Labuan Bajo is on the western tip of Flores, an island in the Nusa Tenggara Timur (NTT) province of Indonesia, in the regency of Manggarai Barat. It is a small harbour town and the gateway to Komodo National Park: almost everyone who comes to see the Komodo dragons, climb Padar or swim at Pink Beach starts here.
We live and run our trips in Labuan Bajo, so here is the local answer: where it sits on the map, how it differs from Komodo Island, how to get there, and what a trip into the park costs from here.
Quick answer
| Country | Indonesia |
| Province | Nusa Tenggara Timur (NTT) |
| Island | Flores, at its western tip |
| Airport | Komodo Airport (LBJ) |
| From Bali | About 1 hour by plane |
Where Labuan Bajo is on the map
On a map of Indonesia, find Flores to the east of Bali, with Lombok and Sumbawa in between. Labuan Bajo sits at the very western end of Flores, facing the islands of Komodo National Park across the water.
That position is the whole reason the town exists as a travel hub. The park's islands are right in front of it, so boats leave in the morning and reach Padar or Komodo Island within hours.
Labuan Bajo and Komodo Island are not the same place
Many people assume Labuan Bajo is on Komodo Island. It is not. Labuan Bajo is a town on Flores. Komodo Island is one of the islands inside Komodo National Park, in the same province.
Komodo National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site of 1,733 km², with three large islands (Komodo, Rinca and Padar) and 26 smaller ones. There is no road into it. From Labuan Bajo, the only way in is by boat.
Park entry fees and rules are in our Komodo National Park guide.
How to get to Labuan Bajo
By plane
Labuan Bajo has its own airport, Komodo Airport (LBJ). There are direct flights from Bali (Denpasar), Jakarta and sometimes Surabaya. From Bali the flight takes about 1 hour.
There are also direct international flights: Scoot flies from Singapore in about 3 hours 24 minutes, and AirAsia flies from Kuala Lumpur in about 3 hours 40 minutes. Our guides from Bali, Singapore and Malaysia cover each route. Once you land, the airport to harbour transfer is short.
By ferry
There is also an overland route from Bali via Lombok and Sumbawa to Flores. It takes 2 to 3 days. It suits travellers who want the journey itself, not anyone short on time.
Pick the trip that fits
Padar, Pink Beach, dragons and Manta Point by speedboat, back before dinner.
Komodo Day Trip: Speedboat to 6 Top Destinations
Three days on a phinisi with sunrise Padar before the crowds arrive.
Komodo Tour 3 Days 2 Nights: Phinisi Open Trip
The whole boat to yourselves. Your route, your pace, your music.
Komodo 3D2N Private Charter: Whole-Boat Phinisi
From Labuan Bajo to Komodo Island
This is the next question after "where is Labuan Bajo". Every trip into Komodo National Park leaves from the harbour in Labuan Bajo, and there are three ways to go.
Day trip. Our Komodo day trip visits six stops in one day by speedboat: Padar, Pink Beach, the Komodo dragons on Komodo Island, Taka Makassar, Manta Point and Turtle Bay. Hotel pickup at 06:30, back in town between 16:15 and 17:00. From IDR 1,450,000 per person.
Liveaboard. On a Komodo tour 3 days 2 nights you sleep on a Phinisi with 9 cabins, wake up at Padar and reach the beaches before the day boats. From IDR 6.5M per person.
Private charter. A private trip from Labuan Bajo gives your group the whole Phinisi and your own itinerary. From IDR 120M for the boat, under IDR 14M per person for 10.
To compare all of them side by side, see our Komodo National Park tours. For the full budget, flights to food, see Labuan Bajo trip cost.
What is there to do in Labuan Bajo?
The town itself is small, but it is the starting point for a lot: the Padar hike, swimming at Pink Beach, snorkelling with manta rays, and seeing Komodo dragons in the wild. The full list is in things to do in Labuan Bajo.
For when to come, read the best time to visit Labuan Bajo before you book flights.
Frequently asked questions
Which province is Labuan Bajo in?
Nusa Tenggara Timur (NTT), Indonesia, in the regency of Manggarai Barat.
Which island is Labuan Bajo on?
Flores, at its western tip.
Is Labuan Bajo the same as Komodo Island?
No. Labuan Bajo is a town on Flores. Komodo Island is an island inside Komodo National Park, reached by boat from Labuan Bajo.
How far is Labuan Bajo from Bali?
About 1 hour by plane from Denpasar to Komodo Airport (LBJ). By ferry via Lombok and Sumbawa, 2 to 3 days.
How much is a trip to Komodo Island from Labuan Bajo?
A day trip starts from IDR 1,450,000 per person, a 3 day 2 night liveaboard from IDR 6.5M per person, and a private Phinisi charter from IDR 120M per boat. National park fees are paid separately.
