7 Places You Must Visit While You Are in Labuan Bajo
Labuan Bajo, Flores is one of the few under-visited paradises left in the world. So you’ll have the place all to yourself. While travelling, you have the opportunity to explore the region and soak in the sights, sounds and flavors of a hidden corner of Indonesia.
A holiday at Labuan Bajo will give you the chance to get out into nature and experience the landscape in a way that other travelers rarely do. Here are 7 ways you can get the most out of your trip to Labuan Bajo.
Komodo National Park Awaits
Travelling to Labuan Bajo should be enjoyed to the fullest extent. That means exploring neighbouring islands as well. A two hour boat ride is all you need to set foot on the Komodo National Park.
Komodo dragons (Varanus komodoensis) were first discovered by the scientific world in 1912 by Lieutenant J. K. H. van Steijn van Hensbroek. Since then many goals and efforts have been made to protect the biodiversity of this region. The rising sea levels and hunting by humans have gotten the komodo dragons into the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) list of “Endangered” species.
So, take this as an opportunity to be brave and see a “real” dragon. That way, your trip to Labuan Bajo will surely be a memorable one. Stay safe!
Visit an Early Morning Market
The town of Labuan Bajo is near the sea, so there are plenty of markets selling both fresh and dried fish all the time. The markets are also an excellent place to sample local specialties. The best market to visit is in the early morning, when the market stalls are still closed. This will give you the chance to explore the market freely and take plenty of photos. Enjoy the market without the hustle and bustle of other tourists.
While you’re at it, it’s good to visit the markets in other towns too. This allows you to shop while also travelling around Labuan Bajo. After all, the markets in the rural areas of Labuan Bajo are different to those in the urban centres.
Cunca Rami Waterfall Trek
The Cunca Rami Waterfall is a day trip out of Labuan Bajo by car. To get to the falls, you must follow a narrow hairpin track along bumpy roads for about an hour before reaching the nearest village. Once there, hike alongside a small river for 40 minutes until you reach it and enjoy its scenic views. Brought your swimming gear? Great! Enjoy swimming under the falls.
It’s important that during your holiday (or at least when getting closer) that you hire one or more guides from the village near Cunca Rami because they’ll lead you through difficult terrain in case we forget how to get back on our own (a guide costs around 50-150 thousand rupiah).
Pink Beach, Komodo Island
A beautiful, romantic, and stunning beach is located on Komodo Island. Famously known as the Pink Beach, it has never failed to catch the attention of anyone who goes to Labuan Bajo. It’s not often that you’d come across a beach with pink sand, right?
Just like its name, the sand on this beach is pink. The colour comes from foraminifera or red organisms that live on the coral reefs and end up getting washed up on the beach. This creates a lovely contrast between the greenery, blue sea, and the pink sandy beach. Visitors can do all sorts of activities here, such as playing in the sand, diving, and snorkelling.
Batu Cermin Cave
Batu Cermin Cave or Mirror Stone Cave is a must see when in Labuan Bajo. When you hear the word cave, most will think of dark and creepy places. This is the opposite of what you’ll experience in Batu Cermin Cave.
Crystals in the rock reflect the sunlight making it look like a mirror. Keeping that in mind, the best time to visit the caves is between 9 to 10 o’clock in the morning. This is when the sun comes through a hole in the cave rocks, thus illuminating the crystals.
Unlike other caves, Batu Cermin can muffle sounds. Therefore no echoes can be produced within the cave. So, be sure to check out this wondrous cave while visiting.
Take Part in a Community Event
Visit Labuan Bajo and you’ll get the chance to experience the local culture and participate in a community event. Many of these events are centred around food, which is a great way to get a taste of local life.
During your visit to Labuan Bajo, visit a market and try some of the local foods. Markets are excellent places to taste a variety of local foods that you might not find at your resort or hotel. Another option is to also visit a food stall and try out the food for free.
Consult your accommodation to find out the distance of the market or food stalls. If the market is close enough, opt to explore it by foot. You’ll be amazed at what there’s to see while walking compared to going by car or motorbike.
Stay at a Resort for a Splash of Luxury
A holiday in a land of paradise is better enjoyed when you are comfortable with your stay. So, why not spice things up? Afterall, Labuan Bajo is an excellent place to relax by the pool and let the waves lull you to sleep. Add a splash of luxury to your stay by staying at a resort.
Don’t want to waste time browsing for accommodations? Simply book at Meruorah Komodo Labuan Bajo. It’s a five-star luxury resort, which will give you access to the pool and well serviced rooms. Have everything you need to relax and enjoy your time in Labuan Bajo.
Conclusion
There you have it. Those are the seven things you can do to make the most out of your trip to Labuan Bajo. Of course, you shouldn’t limit yourself to the things mentioned on the list. Explore as much as you can while you are there.
P.S. Remember to pack your sunscreen, sunglasses, and have fun!