Our long-awaited trip to Labuan Bajo began with a plot twist. Just days before our departure, Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki erupted, forcing us to postpone everything. It felt like nature was telling us to slow down—but we held onto hope. Once conditions improved, we immediately rearranged our plans for early December 2024. Traveling with my colleague Deni, we finally set our sights back on Flores.
With no direct flights from Yogyakarta, we took a morning flight to Denpasar and connected to Labuan Bajo in the afternoon. By the time we arrived, the sky was turning golden, almost sunset. People say Labuan Bajo is famous for its magical sunsets, but during our stay, the weather was mostly cloudy and rainy. So, I’m convinced we haven’t seen the legendary Labuan Bajo sunset just yet.
We spent five nights in Labuan Bajo for site inspections, and during two free days we took the chance to explore some of the region’s gems; Rangko Cave, Amelia Hill, the iconic Komodo National Park, and a meaningful cultural stop at Rumah Tenun Baku Peduli.
Rangko Cave — The Hidden Blue Sanctuary
Our journey to Rangko Cave began after lunch when our driver picked us up for a 30-minute drive out of town toward Rangko Village. Along the way, rolling hills and sparkling ocean views kept us company. Flores has a way of captivating you even before you reach your destination.
From the village, we boarded a wooden boat and cruised 15 minutes across calm waters to the cave area. A short walk later, we stepped into what felt like a secret world. Inside Rangko Cave lies a natural turquoise pool, lit beautifully when the sun hits at the right angle. Morning is the best time for that magical glow, but even without it, the cave had a serene, almost mystical atmosphere.
We were supposed to snorkel on the way back, but the weather had other plans. Dark clouds rolled in, and rain forced us to skip it. Instead, we headed straight back to the village and continued to Amelia Hill hoping to catch a sunset break through the clouds.
Full Day at Komodo National Park — Dragons, Views & Turquoise Seas
Our Komodo National Park adventure began at dawn. After being picked up from the hotel, we reached the harbor where our shared speedboat was ready to take us around the islands. There were about 15 people in the group, mostly foreign travelers, with only three Indonesians, including us.
Padar Island
Our first stop was the iconic Padar Island. Even before we started hiking, we were greeted by wild deer casually roaming the beach. The trek to the top took around 20–30 minutes along a mix of dirt paths and stone steps. There’s barely any shade along the way, so the early morning breeze was a lifesaver. I can imagine the afternoon golden hour being beautiful too, with the sun casting warm light across the island’s three bays. Just avoid the midday hours unless you enjoy feeling like you’re walking on the surface of the sun, it gets that hot.
Pink Beach
Next, we sailed to the dreamy Pink Beach, its rose-tinted shoreline glowing under the sun. A few people from our group jumped straight into the water to snorkel, and they returned buzzing with excitement, they swore they’d spotted turtles gliding between the corals, and one even claimed to have seen a sea cow drifting lazily in the distance. I’ll admit, I felt a tiny sting of jealousy hearing their stories.
But since I’m not a confident swimmer, I opted for something a little more low-key: wandering along the shore, letting the waves lap at my feet, and sifting the pastel sand through my fingers. It was surprisingly peaceful, and I figured saving my energy for the rest of the day wasn’t such a bad idea after all.
Komodo Island
This was the highlight of the entire trip: the land of the legendary Komodo dragon.
The moment we stepped off the boat, we were greeted by a few baby Komodo dragons wandering near the shore, an exciting (and honestly, slightly nerve-wracking) welcome. Luckily, our ranger and guide were always close by, making us feel safe from the very start.
We chose the short trekking route, but before heading off, we made a quick stop at the restroom. And there, right behind it, was another baby Komodo perched on a tree branch, casually reminding us where we were. This island truly earns its name.
As we walked, we passed a variety of plants, spotted a few bird species, and even came across a Komodo nest, sadly empty, but still fascinating to see up close. A few minutes later, our luck really kicked in: two huge Komodo dragons were resting in the shade under a tree, and just a bit further away, another one lounged peacefully. Our ranger told us that some visitors don’t get to see any at all, so we felt incredibly fortunate.
After about 15–20 minutes of trekking, we reached the beach where lunch was waiting. The crew had prepared a simple but satisfying spread; rice, fish, vegetables, and pudding. What made the meal memorable wasn’t the food, though, but the sight of yet another Komodo relaxing under a nearby tree while we ate. Only on Komodo Island do you enjoy lunch with a dragon keeping you company.
Taka Makassar
In the afternoon, we made our way to Taka Makassar, a small crescent-shaped island brushed with soft, pinkish sand. It felt almost unreal, like a little sandbar dropped in the middle of bright turquoise water.
I finally gathered enough courage to snorkel and I’m so glad I did. The moment my face hit the water, a new world opened up: vibrant coral, colorful fish weaving between the reefs, and a couple of turtles gliding by as calmly as if they’d been expecting visitors.
Manta Point
Next, we headed to the much-anticipated Manta Point. Before we got in the water, our guide gave us a simple instruction: “The moment you spot a manta, jump!” So we waited… and the second a dark shape appeared below, we slid right in.
What we saw was unforgettable. Several giant manta rays were gliding effortlessly beneath us, moving with a calm, gentle rhythm that made it impossible to look away. Watching them up close felt surreal, definitely one of the standout moments of the entire trip.
Siaba Island
Our final stop was Siaba Island, known for its friendly turtles and colorful coral gardens. The water looked incredibly inviting, but the waves were a bit too strong for me this time. So I stayed on the boat, soaking in the views while the rest of the group slipped into the sea. Even from above, the turquoise water and lively reef below made the place feel special.
Rumah Tenun Baku Peduli — Threads of Flores Heritage
On our last day, we stopped by Rumah Tenun Baku Peduli, a community-driven weaving center that supports local culture and empowers women artisans. Inside, we were surrounded by beautifully handwoven textiles from across Flores—each pattern carrying its own story, each thread connecting generations of tradition. It felt like such a meaningful way to wrap up our trip.
There are also a small coffee corner and a cozy souvenir shop. We tried the local coffee, which was rich and surprisingly delicious, and picked up a few handmade souvenirs to bring home.
Labuan Bajo: A Journey to Remember
Our Labuan Bajo journey may have started with a few uncertainties, and the weather didn’t give us the famous sunsets we hoped for but the experiences, the views, and the wildlife still made the trip truly special. From calm caves to scenic hills, from swimming with manta rays to meeting Komodo dragons, we were reminded of how beautiful Indonesia can be.
And when you’re ready to experience the beauty of Labuan Bajo for yourself, we’d love to take you there so you can create your own unforgettable moments just like we did.