Where to stay in Labuan Bajo

Labuan Bajo is a fast-growing harbour town on the western tip of Flores, and the gateway to Komodo National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Boats leave every morning for the islands of Komodo and Rinca, home to the Komodo dragon, and for some of the best diving and snorkelling in Indonesia.

Most visitors spend a night or two in town before or after a boat trip, and the choice of where to stay ranges from simple homestays and hostels to boutique hotels and hillside villas with views over the bay and its scattering of islands. The places we list are spread across the harbour area, the streets around Pede Beach and the hills above town.

Airport
Komodo Airport (LBJ), on the edge of town, with flights from Bali and Jakarta
Main draw
Komodo National Park: dragons, Padar Island, Pink Beach, manta rays
Getting around
On foot in the centre; motorbike taxis, cars and ride-hailing
Dry season
Roughly April to November

Places to stay in Labuan Bajo

22 hotels

"Our order" puts hotels we have fully written up first. Commission doesn't affect the order.

Labuan Bajo, area by area

The town wraps around a bay, with the harbour and main street at its heart, Pede Beach to the south and hills rising behind.

Harbour and town centre

Best for boat departures, restaurants and sunsets

The main street, Jalan Soekarno-Hatta, runs along the waterfront past the harbour, dive shops, tour agents, cafes and restaurants. Many hotels here have views across the bay, which is crowded with traditional wooden phinisi boats waiting to take visitors into the national park.

In the evenings, the Kampung Ujung seafood market sets up near the waterfront, grilling the day's catch. Staying central makes early boat departures easy, though the streets can be busy and steep.

Pede Beach and the south

Best for beach walks and quieter evenings

South of the centre, Pede Beach is the town's main public beach, with calm water, local food stalls and sunset views over the islands. The streets nearby have a mix of guesthouses and mid-range hotels, and it's quieter than the harbour while still a short ride from it.

The hills, airport and northern beaches

Best for views, space and villas

The hills behind town and around Komodo Airport have hotels and villas with wide views over the bay, and they're popular for sunset, with viewpoints such as Bukit Sylvia. North of town, Waecicu has quieter beaches and resorts. You'll need transport to reach the centre, but the trade-off is space and peace.

Questions about staying in Labuan Bajo

How do I get to Labuan Bajo?

Most travellers fly into Komodo Airport from Bali or Jakarta. The flight from Bali takes about an hour. Some arrive by ferry or on overland trips across Flores.

Can I visit Komodo National Park on a day trip?

Yes. Speedboat day trips visit Padar Island, Komodo or Rinca, Pink Beach and snorkelling spots. Overnight trips on traditional wooden boats are a slower, popular alternative.

When is the best time to visit Labuan Bajo?

The dry season, roughly April to November, has the calmest seas. Manta ray sightings are possible year-round, and the hills turn green in the wet season.

Do I need a guide to see Komodo dragons?

Yes. Visits to Komodo and Rinca are made with park rangers, and park entry fees apply.

How many nights do I need in Labuan Bajo?

Three or four nights allow a day trip into the park, a day of diving or snorkelling and some time to explore Flores's caves and waterfalls.

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