Labuan Bajo Guide: Where To Stay & Things To Do

If you’re searching for a weekend escape from Singapore that combines adventure, natural beauty, and culture, look no further than Labuan Bajo, a quaint port town on the western tip of Flores Island, Indonesia. Labuan Bajo is a hidden gem that offers far more than just the famed Komodo dragons. This underrated destination blends adventure, culture, and relaxation, making it the perfect weekend escape. From stunning sunsets to pristine islands, here’s your complete guide to making the most of your Labuan Bajo getaway.

Also read: The Top 10 Best Places to Visit in Indonesia Other Than Bali

Where to stay in Labuan Bajo

Loccal Collection Hotel

Perched atop the cliffs of Labuan Bajo, the Loccal Collection Hotel combines Mediterranean-inspired architecture with local Manggarai design. Its whitewashed walls, arched windows, and infinity pool overlooking the turquoise sea evoke the serene charm of Santorini, Greece.

Rooms range from cosy suites to luxurious villas with private plunge pools, offering both comfort and privacy. Guests can savour fresh seafood at Sangkar Lobster Restaurant or relax at the cave-style spa, making it the perfect retreat after a day of island-hopping or exploring the town.

AYANA Komodo Waecicu Beach

Nestled along the pristine Waecicu Beach, AYANA Komodo is the first and only five-star resort in Labuan Bajo, blending barefoot luxury with world-class hospitality. Accommodation ranges from elegant ocean-view rooms to spacious suites with private balconies, all thoughtfully designed to bring the outdoors in.

Beyond the resort, AYANA offers direct access to Waecicu Beach and a private jetty for yacht charters and diving excursions. With its seamless mix of luxury and nature, this beachfront retreat is ideal for travellers seeking indulgence alongside adventure.

Attractions in Labuan Bajo Town

Labuan Bajo may be small, but the town itself has several charming attractions and experiences.

Labuan Bajo Harbour

The main harbour is the heart of the town, lined with cafes, small restaurants, and shops. A stroll along the waterfront offers sweeping views of the islands and fishing boats returning at dusk. The sunset here is spectacular, painting the sky in vibrant oranges and pinks, a favourite spot for photographers and couples alike.

Waecicu Beach

A quiet, sandy beach located just a few kilometres from the town centre. Waecicu Beach is ideal for swimming, sunbathing, or simply relaxing, with calm waters and gentle waves. Small warungs (local eateries) nearby serve fresh seafood and cold drinks.

Manggarai villages

A short drive from Labuan Bajo, the Manggarai villages offer a fascinating glimpse into the traditional life and culture of Flores Island. These villages are known for their distinctive architecture, featuring traditional thatched-roof houses built on stilts, often decorated with intricate wood carvings. A trip to a Manggarai village allows travellers to observe daily life, from farming and weaving to traditional cooking and ceremonies.

Day trips from Labuan Bajo

Labuan Bajo is the gateway to some of Indonesia’s most beautiful islands:

Komodo National Park

Famous for the legendary Komodo dragons, the park also offers pristine beaches, hiking trails, and excellent diving or snorkelling opportunities among vibrant coral reefs.

Padar Island

Known for its tri-coloured beaches and dramatic hills, Padar Island is perfect for hiking to the viewpoint and capturing iconic panoramic photos. The trek is moderately challenging but well worth the effort.

Kanawa Island

A small, tranquil island with white sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters. Kanawa Island is ideal for snorkelling among vibrant coral gardens and tropical fish.

Pink Beach

Pink beach is located in Komodo National Park. Unique for its pink-tinted sand, this beach also offers excellent snorkelling. It’s a peaceful spot to relax and admire the surrounding cliffs and turquoise waters.

Manta Point

A snorkelling hotspot where you can swim with gentle manta rays in their natural environment, a truly unforgettable experience. Manta Point is a short boat ride from Labuan Bajo, located within Komodo National Park near Komodo and Rinca Islands, so you can combine this experience with your Komodo National Park day trip!

Taka Makassar

Taka Makassar is A tiny, sandy island with shallow waters, perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and light snorkelling. It’s often included in half-day trips from Labuan Bajo.

Culinary delights

Labuan Bajo’s food scene offers both local Indonesian flavours and international options:

Happy Banana Komodo

A charming Japanese-inspired restaurant in the heart of Labuan Bajo, Happy Banana Komodo is known for its fresh sushi rolls, hearty udon noodles, and creative fusion dishes that combine Japanese techniques with local seafood.

The casual and friendly atmosphere makes it perfect for a relaxed lunch or a leisurely dinner after a day of exploring. The presentation of each dish is vibrant and Instagram-worthy, while the flavours are both authentic and approachable for travellers new to Japanese cuisine.

Price Range: 125,000 IDR – 400,000 IDR (~S$9.94-S$31.81)

Location: 50m after Alfamart Soekarno Hatta, Jl. Soekarno Hatta, Labuan Bajo, Kec. Komodo, Kabupaten Manggarai Barat, Nusa Tenggara Tim. 86554, Indonesia

Nestled along the coastline, Artomoro Restaurant and Grill offers a welcoming ambience with both Asian and Western dishes. Think freshly grilled seafood, tender steaks, and hearty pastas alongside local Indonesian delicacies like nasi goreng or satay.

The restaurant’s open layout and ocean views make it a comfortable place to unwind, and its friendly staff provide excellent recommendations for pairing dishes with tropical juices or local beers.

Price Range: 60,000 IDR to 150,000 IDR (~S$4.77-S$11.93)

Location: Jl. Soekarno Hatta, Labuan Bajo, Kec. Komodo, Kabupaten Manggarai Barat, Nusa Tenggara Tim. 86754, Indonesia

Pondok Mai Ceng’go

A traditional Manggarai-style restaurant, Pondok Mai Ceng’go specialises in authentic Indonesian cuisine, with a focus on freshly caught seafood from the Flores waters. Signature dishes include grilled lobster, spicy prawns, and ikan bakar (grilled fish with rich local spices).

The setting reflects traditional Indonesian architecture with wooden accents and open-air seating, allowing guests to enjoy the sea breeze while tasting flavours deeply rooted in local culture.

Price range: 25,000 IDR – 260,000 IDR (S$1.99-S$20.68)

Location: Jl. Alo Tanis, Labuan Bajo, Kec. Komodo, Kabupaten Manggarai Barat, Nusa Tenggara Tim. 86554, Indonesia

La Cucina

For those craving Italian cuisine with an island twist, La Cucina offers a memorable dining experience. From hand-made pasta and creamy risottos to wood-fired pizzas, each dish is crafted with care and fresh ingredients.

The restaurant’s terrace overlooks the sparkling waters of Labuan Bajo, making it a perfect spot for a romantic dinner or a relaxed meal while watching the sunset. The combination of European flavours with the tropical surroundings creates a unique and memorable culinary experience.

Price range: 100,000 IDR – 200,000 IDR (S$7.95-S$15.91)

Location: 4 Sungei Kadut Ave, Singapore 729641

Getting there

The fastest way to get to Labuan Bajo is to take a two-hour flight from Singapore to Soekarno–Hatta International Airport (CGK), then take another two-hour connecting flight to Labuan Bajo’s Komodo International Airport.

Also read: 5 Things to Do on Karimun Island 2 Hours Away from Singapore

Final thoughts

Labuan Bajo is a hidden gem for a weekend getaway from Singapore, offering a mix of adventure, relaxation, and cultural experiences. From island-hopping and snorkelling to sunset watching and horse riding along the coast, it’s a destination that satisfies both thrill-seekers and those looking to unwind. Combine Santorini-inspired accommodations, charming coastal views, and fresh seafood, and you have a perfect island escape that’s truly unforgettable!