you’ll have to check out the Plataran Komodo Resort & Spa. This award-winning island sanctuary offers a limited number of rooms but peak privacy for each guest. Both resorts also offer exclusive Phinisi yacht excursions and private island-hopping services, so you won’t need to search far for a separate Phinisi service.
What To Eat During Your Stay
Labuan Bajo is a fishing village, so the best thing to eat while on the island is seafood. You can get the freshest seafood and have it ready right as the fishermen catch it. One of the local eateries that we visited during our stay was Rumah Makan Kellan Eat First. Loved by locals and foreigners, this unassuming restaurant serves a delicious variety of dishes, including seafood and poultry.
Many restaurants in Labuan Bajo offer dishes made using East Nusa Tenggara’s specialities. La Moringa is one of those restaurants offering dishes and drinks featuring the mighty Moringa leaf. Another must-try on the menu is the Indonesian smoked beef, se’i sapi, which would satisfy the meat lovers. We got to try the dish, served alongside the green-tinted moringa rice and the matcha-like Moringa Latte.
Traveling To Labuan Bajo
Now that you’ve learnt the best time and how to get around when in Labuan Bajo, one question remains: how do you get there? Well, travelling to Labuan Bajo from Malaysia has never been easier, thanks to AirAsia! The World’s Best Low-Cost Airline, for the 16th consecutive year, offers weekly flights to Labuan Bajo so you can enjoy the beauty of the island at its best!
Are you ready to plan a trip to Labuan Bajo?
