Labuan Bajo — Gateway to Komodo National Park

Labuan Bajo has transformed from a sleepy fishing village to a booming tourist center in less than a decade. The small town at the western tip of Flores is the starting point for all Komodo tours and now has surprisingly good infrastructure: boutique hotels, trendy cafes, dive schools, and restaurants with sea views.

The harbor is the heart of the town: From here, day boats and multi-day liveaboards depart to the Komodo Islands. The sunsets over the offshore islands are among the most spectacular in Indonesia — best viewed from Sylvia Hill or one of the rooftop cafes.

In Labuan Bajo, there are several dive schools offering courses and day trips. The waters around Komodo are among the most current-rich diving areas in the world — manta rays, reef sharks, and sea turtles are common. Snorkelers also get their money's worth: Day tours to the surrounding islands offer crystal-clear water and intact reefs.

The Batu Cermin (Mirror Cave), a cave with natural light play, is only 15 minutes from the center and is a worthwhile morning excursion (30,000 IDR / 1.80 €).