In 2011, Komodo was voted as one of the “New 7 Wonders of Nature.” Since then, Komodo has become one of the top places most people visit anytime they go to Bali.
However, it is essential to note that before getting to Komodo, there is a small fishing village and tourist center that visitors should consider making a pit stop at as well.
The village—Labuan Bajo—is a tourist center that supports multiple tourist activities and can be a good launching pad or gateway for trips across nearby attractions. With that in mind, here are some exciting things you can when in Labuan Bajo.
1. Visit Gili Lawa
Gili Lawa is about 3 to 4 hours from Labuan Bajo by boat. Also known as Gili Lawa Darat, it is an island on the northeastern side of Komodo island.
The island boasts of beautiful scenery inclusive of luscious green grass that grows up to one meter high. When the dry season comes along, the grass turns brown, and one can mistake the island for a savannah.
Aside from the scenery, the island also provides a good viewing point for sunsets and sunrises. If you come with a camera, you are bound to get out of this world pictures of either a sunset or sunrise.
If scenery and nature is not your thing, then you can opt for water activities such as swimming and diving. The two activities are made possible by the clear waters around the island. They provide a clear view of the coral formation that is found near the seabed. The pristine water guarantees you can dive at night and still enjoy the coral formation.
Finally, Gili Lewa island allows visitors to hike up the surrounding hills. Once at the top, you can enjoy a beautiful view of the whole island.
2. Visit Kelor Island
One and a half hours from Labuan Bajo, there is yet another incredible island known as Kelor island. Kelor island has beautiful sandy beaches and clear turquoise waters.
The island’s charm is the fact that is completely uninhabited. That means if you are a person who enjoys tranquility or just being alone and communing with nature, then this is the island for you.
With regards to nature, the island has numerous hills complete with trails that you can hike through and enjoy the view at the top.
Moreover, seeing as it is an island, you can still enjoy the water activities notably swimming, and snorkeling.
Notably, the island’s multiple hiking trails are its most popular feature. However, those familiar with the island advise that you should be careful when hiking because the terrain tends to be rocky and uneven.
Other than that, the scenery, the views from the top of the hill, the ocean, the multiple species of marine life and island’s tranquility make Kelor island a worthy destination.
3. Take a Cruise to Multiple Islands
Because Labuan Bajo is so strategically placed, it is a good launching area for a komodo island cruise.
Essentially, that is a cruise that will allow you to tour not only Komodo island but also a good portion of the surrounding islands. Taking a cruise is beneficial because unlike a boat ride which only takes you to one island and back, the cruise a multiple-day affair that will ensure you make pit stops in various islands.
Eventually, the goal is to get to Komodo National Park and enjoy the Komodo lizards in addition to all the other animals in the park.
Final Thoughts
From the above, it is obvious that Labuan Bajo is a good base from which you can explore as many islands as you want as well as visit numerous tourist destination.
The town is set up to help tourists achieve their trip goals and every day the government is investing more in the village. Note that even without traveling anywhere, the village itself is a tourist attraction on its own. For instance, the town is home to the Mirror Stone Cave or Batu Cermin Cave.