Things to do in Labuan Bajo
Labuan Bajo is the starting point for the boat trips into the Komodo National Park, and almost every visit to Padar begins here. If you are wondering what to do in Labuan Bajo, the answer is mostly on the water: day trips by speedboat, longer sailing trips by phinisi, and the stops in between such as Pink Beach, Komodo island and Manta Point.
On land, the town gives you a base for the evenings before and after a boat trip. Two beaches on the mainland, Waecicu and Pede, are reached from Labuan Bajo. Waecicu is described by the state tourism portal as a place with accommodation around the beach, reached by vehicle or by boat from town. Pantai Pede is a further stretch of coast on the mainland.
Our take: a tour with a land day around Labuan Bajo
Day 3 of this sailing tour goes by car to Rangko Cave, Waecicu and Sylvia Hill around Labuan Bajo.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Boat trips from Labuan Bajo
Day trips and longer sailing tours that start in Labuan Bajo, with live availability and hotel pick-up where listed.
Marina Labuan Bajo and boat departures
Passenger and excursion boats leave from Pelabuhan Marina Labuan Bajo. This is not the pier of the Sape ferry, so do not treat the two as one place when you plan a pick-up. The waterfront can be explored on foot, but how far your hotel is from the boat depends on where you stay. Ask your operator which pier your boat uses.
A common route on a day trip goes from the marina to Padar first, then on to Pink Beach and Komodo. The Komodo day trip page describes the stops. For longer trips from the same marina, see the Komodo sailing tour options.
After the 15 August 2026 earthquake
On 3 September 2026 the tourism authority BPOLBF reported that the airport and the marina were working again and that park access had reopened subject to weather and safety conditions. It also said that part of the accommodation had resumed operation while other places still needed inspection. This is a snapshot rather than a promise, so ask when you book and check your boat's departure the day before.
Kalong sunset
Many boat tours end the day with the Kalong stop, where flying foxes leave their roost at sunset. It is a tour stop rather than something you can reach on your own, so look for it in the programme of an evening or multi-day trip. More on trips with overnight stays is on the liveaboard page.
Getting around
On the mainland you can use scooters and driver transfers to reach the harbour area and the beaches. Rental prices are not given here, so ask the provider. None of these vehicles can take you to Padar, which is a boat journey from the marina. Airport details are on the Komodo Airport page.
Plan the rest of your trip
Park ticket
Reserve it in SiOra at the latest the day before your trip. The rate and the steps are on the entrance fee page.
The viewpoint
Padar has a climb of about 30 minutes uphill, described on the hike page.
Where to sleep
Choose between a hotel on land and a night on a boat, covered on the where to stay page.
Labuan Bajo: frequently asked questions
What is Labuan Bajo known for?
It is the harbour town on Flores from where boats sail to Padar, Komodo and Rinca in the Komodo National Park.
Where do boats to Padar leave from?
From the marina, Pelabuhan Marina Labuan Bajo. The Sape ferry uses a different pier.
Can I reach Padar by road from Labuan Bajo?
No. Padar is only reachable by boat, either a speedboat or a phinisi.
Is Labuan Bajo open after the 2026 earthquake?
BPOLBF reported on 3 September 2026 that the airport and the marina were working again, with park access reopened subject to weather. Ask your accommodation and operator for the current situation.
Are there beaches in town?
Waecicu and Pede are two beaches on the mainland near Labuan Bajo. Pink Beach is a different place, on Komodo island.