Hotelupwell.com – Labuan Bajo is a hidden paradise in eastern Indonesia. This village is located in Komodo District, West Manggarai Regency, East Nusa Tenggara Province, which directly borders West Nusa Tenggara and is separated by the Sape Strait. Labuan Bajo is one of five Super Priority Destinations being developed in Indonesia.
This destination is the gateway to Komodo National Park which holds amazing natural beauty and world-famous ancient animals. Starting from the endemic Komodo animal on Rinca Island and Komodo Island, a row of exotic islands, underwater biodiversity, to fantastic beaches, You can discover everything by starting their journey in Labuan Bajo.
Enjoying the view of the twilight sky can also be another way to enjoy Labuan Bajo. This strategic spot for enjoying the beauty of the sunset is not far from Komodo International Airport. You can choose the destinations Bukit Cinta, Puncak Amelia and Puncak Silvia, to capture the evening sky that soothes the soul. There is also Rangko Cave which has the charm of an oasis with its very cooling salt water pool.
If you want to go on an adventure in Labuan Bajo, a short trekking to Cunca Wulang Waterfall could be an option. Don’t miss the exciting experience of trying out live-on-board, namely trying to live on a pinisi ship for several days while sailing to visit beautiful islands, and you can also dive to see the special underwater beauty of Labuan Bajo.=
Gate to Heaven on Earth
Labuan Bajo and Komodo National Park are one inseparable entity. The two are connected so that when You are in Labuan Bajo, you need to visit Komodo National Park. To get there, You can use a ferry or fast boat. There are many departure options from morning to evening.
Komodo National Park, which was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1991, consists of Komodo Island, Rinca Island, Padar Island and several other islands in the surrounding area. The presence of the Komodo dragon (Varanus komodoensis), which is a giant lizard in the world, was first covered in a scientific journal in 1912. The journal was written by Pieter Antonie Ouwens, Director of the Bogor Zoological Museum. This discovery was the beginning of the existence of Labuan Bajo in the eyes of the world because many tourists and scientists came to see the ora, as local residents call the Komodo dragon.
When You are in Komodo National Park, you will be presented with several amazing attractions. One of them is taking a photo with Komodo. This will be an unforgettable experience of a lifetime, namely taking photos with rare animals that only exist in Indonesia.
Apart from Komodo dragons, this national park is also famous for its enchanting panorama. You who like photography must include several spots here as places to take photos. Call it Padar Island, which is iconic with its hilly island and gradations of blue sea in the background. Kelor Island is no less cool, the view of the island and clear blue sea from the top of Kelor Island is too beautiful to miss.
Another spot that you shouldn’t miss is Pink Beach or what is known as Red Beach by local people. You, do you know that? The red color on this beach apparently comes from microscopic animals and reddish coral rock fragments around the coast.
Typical Labuan Bajo Souvenirs
If You want to bring souvenirs home from Labuan Bajo, there are several typical souvenirs that you shouldn’t miss, one of which is the typical Tanah Manggarai songke cloth. This cloth is generally black in color with various colorful motifs on it. Just like other Indonesian fabrics, songke motifs are very diverse and have their own meanings, you know!
There are several songke cloth motifs that You need to know, namely:
- Ranggong (spider) symbolizes honesty and hard work.
- Wela Kawu (kapok flower) which means the connection between humans and the natural surroundings.
- Wela Runu (runu flower) which symbolizes that the Manggarai people are like small flowers but are a source of beauty.
- Ntala (star) which means good hopes and prayers.
- Ju’i (border lines) which has a deep philosophy that everything has its final limits.
Can stop by the souvenir center located in front of Komodo International Airport to get this songke cloth.
All of yoi can also make some of Labuan Bajo’s typical culinary delights that shake your tongue as souvenirs, such as Manggarai coffee which is famous for its unique bitter taste, kompiang bread made from wheat with sesame sprinkled on top, or snacks made from processed foods. rice flour and grated coconut, called rebok.
Access to Labuan Bajo
Labuan Bajo can be accessed by land, sea and air. The beauty of Komodo Island with its rich local culture and exotic islands around it makes Labuan Bajo a potential and frequently visited tourist destination.
1. Air Line
If you want to use air transportation, Transnusa Airlines directly connects Labuan Bajo with several cities in Indonesia, such as Makassar, Semarang, Balikpapan, Kupang and Mataram.
If You are from Jakarta, you can go to Labuan Bajo with several airlines such as Batik Air and Citilink. Departure schedule is between morning and afternoon. Travel time from Jakarta to Labuan Bajo is only around four hours.
You can also travel to Labuan Bajo from Gewayantana Airport in Flores, Frans Sales Lega Airport in Ruteng, or H. Hasan Aroeboesman Airport in Ende. For further flight schedule information, visit the relevant airline website, You!
2. Land Route
Taking a road trip to Labuan Bajo via Flores is also interesting to try, You. The travel route starts from Flores, Bajawa, Ruteng, Nancar, Mboera, until arriving in Labuan Bajo. Another alternative is from Flores, to Riung, Wera, Ruteng, Nancar, and Mboera before ending in Labuan Bajo. This road trip can take up to 12 hours.
If you want another alternative, You can use the bus from Bali to Mataram, Lombok. From there, You will continue their journey to Bima in Sumbawa and then continue their journey to Sape. When you arrive in Sape, You can take a ferry to Labuan Bajo.
3. Sea Route
Interested in enjoying a trip by sea transportation to Labuan Bajo? You can board the Leuser ship from PELNI which sails from Makassar, South Sulawesi or the PELNI ship KM Binaiya which departs from Denpasar (Benoa) to Labuan Bajo.
Those are the things You need to know about Labuan Bajo. Apart from You being able to find out what is interesting in Labuan Bajo, You can also capture moments of the view and atmosphere of Labuan Bajo via their device or camera. Keep wearing a mask, keep your distance, and wash your hands with running water when You are at any tourist spot in Labuan Bajo!
