Labuan Bajo has become one of the most wanted destinations in the last decade. It’s not only because of the exotic Komodo Dragon that you can only see in their natural habitat here but also because of the beauty and the authenticity of the place.
Labuan Bajo is a port city, located in the westernmost part of East Nusa Tenggara. This city was a regular fishing site until The Komodo National Park was listed as UNESCO’s World Heritage Site in 1991. This is the only place where you can see the mystical Komodo Dragon, locally called Ora, in its natural ecosystem.
So, if you are in Bali, or maybe some other side of the world, and thinking to visit a wild beauty scenery at least once in a while, Labuan Bajo is definitely the place for you. we’ve gathered some information, about the cool things to do when you’re in Labuan Bajo.
Visit The Komodo Dragon
Komodo National Park is composed of three big islands, Rinca, Komodo, Padar, and numerous smaller islands. Most of the tourists come to Komodo and Rinca islands to see Komodo Dragon in its natural environment.
Komodo island is the most famous place among tourists to see the Komodo Dragon. The size of the Komodo Dragon is relatively smaller on this island. Local people live side to side with the ancient animal here.
If you’re looking for the bigger size of Komodo Dragon, Rinca island is a good option for you. The term big not only refers to the size of the Komodo Dragon but also the number of its population here is bigger compared to any other place in the Komodo National Park.
Komodo Dragon does not only live in those two big islands. It scatters in some other places, even on the tiniest island of the national park. So, you need to be aware when you visit other places. Make sure to never wander alone. Because Komodo Dragon’s bite is so dangerous and deadly for human beings.
Hiking in Indonesia’s Jurassic Park – Padar Island
Padar Island is the next top destination in Labuan Bajo. This island is located around 30km from Labuan Bajo’s harbor. It takes 2 to 3 hours for you to sail here. This island is also a habitat for Komodo Dragons, but most of them are located in the northern part of the island, which is a place that is rarely visited by tourists.
We’re saying this place is the Jurassic Park of Indonesia for a concrete reason. This island is made up of volcanic hills with savannah on the land. From the top viewpoint, you can spot beaches with different sand colors, black, white, and slightly pink color. The grass on the island is also changing with the seasons. From January-April, it’s gonna look like a fresh green island. By the month of May, the grass turns to yellowish color, and it’ll completely turn dry and brown from July to November.
The best time to visit Padar island is before sunrise time. You will get a breathtaking experience when you arrive at the top of the island. We suggest you turn back to your boat before 9 AM because the heat of the sun and the humidity in Flores will catch you in no time. If you visit this island from July to August, you have to prepare yourself for the crowd. Because those times are the peak season in Labuan Bajo.
Make an instagenic trail picture in Pink Beach
Whenever you browse Pink Beach on your phone or computer, the stunning Pink Beach in Komodo National Park will always appear on the screen. The pink color comes from the mixed microscopic organism named Foraminifera and the red corals in the ocean that break into pieces and land on the beach. This spot is perfect for you to relax, sunbathe, and take tons of instagenic pictures. You also need a boat from Labuan Bajo to sail you to this magnificent beach. The best time to come is around sunrise or sunset, so the sun ray will give a glimpse of color to make the sand more vibrant.
Snorkeling and Diving
The Komodo National Park is also known for its breathtaking underwater world. That’s why snorkeling or diving is one of the most fun activities you can do whenever you are in Labuan Bajo. You can spot beautiful coral gardens almost everywhere here. There’s also one famous spot called Manta Point where you can spot the majestic Manta Ray while they’re schooling looking for planktons to eat. You can also find blacktip sharks, turtles, grouper fish, giant trevallies, moray eels, and others. So, prepare your gears and be ready to be amazed here.