This practical guide is for anyone visiting Labuan Bajo for the first time — covering how to get there, what to do, local experiences, and more!
Komodo dragons might be what put Labuan Bajo on the map, but there’s way more to this Indonesian destination than giant lizards.
Just a ~3.5-hour direct Scoot flight from Singapore, you’ll find turquoise waters, scenic islands, and plenty of adventures beyond the famous reptiles.
If it’s your first time visiting, here’s our Labuan Bajo guide to help you plan your trip — from getting there and where to go, to the experiences worth adding to your itinerary!
Getting to and around Labuan Bajo
Flights from Singapore to Labuan Bajo
Getting to Labuan Bajo is easier than you might think! Scoot offers the only direct flight from Singapore, taking just 3.5 hours, with twice-weekly flights on Thursdays and Sundays from October 2026 through March 2027.
We flew on the Embraer E190-E2, which has a 2×2 seating layout that felt more spacious. The 10kg hand-carry allowance was also more than enough for our short trip!
Psst…enjoy a direct flight from Singapore to Labuan Bajo, from S$184/way with Scoot! One-way, taxes included. Terms and travel periods apply.
Within Labuan Bajo
Grab: Grab is available in Labuan Bajo, but only motorbikes are offered. It’s an affordable way to get around town with a short 5 – 10 minute ride usually costing around Rp15,000 – Rp30,000 (~S$1 – S$2).
Local taxis: For car options, local taxis are a convenient choice for airport transfers or getting around town in a group. An airport transfer to the town centre takes around 10 – 15 minutes and typically costs about Rp50,000 – Rp150,000 (~S$5 – S$11).
Private driver: Best if you’re planning to visit places further out or make multiple stops in a day. A full-day private car with a driver typically costs around Rp600,000 – Rp1,200,000 (~S$43 – S$86), depending on the vehicle and route. You can book one through a local tour operator or car rental company.
Pre-trip Preparation
Before flying to Indonesia, remember to complete the Indonesia Arrival Card online. It’s required for all international travellers and free to fill in, so make sure to submit it within 72 hours before arrival. Singaporeans travelling to Indonesia for tourism can also enter visa-free for up to 30 days.
What to see and do in Labuan Bajo
1) Go Island-hopping to Padar Island, Manta Point, Rinca Island and more
Island-hopping is one of the must-dos in Labuan Bajo, and the best way to do it is with a local tour operator. We went with East Cruise Komodo, whose day tours usually cover six spots: Padar Island, Pink Beach, Taka Makassar, Manta Point, Siaba Bay and Komodo Island. It’s a good mix of hiking and snorkelling, so you get to experience more than just the beaches.
Due to time constraints, we only managed to visit five of the six spots. But don’t worry, that was totally on us! We got so caught up filming and capturing content for you guys that we lost track of time.
Our first stop was Padar Island, where we climbed a series of steps for about 45 minutes to reach the viewpoint. The hike was moderately tough, so bring enough water and take it at your own pace. Trust me, the view is worth the climb! We arrived around 8AM, but it was already packed with people. By 9AM, the crowds had nearly doubled!
*Pro-tip: Visit Padar Island on a weekday to beat the crowds.
Next, we visited Pink Beach and yes, the sand was actually pink! From there, we headed to Taka Makassar, where we had a bento lunch on board the boat before jumping in for a snorkel. The water was so clear, and since it was low tide, we could see sea creatures up close as we swam around the area.
Manta Point was our fourth stop, where we spotted these gentle giants while snorkelling, gliding through the water right below us. Sightings aren’t guaranteed though, as they depend on the season and sea conditions!
Did you know Komodo dragons aren’t only found on Komodo Island? You can also spot them in the wild across Rinca, Padar, Gili Motang, Nusa Kode and parts of western Flores.
Since Komodo Island is the more popular choice, we requested to visit Rinca Island as our last stop instead for a quieter experience with fewer crowds. There’s also a Komodo Information Centre on the island where you can learn more about these fascinating creatures.
We even spotted five Komodo dragons during our visit, which made a great end to our tour!
*Note: A guided tour is required for safety when visiting the Komodo dragons.
Cost: From Rp1,350,000/pax (~S$100)
Tour timing: Varies (the operator will confirm the schedule closer to your travel date)
How to get there: Hotel pick-up and drop-off
2) Experience the Manggarai Culture in Melo Village
The Manggarai people are one of the main ethnic groups in Labuan Bajo, and one of the best ways to learn more about their culture is by visiting Melo Village. Here, you’ll get a glimpse into their way of life — from traditional dances and music to their costumes and local customs.
We also got to watch a Caci Dance, where two men face off with rattan whips and buffalo-hide shields to the rhythm of traditional music!
*Note: You can arrange a Caci Dance performance with a local operator for an additional fee if you’d like to experience more of the culture.
Entrance fee: Free
Address: CX34+VRF, Liang Ndara, Sano Nggoang, West Manggarai Regency, East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia
How to get there: 40min car ride from Jalan Soekarno Hatta (Google Maps)
3) Learn to cook Manggarai dishes at Kitchen Garden
Learn to cook traditional Manggarai dishes with locally grown ingredients at Kitchen Garden! Here, Chef Michael showed us how to make lomak — a vegetable dish with a spiced, salad-like flavour, and manuk longa — smoked chicken in a creamy sesame gravy.
As someone who can’t cook, I was surprised by how enak banget (delicious) the dishes turned out. Chef Michael first demonstrated how to make both dishes and somehow managed to whip them up in under 30 minutes.
The lomak was fresh with a light spice, while the manuk longa was smoky, savoury and creamy. I definitely wouldn’t be able to cook that fast on my own, but having him guide us through it made the whole class surprisingly easy!
*Pro-tip: Book your cooking class in advance by dropping Kitchen Garden a DM on Instagram to secure your slot.
Cost: From Rp550,000/pax (~S$39)
Class timings: Varies
Address: Jl. Raimundus Rambu, Labuan Bajo, Kec. Komodo, Kabupaten Manggarai Barat, Nusa Tenggara Tim. 86763, Indonesia
How to get there: 15min car ride from Jalan Soekarno Hatta (Google Maps)
4) Take a dip in Cunca Plias Waterfall
Cool off at a lesser-known waterfall about 1-hour-and-15-minute drive from Labuan Bajo. Away from the town and surrounded by lush greenery, Cunca Plias is a quiet spot to escape the crowds.
The hiking trail takes you past multiple waterfalls and natural pools, including an infinity pool with views of the surrounding valley. It’s a 15-minute hike to the first waterfall, followed by another 10-minute walk to the natural pool, where you can take a refreshing dip.
*Pro-tip: Wear shoes or sandals with good grip as some sections can be steep and slippery!
Entrance fee: Rp10,000/pax (~S$0.80)
Opening hours: 9AM – 5PM
Address: 92PF+V3, Wae Lolos, Sano Nggoang, West Manggarai Regency, East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia
How to get there: 1hr 15min car ride from Jalan Soekarno Hatta (Google Maps)
5) Plant mangroves in Warloka with Mala Nusa
If you’re looking for a more meaningful way to spend your time in Labuan Bajo, join a mangrove planting activity at Warloka Pesisir! We planted mangroves with Mala Nusa, a local community initiative that works on environmental conservation and community-based activities.
During our time there, we learnt that mangroves do more than protect the coastline. Their leaves can be used to make tea, while the fruit can be turned into flour for cakes. It was pretty cool seeing how these coastal trees can be part of everyday life while learning more about why they’re worth protecting.
*Note: Drop Mala Nusa a DM on Instagram to find out more and arrange a visit.
Cost: From Rp600,000/pax (~S$43)
Tour timing: Varies
Address: Warloka, Komodo, West Manggarai Regency, East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia
How to get there: 36min car ride from Jalan Soekarno Hatta (Google Maps)
6) Swim in Rangko Cave’s blue waters
Rangko Cave is about 45 minutes from Labuan Bajo by car and boat, followed by a short 5-minute hike to reach the cave. Inside, you’ll find a natural pool with crystal-clear blue waters. If you lie on your back and look up, you might even spot birds’ nests tucked between the rocks.
It was so surreal, I felt like I had stepped straight into H2O: Just Add Water and was living out my mermaid dreams! Definitely one of those places where we didn’t want to leave.
*Pro-tip: Visit between 12PM and 3:30PM, when sunlight shines through the cave and lights up the water.
Entrance fee: Rp50,000/pax (~S$4)
Boat charter: Rp200,000 – Rp300,000/boat (~S$14 – S$21), payable at the jetty
Opening hours: 6:30AM – 6PM
Address: Tanjung Boleng, Boleng, West Manggarai Regency, East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia
How to get there: 30min car ride from Jalan Soekarno Hatta, followed by a 15min boat ride from Rangko Village Jetty (Google Maps)
7) Catch the sunset at Sylvia Hill
There are a few sunset spots around Labuan Bajo, and Sylvia Hill is one you can easily add to your itinerary. It’s about a 15-minute hike up a sandy, hilly path, but the view at the top makes the climb worth it. You’ll get an unobstructed view of the ocean, with its different shades of blue stretching out towards the surrounding hills.
With free entry and a view like this, it’s no wonder Sylvia Hill ended up being one of our favourite sunset spot in Labuan Bajo.
Entrance fee: Free
Address: GVPG+M65, Labuan Bajo, Komodo, West Manggarai Regency, East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia
How to get there: 9min car ride from Jalan Soekarno Hatta (Google Maps)
Where to eat in Labuan Bajo
1) Dapur Tara
Dapur Tara is known for its farm-to-table dining experience, where you can enjoy traditional Manggarai dishes made with ingredients grown on the farm. Expect local favourites like bamboo glutinous rice and pineapple sambal, all cooked over a traditional wood fire.
The wood-fire cooking method is an important part of Manggarai family gatherings, making this more than just a meal. It’s a chance to experience how food brings people together and learn more about the local culture.
They also offer homestays and cooking classes for those who want to experience more of the local way of life.
*Pro-tip: It’s best to book ahead as slots may fill up fast!
Cost: From Rp330,000/pax (~S$24)
Opening hours: Varies
Address: Melo, Flores, Liang Ndara, Labuan Bajo, West Manggarai Regency, East Nusa Tenggara 86754, Indonesia
How to get there: 35min car ride from Jalan Soekarno Hatta (Google Maps)
2) Le Bajo
If you’re looking for good food and a place to relax by the waterfront, Le Bajo is a pretty nice spot. They serve local and Western dishes like nasi goreng, grilled seafood, pasta and burgers.
They also offer paddleboard and snorkelling rentals for around Rp200,000 for 2 hours, so you can spend the afternoon on the water before ending the day with a meal and sunset by the waterfront. We honestly could’ve stayed here all evening!
*Pro-tip: Make reservations in advance to avoid disappointment!
Cost: From ~Rp130,000/meal (~S$10)
Opening hours: 11AM – 11PM
Address: Jalan Pantai Reklamasi Lingkungan I, Kampung Ujung, Labuan Bajo, Kec. Komodo, Kabupaten Manggarai Barat, Nusa Tenggara Tim. 86711, Indonesia
How to get there: 4min car ride from Jalan Soekarno Hatta (Google Maps)
3) Artomoro Restaurant and Grill
For a taste of local flavours, Artomoro Restaurant and Grill serves Indonesian and Manggarai-style cuisine, with prices ranging from around Rp55,000 – Rp110,000. Try their ikan bakar, a signature grilled fish served with homemade Javanese sauce.
They also have plenty of other seafood options, including fried squid with salted egg and tempura prawns. I personally don’t like squid because of how chewy it can be, but their fried squid was surprisingly good! Crispy on the outside and tender inside.
Cost: From ~Rp55,000/dish (~S$4)
Opening hours: 2PM – 10PM
Address: Jl. Soekarno Hatta, Labuan Bajo, Kec. Komodo, Kabupaten Manggarai Barat, Nusa Tenggara Tim. 86754, Indonesia
How to get there: 4min car ride from Jalan Soekarno Hatta (Google Maps)
Accommodation in Labuan Bajo
For your first trip to Labuan Bajo, staying somewhere comfortable can make the experience even more enjoyable, especially after a full day of exploring. We stayed at AYANA Komodo, a five-star resort right by Waecicu Beach, with ocean views and plenty of space to unwind.
The resort also has large windows overlooking the ocean in all rooms, great for catching the sunset. There’s plenty to do around the resort, from daily yoga and guided snorkelling tours to coral planting and more!
Cost: From ~S$270/night (2 pax)
Address: Jalan Pantai Waecicu, Labuan Bajo, Kec. Komodo, Kabupaten Manggarai Barat, Nusa Tenggara Tim. 86554, Indonesia
How to get there: 8min car ride from Komodo International Airport (Google Maps)
Things to know before your Labuan Bajo trip
Best time to visit Labuan Bajo
The best time to visit Labuan Bajo is from April to October, when the weather is drier and sunnier. November to March is the rainy season, so expect more rain and potentially rougher seas, which can affect island-hopping plans. For fewer crowds outside of the school holiday period, April, May and October are good months to consider.
Main street in Labuan Bajo
Jalan Soekarno Hatta is the main street in Labuan Bajo, lined with restaurants, cafes, shops and tour operators. We ended up coming here almost every day, whether it was going for a massage, strolling down the street or stocking up on snacks at the supermarket. It’s pretty much a one-stop street where you can find almost everything you need during your trip.
Payments in Labuan Bajo
Most places accept cards, especially cafes and boutique shops. However, some shops charge a 3% card fee, so it’s still a good idea to carry some cash. For a 5D4N trip, having around S$100 – S$200 in cash per person should be enough for smaller purchases, meals and other expenses. You can also bring SGD and exchange it at the money changers around Labuan Bajo.
Plan your next island getaway to Labuan Bajo
Looking for your next island escape from Singapore? This is your sign to check out Labuan Bajo! Just a ~3.5-hour direct Scoot flight away, it’s a great getaway for those looking to slow down, explore beautiful islands and experience a different side of Indonesia.
We also pre-ordered our meals onboard and there were quite a few options to choose from, including chicken briyani, nasi lemak and chicken rice. I went for the chicken briyani, and it was delicious! Definitely made the flight feel even better.
Planning your next adventure? Scoot flies direct between Singapore and Labuan Bajo from ~S$184/way. One-way, taxes included. Terms and travel periods apply.
Before this trip, I honestly thought Labuan Bajo was mainly about seeing the Komodo dragons. But there’s so much more to the destination, from meeting locals and learning about their culture to seeing how much they care about nature.
I hope this guide helps you plan your own trip and discover some of these places for yourself. I was already looking at flights to come back next year on my second night there, so I guess that says enough!
Labuan Bajo, you have my heart. ❤️
Anything else we should add in this guide to help plan your first trip to Labuan Bajo? Share with us in the comments below!
This post was brought to you by Scoot, Changi Airport Group and Labuan Bajo Flores Tourism Authority.
