Manta rays glide effortlessly through the swift currents of the Flores Sea, their broad fins rising and falling like wings in slow motion. On land, Komodo dragons—the largest lizards on the planet—move quietly through the dry forests of Komodo and Rinca, while the soft glow of dawn casts warm light across the dramatic ridges of Padar Island. For anyone who has visited Komodo National Park, it is easy to understand why this cluster of volcanic islands and coral reefs off the coast of Flores has earned UNESCO World Heritage status. The park’s combination of rare wildlife, striking landscapes, and rich marine ecosystems makes it one of Indonesia’s most remarkable destinations. At the heart of the region lies Labuan Bajo, a lively harbor town on the northwestern tip of Flores. Best known as the main gateway to Komodo National Park, Labuan Bajo is home to Komodo Airport, which opened a modern terminal in 2015. In recent years, the town has been undergoing steady development, particularly as it prepared to host major international events such as the G20 summit in 2022 and the ASEAN Summit in 2023.
As Indonesia gradually reopened to international travelers, Labuan Bajo and its surrounding islands have emerged as more than just a departure point for boat trips.
Labuan Bajo: More Than a Gateway
The name Labuan Bajo roughly translates to “a place where sea nomads stop,” but today the town offers far more than a place to arrange cruises or browse souvenir shops. Accommodation options range from simple homestays to luxury beachfront resorts and private island retreats, with many new hotels built in recent years.
While seafood restaurants and beach clubs line parts of the waterfront, Labuan Bajo’s main appeal lies in its natural surroundings. Local guide Sebastian Pandang highlights nearby attractions such as Bukit Cinta, Batu Cermin Cave, Gua Rangko, and Cunca Wulang.
Gua Rangko, a sea cave reached by boat, is particularly striking around midday when sunlight pours through its entrance and lights up the clear turquoise water inside. Cunca Wulang, located about an hour from town, features waterfalls, pools, and smooth rock slides, making it popular with visitors of all ages. Bukit Cinta is a favored sunset viewpoint, while Batu Cermin—just minutes from the center—offers shimmering cave walls that reflect incoming light.
Exploring Deeper Into Flores
Travelers with extra time are rewarded by venturing farther across Flores itself. Stretching longer than Bali and shaped by volcanoes and valleys, the island is home to diverse cultures and traditions.
High in the mountains, the remote village of Wae Rebo is accessible only by foot, its cone-shaped houses rising above the clouds. Elsewhere, villages such as Bena and Luba preserve ancient matrilineal customs among stone monuments and ancestral relics. Across the highlands, traditional rituals continue, ikat textiles are still woven by hand, and Flores coffee thrives in fertile soil.
In the east, Mount Kelimutu draws visitors to its three crater lakes, whose vivid colors shift depending on mineral content. Each August, the local Lio community gathers there to honor their ancestors with offerings, music, and dance.
Komodo Island: Land of the Dragons
Komodo Island lies about two hours by boat from Labuan Bajo and is famous for its population of Komodo dragons. According to local belief, humans and dragons share a common ancestral bond.
Over generations, residents of Komodo and nearby Rinca have learned to coexist with these powerful reptiles. Although the dragons appear sluggish, they are formidable hunters, capable of reaching lengths of three meters and overpowering large prey. Visitors explore the island under the guidance of park rangers, who ensure safety during treks ranging from short walks to longer forest hikes.
A Marine Wonderland
Komodo National Park is equally celebrated beneath the surface. Located within the Coral Triangle, it supports extraordinary marine life fueled by strong nutrient-rich currents. Divers and snorkelers encounter vibrant reefs, turtles, reef sharks, manta rays, and even dolphins.
Sites such as Batu Bolong and Manta Alley are especially renowned, while snorkelers can enjoy coral gardens at Manjarite or drift along calmer channels near Karang Makassar. Pink Rock and other shallow sites offer easy access to colorful underwater scenery.
Island Hopping and Sunset Spectacles
Island hopping is a highlight of any visit. Padar Island rewards climbers with panoramic views of winding bays, while tiny Kelor Island offers sweeping vistas from its central hill. Karang Makassar’s white sand and pale blue waters are ideal for photos, and Pink Rock provides a surreal backdrop of pastel-hued stone.
Komodo National Park is also famous for its pink beaches, where crushed red coral blends with sand to create soft pink shorelines.
As evening falls, boats often anchor near Kalong Island. At dusk, thousands of flying foxes rise from the mangroves and sweep across the sky in dark waves, heading toward Flores and nearby islands—a striking finale to a day in one of Indonesia’s most extraordinary regions.