These unique things to do in Labuan Bajo and surrounds — visiting colour-changing lakes and spotting wild Komodo dragons — prove why it’s Indonesia’s best-kept secret.
Photo credit: Rizknas via Unsplash
Bali is a no-brainer if you’re planning a quick island getaway from Singapore. It’s so gorgeous, we’ve gone there many times ourselves!
But before you book that flight to Bali, here’s a lesser-travelled part of Indonesia that boasts the same beaches, cascading waterfalls, and teeming marine life — without the crowds. Meet Labuan Bajo, gateway to the Komodo Islands!
Photo credit: Megaswara Rizqy via Unsplash
And very soon, it will be easy to visit with Jetstar Asia’s new direct flights from Singapore starting 20 March 2025*. But more on that later 😉
Psst, it’ll be the first airline with nonstop flights from Singapore to Labuan Bajo! Prices start from S$99^ (one-way, taxes and fees included), check out the website for bookings or more information!
If you don’t know what makes it a must-visit, here are 11 things to do in Labuan Bajo and its surrounding areas to introduce you to this hidden gem of a place.
1) Dive and snorkel with manta rays and turtles
Photo credit: Johnny Africa via Unsplash
Labuan Bajo is a dream come true for divers, thanks to its proximity to Komodo National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Just one boat ride will lead you to the park made up of 29 islands — including Rinca, Padar, and Komodo.
Photo credit: Johnny Africa via Unsplash
What makes these islands incredible diving spots are their crystal-clear waters and vibrant marine life — from colourful coral gardens to reef sharks and sea turtles!
Photo credit: Neptune Scuba Diving
But the stars of the show are the majestic manta rays. Visit Manta Point during its peak season (December to February), and you might witness dozens of them gracefully gliding through the currents.
Komodo National Park
Entrance fee: Rp150,000/pax (~S$13) on weekdays, Rp225,000/pax (~S$21) on weekends and PH
Opening hours: 6AM – 6PM
Address: Komodo Island, Komodo, West Manggarai Regency, East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia
How to get there: Take a boat or ferry from Labuan Bajo Port to Komodo National Park (Google Maps)
2) Go on an island-hopping tour
Photo credit: @sanish.sam via Instagram
An island-hopping tour is a great, quick way to explore the stunning beaches that Indonesia is famous for.
In addition to the famed Rinca, Padar, and Komodo Islands, most tours also stop by Kanawa Island, where you’ll find white sands and diving sites with colourful corals and sea turtles.
Photo credit: @travelmina_ via Instagram
And don’t miss Kelor Island, where a 20-minute trek rewards you with breathtaking views of Flores and surrounding islands.
Photo credit: @beachmirror via Instagram
Finally, take some pictures on Taka Makassar, a tiny crescent-shaped sandbar surrounded by crystal-clear waters.
*Note: Double-check with your tour operator to see which islands they’ll be covering, or opt for a full-day tour across the six most popular spots in Komodo National Park!
Komodo Full-Day Speedboat Tour
Cost: From ~S$115/pax
Tour timings: 5:30AM – 4:30PM
Meeting point: Hotel pick-up
3) Spot the famous Komodo dragons & exotic wildlife
Photo credit: @michellevalbergphotography via Instagram
The only place in the world to see the legendary Komodo dragons in the wild is Nusa Tenggara, a region in Indonesia where Labuan Bajo is located!
Hop on a boat to the islands of Komodo or Rinca to see these prehistoric giants roaming in their natural habitat. But be careful not to get too close 👀
Photo credit: Dhiemas Afif Febriyan via Unsplash
Komodo National Park is also home to a variety of wildlife, including wild boars, Timor deer, and exotic birds.
*Note: The only way to visit the islands of Komodo and Rinca is by hiring a boat, or joining a guided island-hopping tour.
4) Relax at a beach with pink sands
Head to the aptly named Pink Beach in Komodo National Park to see a rosy shoreline created by crushed red corals blending with white sand.
This romantic spot is perfect for taking IG-worthy couple photos or just relaxing on its soft sands. There are also fun water activities here like snorkelling, diving and even kayaking.
*Note: The only way to visit Pink Beach is by hiring a boat, or joining a guided island-hopping tour.
5) Go trekking for panoramic views
Photo credit: Wayan Parmana via Unsplash
Going on a hike or trek is one of the best things to do in Labuan Bajo, because many routes lead to breathtaking panoramic views at the top!
Photo credit: @yunojunior via Instagram
An easy 30-minute hike through Padar Island in Komodo National Park will reward you with a view of beaches, rugged hills, and turquoise waters.
Photo credit: @rifkysetya via Instagram
Also in the same park lies Gili Lawa Darat, a popular sunrise trek with a view of Komodo Bay.
*Note: The only way to visit Padar Island and Gili Lawa Darat is by hiring a boat, or joining a guided island-hopping tour.
Photo credit: @heronimustan via Instagram
Or head to the more tranquil Golo Curu Hill for views of the town and surrounding islands.
Golo Curu Hill
Cost: Free
Opening hours: 24hrs
Address: CF6C+6G8, Karot, Langke Rembong, Manggarai Regency, East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia
How to get there: 3hr 30min drive from Komodo International Airport (Google Maps)
6) Wander through fascinating caves
Photo credit: @radhiacruise via Instagram
There are two remarkable caves in Labuan Bajo to explore: the first is the Mirror Stone Cave, a limestone cave known for its reflective walls and unique formations.
Photo credit: @iamjantrnka via Instagram
The second is Rangko Cave, a hidden gem ~15km away from the town of Labuan Bajo, which has a picturesque and tranquil natural pool.
At the right time, you can see the sunlight pierce through the caves and shine onto its vivid blue waters to create an even more magical scene!
*Note: The boats to Rangko Cave charge a separate fee from the cave, and the cost varies depending on group size. Guided tours are also available for convenience, including hotel pick-up and return transfers.
Mirror Stone Cave
Entrance fee: Rp50,000/pax (~S$4)
Opening hours: 9AM – 5PM
Address: GVCX+7M Batu Cermin, West Manggarai Regency, East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia
How to get there: 10min drive from Komodo International Airport (Google Maps)
Rangko Cave
Entrance fee: Rp50,000/pax (~S$4)
Opening hours: 6:30AM – 6PM
Address: Tanjung Boleng, Boleng, West Manggarai Regency, East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia
How to get there: Drive 22mins from Komodo International Airport to the Rangko Ticket Office, then hire a boat to take you to the cave (Google Maps)
7) Admire a stunning sunset from a cruise
Photo credit: AYANA Komodo Waecicu Beach
While there are plenty of viewpoints to enjoy Komodo’s stunning sunset, a luxury sunset dinner cruise may be a more unique option.
You’ll sail around the harbour while savouring a buffet of local cuisine, accompanied by live music from acoustic performers and a DJ. Tapas and refreshments are also served, setting the mood as you prepare to witness the breathtaking sunset on Kalong Island.
Cost: ~Rp1,750,000/pax (~S$147)
Tour timing: 4PM – 8:30PM
Meet-up point: AYANA Komodo Waecicu Beach, 7min drive from Komodo International Airport (Google Maps)
8) Watch thousands of flying foxes up close
Photo credit: @antobajo_ via Instagram
On Kalong Island — also called Flying Foxes Island — witness thousands of flying foxes (giant fruit bats) take to the skies as the sun goes down, leaving the island to forage for food.
The best time to visit is during the dry season of April to June, when you can see a stunning view of their silhouettes against the sunset. Kalong Island is also a popular diving spot, filled with beautiful coral reefs and colourful fish!
*Note: The only way to get here is by hiring a boat, or joining a guided tour.
Cost: From ~S$91/pax
Tour timing: 2PM – 7PM
Meet-up point: Hotel pick-up
9) Swim in natural pools among cascading waterfalls
Photo credit: @lasugondo via Instagram
Just like Bali, Labuan Bajo boasts stunning waterfalls with natural freshwater pools.
One popular spot is Cunca Wulang Waterfall, located 30km outside the town centre. After a short trek through a tropical rainforest surrounded by lush greenery, jump from towering cliffs into the cooling waters.
Photo credit: @florestourism via Instagram
For a lesser-known gem, head to Cunca Rami Waterfall. The trek passes through scenic rice paddies, plantations, small villages, and open farmlands, making the journey just as captivating as the destination.
*Note: The road going there is rocky and tricky to navigate, so we recommend booking a guided tour to get there.
Cunca Wulang Waterfall
Entrance fee: ~Rp100,000/pax incl. mandatory guide (~S$8, guide fee negotiable)
Opening hours: 6AM – 5PM
Address: CXXV+R3 Cunca Wulang, West Manggarai Regency, East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia
How to get there: 1hr 10min drive from Komodo International Airport (Google Maps)
Cunca Rami Waterfall & Sano Nggoang Crater Lake Day Tour
Cost: Rp2,500,000/pax (~S$209)
Tour timings: 7AM – 5:30PM
Meeting point: Hotel pick-up
Multi-day trips from Labuan Bajo
10) See colour-changing crater lakes
Photo credit: @simococco via Instagram
For a magical experience, venture deeper into Flores to see the tri-coloured Kelimutu Lakes.
These crater lakes are known for their unpredictable hues, caused by a chemical reaction from volcanic gases and minerals. On some days, the waters appear turquoise or white, while on others, red and black.
Photo credit: MyBestPlace
Watching the sunrise here is one of the most surreal things to do in Labuan Bajo. Imagine mist drifting over the peaks as the first rays of sunlight make the waters shimmer!
*Pro-tip: A trip from Labuan Bajo to the Kelimutu Lakes takes half a day. For convenience, take a multi-day guided tour instead! They’ll take care of transportation and accommodations, and guide you through interesting stopovers too.
Entrance fee: Rp150,000/pax (~S$13) on weekdays, Rp225,000/pax (~S$19) on weekends
Opening hours: 5AM – 6PM
Address: Woloara, Kelimutu, Ende Regency, East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia
How to get there: 11hr drive from Komodo International Airport (Google Maps) or book a tour
11) Immerse yourself in a traditional village
Photo credit: Marcella Oscar via Unsplash
Visit Wae Rebo Village, a secluded Manggarai village perched 1,200m above sea level. It’s famous for its unique, conical-shaped Mbaru Niang houses made of worok wood and bamboo!
Photo credit: ForeverVacation
What better way to immerse in the locals’ way of life than staying here overnight? Take in a panoramic view of Mount Inerie, go stargazing, learn how they build their traditional homes, and more.
While you’re there, try the renowned Wae Rebo coffee! Locals grow and produce their own coffee — selling beans as the primary means to sustain their livelihoods.
Cost: From ~S$164/pax for 2D1N tour
Meet-up point: Hotel pick-up
New 3hr direct flight from Singapore to Labuan Bajo
Photo credit: @lilyrose via Instagram
If any of these incredible things to do in Labuan Bajo and its surrounds has caught your eye, then here’s some good news:
Starting 20 March 2025*, Jetstar Asia will be the first airline in Singapore to fly directly to Labuan Bajo. Prices start from ~S$99^ (one-way, taxes and fees included), so start planning early and check the website for flight dates and bookings!
Currently, other airlines can only take you there via connecting flights, with a total travel time of 6 to 7 hours. But soon, it’ll only take you around 3 hours to get to this Indonesian paradise.
Photo credit: Simon Spring via Unsplash
Considering that Labuan Bajo will be more accessible by direct flight, and not many people know of it yet, it’s going to be a badge of honour telling your friends that you’ve gone there before it becomes too mainstream!
Which of these things to do in Labuan Bajo and its surrounds has piqued your curiosity? Let us know in the comments below!
This post is brought to you in partnership with Jetstar Asia.
^One-way. Includes airfare-related surcharges, taxes and fees based on booking on Jetstar.com using fee-free payment options such as Jetstar vouchers. A booking and service fee per passenger, per flight will apply. Payment options and fees may differ by currency. Offers are subject to terms and conditions.
*The Singapore-Labuan Bajo route will commence flights on 20 March 2025 (subject to regulatory and government approval). Seats are subject to availability. Schedule subject to change. Other T&Cs apply.
