Labuan Bajo: The Things Worth Doing

Caves, canyon jumps, Komodo dragons, diving, scooters, and one pizza place we still talk about.

Island and coastline scenery near Komodo National Park

Labuan Bajo is no hidden village anymore. It is one of the most touristy places we visited in Indonesia, and you feel that quickly: boat offers, day tours, agencies, restaurants, scooters, and people selling you the next perfect plan.

Still, some things are popular for a reason. If you choose well, start early, and rent a scooter, Labuan Bajo can give you caves, wild roads, cliff jumps, Komodo dragons, manta dives, and a surprisingly perfect evening pizza.

Rangko Cave: go early or lose the magic

Rangko Cave is one of those places where "first come, first served" really matters. The cave itself is beautiful: limestone walls, turquoise water, and that quiet, otherworldly feeling you only get when the place is not too full yet.

The downside is that the trip has become quite organized. You usually cannot avoid taking a boat there and back for a fixed price. It is still affordable overall, and the cave entrance is manageable too, even if we think it could be a little cheaper.

Turquoise water and limestone walls inside Rangko Cave near Labuan Bajo — Rangko Cave is best when you arrive before the groups do.

If you have time in Labuan Bajo, Rangko Cave should be on your list. Just do yourself a favor and do not make it a late, crowded stop.

Batu Cermin Cave: skip the guide if you want to explore alone

Batu Cermin, also known as Mirror Stone Cave, is definitely worth a visit. Our recommendation: do not take a guide if you feel comfortable exploring independently.

Be aware that people may try to convince you that entering without a guide is not possible. Decide for yourself whether you want to deal with that bit of pressure. Inside, you can find narrow limestone passages, bats, and spiders on the walls.

Helmet at the entrance of Batu Cermin Cave in Labuan Bajo — Batu Cermin feels more fun when it still has a bit of DIY energy.

Fellas Pizzeria and Bar: the evening reset

After Rome, this might be the best pizza in the world. We know that sounds dramatic, but we stand by it. Fellas Pizzeria and Bar has a super friendly owner, a relaxed atmosphere, and the kind of food you suddenly crave after weeks of travel.

If you miss western food or just want to end the evening without making another plan, this is an easy must-visit.

Cunca Wulang Waterfall: the long ride is worth it

Believe us: the ride to Cunca Wulang is worth it. With a scooter you stay independent, and after roughly 1.5 hours you reach the area. The real challenge is not the distance, but finding the correct path through the forest to the canyon.

Bad roads, quiet stretches, and that feeling of being in the middle of nowhere are part of it. Do not get discouraged too quickly; you are probably still heading the right way.

Rocky canyon pool at Cunca Wulang Waterfall near Labuan Bajo — Cunca Wulang has cliff jumps, canyon walls, and a small waterfall tucked into the rocks.

Once there, you get a canyon with several cliffs to jump from and a beautiful small waterfall. Important: always check the water depth first. There can be large rocks under the surface, and this is not a place to jump blindly.

For us, Cunca Wulang was one of the best examples of why renting a scooter in Labuan Bajo changes the whole trip.

Komodo boat tour: dragons, trekking, and manta dives

Why do most people come to Labuan Bajo? For us, the answer is simple: diving and Komodo dragons. The best way to combine both is a boat tour.

The prices between the many operators are usually not wildly different. It is not the cheapest day, but for what you get, it felt justified. We went on a large, classic Labuan Bajo boat with a cook on board and a full day built around the national park.

Komodo dragon visit
Trekking through the famous national park
Three dives, including a very successful Manta Point stop
Food prepared on board by the boat crew

Komodo dragon partly hidden in the forest in Komodo National Park — The dragons are impressive, even if you will not have them completely to yourself.

A day like this is one of the clear highlights of any Labuan Bajo trip. Just know what you are signing up for: underwater and around the dragons, you will not be alone. Labuan Bajo is one of Indonesia's busiest tourism hubs.

Pink Beach scenery during a Komodo boat tour from Labuan Bajo — Pink Beach is part of the classic Komodo day-tour rhythm: beautiful, popular, and still worth seeing.

Rent a scooter

Renting a scooter in Labuan Bajo is extremely useful. The town is spread out, and a scooter is the easiest way to move between food, viewpoints, caves, and places outside the center.

It also makes trips to Batu Cermin Cave and Cunca Wulang much easier. Expect around 80,000 to 150,000 IDR per day, depending on the scooter and rental place. You will find options on the street and through many accommodations.

View over the hills and sea around Labuan Bajo — Between the big trips, Labuan Bajo is also a good place to slow down for a view and a cold drink.

Our short verdict

Labuan Bajo can feel busy and packaged, but it also gives you easy access to some genuinely special places. Go early, stay flexible, rent a scooter, and do not expect solitude everywhere.

If your time is limited, our favorites would be: Rangko Cave early, Cunca Wulang by scooter, one Komodo boat day, and Fellas Pizzeria when your body asks for comfort food.