Labuan Bajo is located on the western tip of Flores Island in Indonesia, and it serves as the gateway to Komodo National Park. It’s pretty convenient to get to - just 1.5 hours from Bali!

You can fly into Komodo Airport (LBJ) from Bali (1.5 hours), Jakarta (2.5 hours), or other major cities. There are also direct flights from Singapore and Kuala Lumpur. If you’re looking to travel by boat, you can take a 4-day boat trip from Lombok via the Komodo Islands, but these trips have safety and ethical concerns so we wouldn’t recommend them! 

The best time is between April and May and September to November. The weather is more favourable, crowds are smaller, and marine life is most active. The rainy season (January–March) can cause boat cancellations, and it’s best to avoid peak seasons (June–August) to avoid crowds.

Most travellers just come in for the Komodo boat trip and leave, but to us that’s a shame because there’s so much to see and do!

To truly experience Labuan Bajo and its surrounding areas, we recommend at least a week. You’ll get to explore the Komodo Islands, go hiking, and discover hidden gems like Rangko Cave, Batu Cermin, and Cunca Wulang Waterfalls.

If you have two weeks, you can venture further into Flores, including the beautiful Kelimutu Lakes and remote Wae Rebo village.

Yes, Labuan Bajo is a safe destination, with low crime rates similar to Bali. Solo female travellers can feel comfortable walking around, though it’s best to stay vigilant in areas without street lighting (which were only introduced recently and often still off!).