Labuan Bajo

Once a small fishing village, Labuan Bajo (also spelled Labuhanbajo and Labuanbajo) in Flores is now bustling with tourists.

Labuan Bajo Halal Explorer

Labuan Bajo is the launching point for trips to Komodo Island and Rinca Island, home to the famous Komodo dragons. While Labuan Bajo draws plenty of tourists, it is nevertheless quite a small town that runs along one primary street, making it easy to navigate.

Nearby Seraya Island is a great opportunity to do some diving and snorkeling and every evening at Kalong Island thousands of flying fox bats put on an amazing display.

Travel to Labuan Bajo

Buy a Flight ticket to and from Labuan Bajo

• Komodo Airport IATA Flight Code: LBJ Labuan Bajo Airport has been upgraded into a modern airport, although still a very small airport.
• From Denpasar / Bali: TransNusa provides daily flights. Most flights continue to either Ende H. Hasan Aroeboesman Airport, Maumere Fransiskus Xaverius Seda Airport in eastern Flores or Kupang in West Timor. Sky Aviation provides services originating in Bali and stopping on-route in Lombok in both directions.
• from Jakarta: Garuda Indonesia flies directly LBJ.
• from Surabaya: Batik-Air flies directly to LBJ.

The upturn in tourism has meant that ojeks can only be taken if you walk outside the airport and taxi drivers charge set rates of Rp 80,000 and up one way for this short journey. If all else fails, it's a 25-minutes downhill walk.

Book a Halal Cruise or Boat Tour in Labuan Bajo

Labuan Bajo Port Pelabuhan Labuan Bajo - GPS -8.493783,119.875643Last updated: 2018-11-18. The port in Labuan Bajo is in the town, and everywhere is reached within a 5-10 minutes walk. The port in Labuan Bajo is in the town, and everywhere is reached within a 5-10 minutes walk.

• The ferry from Sape (Rp 80,000 as of August 2017) runs daily, and usually arrives around 17:00.
• A number of companies organise 4 days/3 nights boat trips from Lombok or Bali to Flores for around Rp 2,550,000. You sleep on the deck on thin mattresses (less than 1 inch thick, but you get used to it). No matter where you book the trip from, you will be shuttled to the eastern coast of Lombok with bus/ferry transfers before getting on the boat.
• The Perama tour is a well advertised trip running 4 days/3 nights from Lombok to Labuan Bajo, and 3 days/2 nights the other way. This sets itself apart from the others by having private (2 person) cabins. Prices are cabin/deck Rp 6,600,000/2,000,000 Lombok-Labuanbajo and Rp 2,800,000/1,300,000 the other way. Be aware of the safety records of these boats
• Pelni ships arrive from Makassar or Lombok. Pelni has two ships calling at Labuanbajo every 2 weeks. Tilongkbila departs for Bima, Lembar (Lombok, 24 hr) and Benoa (Bali) every other Thursday and returns the following Sunday to go to Makassar and other destinations in Sulawesi. Willis departs for Bima - Benoa - Surabaya every other Saturday and returns Saturday one week later to go east to Marapokot and Maumere.

All the tour boats have the same program of snorkelling, trekking and komodo dragon watching, stopping at the same stunning reefs, beaches and waterfalls along the way. For years there have been rumors of safety issues on these boats. However, so far all these rumors have been just that. There are, however, many who remark on the noise (on all boats), so bring earplugs and don't expect any deep, meaningful conversations while the engine is running.

Travel on a Bus in Labuan Bajo

Buses from Ruteng and Bajawa stop and depart in the centre of town near the school.

Buses from Lombok; see Flores (Indonesia)#Get in.

How to get around in Labuan Bajo

The town is quite small and can easily be traversed on foot (in 10-15 minutes). Ojeks (Rp 5,000-5,000) and bemos pass every 5 minutes if you get tired of walking. You will find at least to local rental business on the main street where you can rent a scooter for Rp 85,000 - 75,000/per day (as of December 2022), you can also ask your hotel as some of them also rent scooters.

What to see in Labuan Bajo

• Caves, such as Batu Cermin Cave and Rangko Cave
• Surrounding beaches
• Komodo Dragons
• Kanawa Island, small island 10 kilometers away from Labuan Bajo (about 1hr with a local boat or 10 min with speed boat) and located just at the borders of Komodo National Park. You will find a resort there.

Top Muslim Travel Tips for Labuan Bajo

Komodo National Park encompasses a lot of water and islands west of Labuanbajo. If you want to go to Rinca or Komodo islands, or dive in the park you will have to buy a 1 day park pass for US$15 during the weekdays or $18 at weekends. Money from such user fees is collected by the local government and is supposed to go into conservation efforts.

Rinca Island ( Indonesian: Rinca Kecil or Pulau Rinca) is a more convenient place to see Komodo Dragons than Komodo island. Some dive operators might be convinced to combine a stop at the island with a days diving - otherwise charters can be arranged, or walk along the main street of Labuan Bajo and some tour agencies may be advertising places on an existing charter. There are big dragons that are often right in front of the pier when people arrive. On arrival a guide will escort you to the park office where you will be relieved of a range of fees and then you can choose a 1 or 2 hour hike. Presumably if you had a pass from Komodo, you would be exempt from at least some of those fees.

Book a Diving trip in Labuan Bajo

The Komodo National Park offer dozens of very pristine dive sites, with many migratory pelagics, vibrant reefs- making it one of the world’s richest marine habitats. The Park is just offshore and easily reached by liveaboard operators, although daytrips may take two hours or more in each direction. Check that your dive operator is reputable, has safety equipment onboard and if feasible is a member of the local dive association who have strict minimum safety requirements for their members.

There are many dive operators that offer dive courses, fun dives and 3 day live aboards. They have fixed pricing for fun dives at Rp 2,200,000 per day incl. 2 dives, full equipment and lunch (Rp 1,500,000 for three dives. Choose one of the Dive Association dive centers for the newest equipment, experienced guides and safety equipment onboard. It is true the currents around Komodo can be quite strong and some sites are unsuitable for beginners, however if you dive with a reputable company, in a small group, with an experienced guide and at the less current swept sites there is no reason even Open Water divers shouldn't be able to enjoy the diving!

• Flores Diving Centre - Very friendly staff. The equipment is in good condition and they offer a wide range of daily boat trips to the dive sites including food and fruit drinks

• Reefseekers | Friendly and professional Scottish-run scuba shop. Prices are the standard Rp 800,000 for 2 dives including lunch and equipment, discounts for multiple days. Fantastic marine biology lectures set this one apart. Great service as well, and small groups.

• Manta Dive Komodo - Diving the national park of Komodo. For experienced divers and photographers.

Snorkelling

Labuan Bajo is the most convenient point from which to go snorkelling in the Komodo National Park. The snorkeling within the park offers many opportunities to see pristine reefs with some of the greatest fish and coral diversity in the world.

Other

Seraya Island ( Indonesian: Pulau Seraya) is little more than a small, arid island outside of the Komodo National Park with a few bamboo huts for tourist lodging, a restaurant, and some villagers who let their goats graze on vegetation. The island’s cove is protected from the sea, providing calm and clear water for snorkelling. At low tide the coral is exposed and local fishermen walk on the reef in search of prey. Rowboats can be rented and taken to nearby islands for snorkelling and diving. Make sure to run up to the top of the hill behind the resorts and check out the sunset. The lodges on the island do have showers, but running water is only available a few hours a day.

One of the more spectacular displays of nature in the area is at Kalong Island ( Indonesian: Pulau Kalong; also spelt Kalung), which literally means "Flying Fox Island." The name is quite appropriate as the island is home to thousands of Kalong, or giant flying fox bats. Boats to Kalong can be chartered from Labuanbajo for around Rp 700,000 for a return ride, including a snorkelling stop at a nearby island before you reach Pulau Kalong. Your boat will be moored next to the mangrove island and at dusk literally tens of thousands of flying foxes emerge from the mangrove island and move over your boat towards Rinca Island. For the entire colony to emerge will take roughly 20 min of continuous waves of bats passing over your boat. The boat ride to/from Labuanbajo will take roughly one hour. This trip can also be packaged into a one day tour together with (for example) a visit of Rinca Island and some snorkelling in the area.

Muslim Friendly Shopping in Labuan Bajo

There are three ATMs in town which belong to the BNI bank and can deliver up to Rp 6,500,000 per transaction in Rp 200,000 or Rp 70,000 notes, but also a few other banks and one money changer. There is a bad rate, so better change enough money before coming here.

Shops selling tourist trinkets, local fabric, and Komodo Dragon carvings are located in the center of town. Western products of varying quality are available in the toko or kiosk alongside the roads.

Consider taking a trip to the market early in the morning to purchase local Coffee, spices, or just to look over a wealth of local produce and goods.

Halal Food & Restaurants

Choose from a variety of (Indonesian), Chinese, and Western restaurants on the primary street. As a tourist place some cheating takes place: some Halal restaurants add 10% "service tax" to the bill. Other restaurants refuse to give change less of than 1000 rupiah. Insist on exact change.

Everything is on the primary street. From north to south you have...

• The Corner | Seafood restaurant.

• Pesona | Standard menu of western menu and seafood.

• MadeinItaly - Wide range of Italian dishes including Pizzas, Pasta risotto, antipasti and tiramisu. Fairly upscale and not cheap.

• Fish market Lots of food stalls along the harborfront in the evening. Fresh fish grilled to order.

• Happy Banana Delicious food. Not only sushi. Wifi and AC. Tables with power outlet.

• Blue Corner Local food. Very good mie goreng.

• Artomoro - Arto Moro | Local food (Rp 55,000-70,000) and more expensive international food (Rp 80,00/-100,000). Very fresh and tasty.

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Labuan Bajo

Labuan Bajo - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Labuan Bajo, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Labuan Bajo. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Labuan Bajo and its surrounding regions.

With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Labuan Bajo. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.

The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Labuan Bajo. Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations inLabuan Bajo: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Labuan Bajo.

Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Labuan Bajo: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Labuan Bajo, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Labuan Bajo.

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Labuan Bajo, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Labuan Bajo, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Labuan Bajo and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Labuan Bajo, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Labuan Bajo, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Labuan Bajo without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients."

The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Labuan Bajo is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Labuan Bajo.

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group Labuan Bajo is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in Labuan Bajo, please contact:

eHalal Travel Group Labuan Bajo Media: info@ehalal.io

Muslim Friendly Hotels

There is plenty of lodging to choose from in Labuanbajo. And with tourism growing exponentially, new places are springing up constantly.

As of December 2021 there are 17 hotels, just one 4-star and 6 3-star hotels. The infrastructure of the town is growing rapidly. Listed from north to south, here are some of the hotels. All places include breakfast, but to some breakfast merely translates into a cup of Coffee. Ask first to avoid disappointment.

The main issue in Labuan Bajo is the lack of fresh, non-salty water. Some hotels tap spring water at the hill through a pipeline more than a kilometers long. Other hotels collect fresh water from this source using a mobile tank. It seems like the hotels in the central town take advantage of this setup.

Visit https://hotels.ehalal.io for a full list of hotels in Labuan Bajo.

Telecommunications in Labuan Bajo

Internet cafes along the primary street are plentiful, and their connections are all generally the same at 1 Mbit/s which is fine for Skype and youtube. The Warnet in the south has the newest hardware, and most places have headsets for Skype.

All restaurants mentioned above have free WiFi. Most lodgings would have WiFi.

Stay Safe

If you decide to go hiking you should be aware of some dangerous snakes.

Travel Next

"Travel" (shared car) or bus (e.g. Gunung Mas, Gemini) to Ruteng, Bajawa, Ende, Moni, Maumere, etc) can be arranged through many of the tour offices on the main street - the price usually includes pick-up from your hotel.

• Komodo National Park encompasses a lot of water and islands west of Labuanbajo. If you want to go to Rinca or Komodo islands, or dive in the park you must buy a 3-day park pass for US$15. Money from such user fees is collected by the local government and is supposed to go into conservation efforts. Rinca Island ( Indonesian: Rinca Kecil or Pulau Rinca) is a more convenient place to see Komodo Dragons than Komodo island. Some dive operators might be convinced to combine a stop at the island with a days diving. There are big dragons that are often right in front of the pier when people arrive.
• Kanawa Island (Pulau Kanawa) is surrounded by spectacular reefs with thousands of fish species, turtles, corals and reef sharks. Sometimes it is feasible to see some stingrays and small sharks just around the arrival jetty. You can dive from the island with companies such as Wunderpus Diving ( www.wunderpusliveaboard.com ) who will collect you each morning and drop you off in the afternoon after diving and they will also offer course based from the island at times. Kanawa island is 10 km away from Labuan Bajo (about 1hr with a local boat or 10 min with speed boat) and located just at the borders of Komodo National Park on Kanawa there is a small bungalow resort, designed for travelers, with a restaurant. It is feasible to visit the national park directly from there with wooden boats. Reef around Kanawa is protected, so fishing is not allowed, but the restaurant provides fabulous fresh seafood coming form the nearby fisherman island. Turtles love to hatch on the beach just next to the restaurant.
• Ruteng and the main area for Manggarai culture and the next big city by the main Flores road, 110 kilometers away - roughly 3-4 hours by motorbike or car.

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