The name Labuan Bajo is now increasingly popular, both local and international. The city that was once a small fishing village is now become one of the mainstays of Flores Island tourism. The city is located on the western tip of Flores Island, East Nusa Tenggara and runs the role as the capital of West Manggarai Regency.

Everyday, Labuan Bajo welcomes tourists from various parts of the world who want to visit Komodo Island and Rinca Island. Most people buy flight tickets to Labuan Bajo because they are curious to see the komodo dragons within close distance in the two islands.

To support tourism, Labuan Bajo opens flights from Komodo Airport. The airport which is located about 2 kilometers from the city center, serves daily flights directly from Bali, Jakarta, Surabaya, Ende, Bima, Waingapu, Maumere, Bajawa and Mataram. Some of the major airlines that provide flight tickets to Labuan Bajo are Garuda Indonesia, Citilink, Batik Air, Susi Air, NAM Air, and Wings Air.

Popular Destinations in Labuan Bajo

As a prime destination for the country, Labuan Bajo offers a variety of fun tourist attractions. Anyone who make a visit will definitely go to these popular destinations:

1. Wae Rebo

Location: Desa Wae Rebo, Barat Daya Kota Ruteng, Manggarai, NTT.

Although it is located about 9 hours drive from Labuan Bajo, Wae Rebo always managed to attract the attention of tourists who came to this city. Wae Rebo offers traditional village charm at an altitude of 1,200 masl. This makes it often nicknamed the Land of the Clouds. Here, tourists can stay with the local community in traditional houses to familiarize themselves with the local culture, including sipping Flores coffee which has a great taste.

2. Pulau Rinca

Location: Taman Nasional Komodo, NTT.

Rinca Island is the Komodo dragon's original habitat, which also includes the core zone of Komodo National Park. In terms of location, Rinca Island is easier to reach from Labuan Bajo than Komodo Island. Komodo here is also said to be seen more often than in Komodo Island. In addition to seeing komodo dragons, the experience of trekking to the top of a hill on Rinca Island is also a main attraction because of the beautiful scenery which resembles the paradise of the world.

3. Air Terjun Cunca Wulang

Location: Desa Wersawe, Mbeliling, Manggarai Barat, NTT.

Among of the many waterfalls in Labuan Bajo, Cunca Wulang is the most popular because of its beauty. Clear turquoise water in the middle of towering rock cliffs makes anyone feel immersed in natural freshness. When visiting this waterfall, visitors are immediately tempted to jump from 4 meter high rock cliffs to feel the freshness.

Popular places to dine in Labuan Bajo city

Food lovers will feel very pampered in Labuan Bajo. The city has a lot of interesting destinations that offers variety of tasty foods.

1. Pasar Ikan Labuan Bajo

Location: Jalan Soekarno Hatta, Manggarai Barat, NTT.

This fish market offers the freshest variety of marine products in Labuan Bajo. Make a visit to this market as early as possible to get freshly harvested fish from the sea. If you are lazy to cook it by yourself, don't hesitate to visit one of the food stalls available in the market. Also, order various processed seafood dishes here. One of the obligatory menus are Sup Kuah Asam and Ikan Bakar.

2. Kampung Ujung

Location: Kampung Ujung, Manggarai Barat, NTT.

Open every day, 06:30 - 00:00 WITA.

Settling on the coastal port, Kampung Ujung is a paradise for grilled fish. Tourists from various regions are willing to come to this place to feast seafood at low prices. Besides seafood, this village also offers a variety of snacks and culinary specialties from Labuan Bajo. The atmosphere of eating in carts or stalls lining along the village will make you feel very comfortable and integrated with the surrounding life.

3. Scooperific

Location: Jalan Soekarno Hatta, Manggarai Barat, NTT.

Open every day, 08:00 - 22:00 WITA.

Satisfied with eating seafood in Labuan Bajo, you can visit Scooperific to refresh the tongue with sweet things. This cafe offers home-made gelato, with a rich choice of flavors. Scooperific also offers a variety of coffee and hundreds variants of milkshakes that are also refreshing. With a classic minimalist theme, the atmosphere at Scooperific is guaranteed to make visitors feel at home.