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Entering the Gate of Flores in Labuan Bajo

With Rikas Harsa

Reno Nismara

18 Sep 2019 - 5 min read

Labuan Bajo keeps on evolving. What was once a village has now developed into a city due to a growing number of visitors. The variety of excitements offered, such as outdoor activities with the beauty of Flores in the background, propels Labuan Bajo to become a desired destination.

Flores’ geographical conditions make most of the area reachable only by sea transportation, and this further boosts the charm of Labuan Bajo. As a port city, many people treat Labuan Bajo as the departing point to hop the islands of Flores — Komodo and its surroundings — in one day.

Traveloka invites Rikas Harsa, the host of Trans TV program My Trip My Adventure, to explore Labuan Bajo and its surroundings and present its undeniable beauty to you.

One Day, Four Islands

The expansive green savanna, the white sandy beach, clear blue ocean, and colorful coral reefs illustrate the astounding beauty of Flores islands. Added to its charm is the fauna, especially the legendary Komodo dragon. Exclusively for you, Rikas Harsa immerses into the island hopping experience and discover the mesmerizing marine ecosystem in these following islands.

Location: 1 hour by speedboat from Labuan Bajo Port

Activities: diving, snorkeling, trekking, boating, fishing.

Info:

The entrance fee for domestic tourists is Rp5.000/person on weekdays and Rp7.500/person on Sunday and national holidays. While for foreign tourists, Rp150.000/person on weekdays and Rp225.000/person on Sunday and national holidays.

Known as the habitat of the Komodo dragon, the island has Rinca Island Komodo National Park.

This island also has expansive savannah where buffaloes and deers roam.

It takes 30 minutes trekking from the gate of Rinca Island Komodo National Park to the hills on the island.

"It takes 30 minutes trekking from the gate of Rinca Island Komodo National Park to the hills in the island.

- Rikas Harsa

Location: 2 hours by speedboat from Labuan Bajo Port

Activities: diving, snorkeling, boating, trekking.

Info:

The island was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1991.

It takes 30 minutes trekking from the shore of Padar Island to the hills.

From the top of the hill, you can see a ‘saddle’ shape connecting two parts of the island.

The hills are covered in green sceneries from February – June, but if you prefer yellowish hills then you can visit this place around July – December.

"Although I have come here many times, I always intend to come back. I have a favorite spot on top of the hill to capture a wonderful landscape background in a picture.

- Rikas Harsa

Location: 2,5 hours with a speedboat from Labuan Bajo Port

Activities: diving, snorkeling, trekking, boating, fishing

Info:

As the name implies, the island is inhabited by thousands of komodo dragons. Also deers and wild boar as the prey of the dragon.

Komodo Island is popular for its underwater beauty filled with colorful coral reefs.

The island was made as Human Reserve and Biosphere in 1977 and was later designated as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1991. National Geographic also listed Komodo Island in the 10 worldwide’s best destinations in 2017.

"With many komodo dragons wandering around, I feel like in the movie Jurassic Park. It’s never a boring moment here!"

- Rikas Harsa

Location: 2,5 hours by speedboat from Labuan Bajo Port

Activities: diving, snorkeling

Info:

Anyone can visit the beach for free, no ticket is needed.

The pink sand on the beach is caused by coral fragments and calcium carbonate from marine biota.

Bring your own snacks and drinks because there is no food stall on the beach.

Be alert with your surroundings since sometimes komodo dragons cross from Komodo Island and Rinca Island to Pink Beach.

"A beach to cool the eyes and the heart. If you come here, please keep the environment clean and do not take any sand, coral, or reef home with you.

- Rikas Harsa

Complete Your Journey With These Chosen Natural Attractions

Apart from being the gate to the wonderful islands, Labuan Bajo is also surrounded by numerous natural attractions, some are adrenaline pumping, some offer a tranquil experience. Rikas visited them one by one for a wholesome experience.

Location: 45 minutes by speedboat from Labuan Bajo Port

Activities: diving, snorkeling, trekking

Info:

The entrance fee is Rp100.000. It is better to come in groups, because the price is the same for both individuals or groups.

All boats to Komodo Island must pass through this island.

The name of Kanawa Island is originated from the Kanawa trees near the pier. Unfortunately, there are only a few trees left.

The sea in Kanawa Island is famous for its clarity and you can already see fish and coral reefs from the pier.

Every afternoon, when the water in Kanawa Island recedes, starfish which previously submerged will emerge to the surface.

When you plan to spend the night on the island, there is Kanawa Resort, bungalow accommodation made from bamboo.

"Try to go to the top of the hill at noon. You can witness a spectacular color gradation in the sea of Kanawa Island. In the afternoon, you can also enjoy the sunset scenery here.

- Rikas Harsa

Location: Wesawe Village, Sub-district Mbeliling, District West Manggarai (35 minutes with car from Labuan Bajo Port)

Activities: cliff-jumping, trekking

Info:

The entrance fee is Rp25.000/person.

It is called "The hidden paradise of Flores" because it is still unknown to many.

The valley river stream is surrounded by cliffs, thus making the Cunca Wulang Waterfall titled as the “Grand Canyon miniature”.

Bearing the height of 9 meters, the cliff is often used as a cliff jumping spot.

It takes 30 minutes trekking from Cunca Wulang entrance to the waterfall.

It is not suggested to visit in rainy season because the trekking path and the rocks will be slippery.

"You have to try cliff jumping here, at least once in a lifetime!"

- Rikas Harsa

Location: Wae Rebo Village, Sub-district West Satar Mese, District Manggarai

Activities: hiking, homestay

Info:

Located at an altitude of 1.200 meters above sea level, Wae Rebo is one of the highest villages in Indonesia.

The traditional house here is named Mbaru Niang, a cone shape house with 5 floors, the roof is made of lontar leaves (a type of palm leaf), then covered with straw.

There are 7 Mbaru Niang in Wae Rebo, one of which is open to accommodate visitors.

Daily activities of the local people: weaving, drying coffee beans under the sun, and harvesting passionfruit.

It is quite challenging to reach this village: rent a car to reach Dintor Village for 6 hours, then rent motorbike to the hiking post, and hike for 2 - 4 hours (depend on hiking pace) until you reach Wae Rebo. Use the hiking poles in the post to ease your trip.

"Exploring Labuan Bajo is not complete without visiting Wae Rebo, a village on top of the cloud filled with peace and serenity.

- Rikas Harsa

Where to Stay?

Green Hill Bed Station

With a hostel concept, this accommodation is suitable for those who want to explore Labuan Bajo in group.

Green Hill Bed Station

9/10

•

Jl. Soekarno Hatta, La...

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The Jayakarta Suites Komodo

This first 5-star hotel in Labuan Bajo is surrounded with ocean view and stunning hills.

The Jayakarta Suites Komodo

9/10

•

Jl. Pantai Pede KM 5, ...

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AYANA Komodo Resort

Recently opened, this resort quickly gains attention for its modern design and direct ocean view from the room.

AYANA Komodo Resort

8.9/10

•

Waecicu Beach, Sub-district Komodo, District West Manggarai

Rp 5.905.340

Rp 5.287.085

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Plataran Komodo Beach Resort

The resort offers serenity by its remote location from the busy city and also the villa facing the beach.

Plataran Komodo Beach Resort

9.1/10

•

Waecicu Beach, Sub-dis...

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Live on Board Komodo

Those who want to travel the sea for several days can spend nights on boat in a live-on-board experience.

Live on Board Komodo

Kampung Ujung Wooden P...

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Transportation

Getting to Labuan Bajo by plane

Although the flight service is limited, but Labuan Bajo can be reached by plane through Komodo Airport - the name is taken from Labuan Bajo status as the departing point to Komodo National Park. Garuda Indonesia and Batik Air are two airlines with direct flight from Jakarta, while from Bali, you can take NAM Air and Wings Air.

From Labuan Bajo to Komodo Island

Traveling from Labuan Bajo to islands in Flores must use sea transportation, departing from Labuan Bajo Port. For island hopping day tour, you can rent a boat on location or pre-book it online. If you wish to explore the ocean longer, the live-on-board experience can be an option and spend the nights on the boat.