1. Go trekking on Komodo and Rinca Islands

Komodo and Rinca Islands, home to the world’s largest venomous lizard, are best for trekking. You will be welcomed by the dry savanna landscape, along with palm trees and the scary Komodo dragons lying down under the tree’s shade. Take the rare opportunity to witness the predator lacerating and mauling its prey relentlessly in the wildlife. For safety reasons, ladies who are menstruating are not allowed to embark on this trekking trip.

Komodo National Park

Address: Loh Liang (Komodo Island), Loh Buaya (Rinca Island)

Website: Komodo National Park

2. Look over the incredible view from the summit in Padar Island

Although Padar Island is no longer inhabited by Komodo dragons, the natural beauty of the island is still captivating. Just hike to the summit of the highest point of the island to look over the blend of amazing landscape and seascape, separated by secluded coastline. For those who love photography, hunting the sunrise and capturing the incredible scenery on Padar Island is a must.

Padar Island

Address: Komodo National Park, East Nusa Tenggara

Website: Komodo National Park

3. Explore the Komodo dive sites

Exploring Labuan Bajo seems is just another ordinary activity unless you marvel over the top-rated, underwater sites, scattered across the seascape of Komodo National Park. The dive sites are divided into two parts, the South and the central north. Some incredible spots filled with the richest marine biodiversity are manta alley, yellow wall, and cannibal rock. To avoid bad weather, come between December and March for the best diving experience.

Dive Komodo

Website: Dive Komodo

4. Escape to Komodo Island's Pink Beach

Aside from Lombok, Komodo Island located in the west side of Labuan Bajo is another place with a gorgeous Pink Beach. As one of the only seven pink beaches in the world, Pink Beach, locally named “Pantai Merah,” offers a nice retreat for relaxation and enjoying clear waters. The sand gets its colour because tiny creatures called Foranimifera, covering the coast surface.

Pink Beach

Address: Komodo Island, East Nusa Tenggara

5. Swim with manta rays at Karang Makassar

One thing that mustn’t be missed is seeing the manta rays. The most popular diving spot to see the bird-like fish is Manta Point or “Karang Makassar”. This huge marine inhabitant really is charming yet endangered. In addition to swimming with Mr. Ray, be sure to spot the colorful sea sponges, big clams, sea turtles and other incredible sea creatures.

6. Get the best grilled fish dinner

As the city of the harbor and seaside capital of West Manggarai, Labuan Bajo is also the center of the fish market. There are plenty of seafood vendors where you can select a wide variety of grilled fish and squid for your dinner. The freshly caught grilled fish along with steamed rice and sambal (the spicy sauce) are the best delicacies to munch on while exploring Labuan Bajo.

Warung Seafood

Address: Jalan Soekarno Hatta

Price: from 20,000 IDR (1.5 USD)

Opening time: 6pm to 11 pm

7. Witness the swarming bats at Kalong Island

If you want to feel the sensation of Jurassic Park atmosphere at dusk, then sail to the ‘island of bats’ or Kalong Island. Take your comfiest seat on the deck, sip your martini, and enjoy tons of bats flying over you. The uninhabited island overgrown with mangrove trees remains mystical yet fantastic. For a perfect view, be sure to come when the full moon arises.

Kalong Island

Address: Kalong Island, Komodo National Park

8. Dine out at Mediterraneo Restaurant for the best Italian dishes

Editor’s note: Establishment is permanently closed

It’s likely hard to find the best European dishes in Flores. Yet, Mediterraneo Restaurant in the heart of Labuan Bajo totally gives a great Italian dinner experience. With this combination of classic Italian and Mediterranean food, you won’t utter any word except “delizioso” (delicious in Italian) for the amazing food. The Focaccia Ligure, the Fileto al Vino Rosso, and the Carpaccio Di Manzo are great menu choices.

Mediterraneo Restaurant

Address: Jl.Soekarno Hatta Labuan Bajo, Flores

Opening Hours: 11am to 11pm

Website: Mediterraneo Restaurant

9. Discover Cunca Rami Waterfall

Labuan Bajo is not only famous for either Komodo Island or underwater adventures, but also the pristine waterfalls. One of them is the fascinating Cunca Rami Waterfall. Taking around a 90-minute drive from the center of Labuan Bajo, the scenic piece of heaven entices people for nature exploration. The trail along your journey to the waterfall is challenging enough. Don’t forget to greet the local villagers and interact with the smiling locals.

Cunca Rami Waterfall

Address: Golo Ndaring, Sano Nggoang, Golo Ndaring, Manggarai Barat

Opening Hours: 7am to 4 pm

10. Enjoy the city from Bukit Cinta

If you are weary enough for sailing and diving, you better try to go to the highest point of Labuan Bajo, named Bukit Cinta, to enjoy the city view. Bukit Cinta literally means “Hill of Love”. It is the favorite spot among the Flores youngsters. They usually inhabit the place for dating, chilling out or celebrating the new year. Allow yourself enough time to visit the love hill.

Bukit Cinta

Address: Jalan Bukit Cinta, Komodo, Kabupaten Manggarai Bara

11. Explore the Batu Cermin Cave

Batu Cermin, meaning “mirror rock” in Indonesian, is aptly named. Through gaps in the ceiling, sunlight is reflected around the rock formations. You will be able to spot the wildlife around such as the long-tailed macaque.

For the optimal viewing pleasure, come along around 9 - 10 am as that is usually when the sunlight hits the rocks. Note that this is dependent on the seasons and may change.

Batu Cermin Cave

Address: Batu Cermin, Komodo, West Manggarai Regency, East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia

Price: Admission Fee of 10,000 IDR (0.75USD) with an additional guide fee required

12. Check out the Underground lake at Rangko Cave

Even if you skip the flippers and snorkels, the beautiful sights that await you at Rangko Cave are worth the 45 minutes trip.

To get there, head over to Rangko village before taking a boat over to the bridge. Do remember to bring a waterproof torch if you wish to explore the cave, and note that noon is the best time to visit the cave!

Rangko Cave

Address: Tanjung Boleng, Boleng, West Manggarai Regency, East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia

Website: Goa Ranko

13. Visit Kampung Melo

Learn more about the Manggarai as you visit Melo Village or Kampung Melo. Found 17km (10.5 miles) away from Labuan Bajo, the 40 minutes journey can be covered via a rented motorbike. You also have the option to get a local ojek (motorbike taxi) to drive you there.

Take the chance to sample ‘sopi’, a local palm wine before witnessing the 'Caci’ performances.

Kampung Melo

Website: Kampung Melo

14. Sembilan Island, swim with the sting-less jellyfish

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

The minute island is called Mangiatan Island but often referred to as Sembilan island. Sembilan, meaning 9 in Indonesian, was given to the island as the island looks like a 9 from above. Get up close and personal with these harmless jellyfish there.

Found near the Komodo Island, you can take a speedboat ride from Labuan Bajo. The journey will take approximately 3 hours.

Sembilan island

Website: Sembilan island

Forget Bali, love Labuan Bajo

Labuan Bajo has gained more popularity today since it offers plenty of incredible natural attractions. The gate of Jurassic Park literally changes people’s minds, to forget Bali and more touristic destinations. The greatest lizard, the manta ray, and the Pink Beach are just a few of the many reasons why global travelers come to the city. Book your flight and arrange your itinerary for your Labuan Bajo adventure.