Gili Laba, Labuan Bajo – You must have seen more and more people visiting Labuan Bajo on your social media and wonder about the destination to go to if you plan a visit there. One of the main activities when vacationing to Labuan Bajo is island hopping. Some of the islands you may be familiar with are Komodo Island, Padar Island, Kanawa Island, or Rinca Island.
This time, tiket.com will give you an island inspiration to visit on your Labuan Bajo trip. The seemingly undiscovered island is Gili Laba, or what some also refer to as Land Gili Lawa. Dominated by exotic hills filled with expanses of grasslands, Gili Laba promises you a savanna experience.
On top of that, Gili Laba has an iconic spot where water divides two islands. It feels incomplete if you haven’t taken a photo with this beautiful background. cant wait to explore more of what Gili Laba has to offer? Let’s find out now!
Read more:
- Best Accommodations in Labuan Bajo near Komodo Airport
- What and Where to Eat in Labuan Bajo, Flores Island
- Here are 6 Best Trekking and Cycling Spots in Labuan Bajo!
Getting to Gili Laba
Like other island tourism around Labuan Bajo, the best way to reach Gili Laba is to ride a speedboat. Before your voyage to Gili Laba, however, you need to be in Labuan Bajo first. Therefore, your journey begins with a flight to Komodo International Airport.
After your arrival at the airport, you shall continue your journey by taking a 15-minute ride to the harbor. From there you can rent a boat on the spot. Although so, it is more recommended to book the boat or even the travel package beforehand.
Your on-the-sea journey will take about 4 hours. Sounds long? Trust us, time flies when all you see is beautiful sceneries along the way!
Entrance fee: free*Opening hours: 24/7
Address: Komodo, West Manggarai Regency, East Nusa Tenggara (Check on Google Maps)
What You’ll Witness in Gili Laba
So, what makes Gili Laba stands out and worth a visit?
1. The Incredible Hills That You Can Hike in Less than an Hour
Even when you only see it from afar, you will be blown away by how fascinating the landscape of the hills is. This experience can only get better if you get closer to the hills!
Hiking is the most popular activity when tourists visit Gili Laba. For this reason, prepare your stamina and trekking supplies. Although it is shorter than most hikes, spending 40 minutes on your feet can be energy-draining too.
From the top of the hills, the scenery you’re witnessing is out of this world. Like a miracle, you’ll see how the hills split the sea into two. With the addition of the gradation of the blue water, white sand, and the hills, your experience is truly a more-than-fair payoff for your hiking exhaustion.
Even though Gili Lawa is located in the area of Komodo Island, you won’t see any Komodo dragon roaming around here. The only types of wild animals you’ll see as you hike are birds, bugs, and if you’re lucky, deers. Nothing too aggressive, t-mates! You’re good ?
2. The Color-Changing Savanna
If you visit Gili Laba during the dry season, then you will likely think it looks like a brown desert. However, the sand-like area is not actually made of sand. In fact, it’s a drying savanna that is only 20 cm in height.
The sensation that you’ll get if you visit the savanna during the dry season is exotic and antique. On the other hand, a visit during the rainy season will give you a sense of relaxation because the land will turn into a garden-fresh green color.

3. The Jaw-Dropping Sungazing Experience
You can definitely chase the sun early in the morning or late in the day. However, going after the sunrise can get a little more challenging since you have to hike in the dark. Getting to see the golden-red light from the top of the hill will all be worth it, tho!
On the flip side, chasing the sunset will be a different case. Being at Gili Lawa at the approaching sunset hour is the same as closing your day with joy. Relax at the hill or beach and watch the sky shifting colors as the sun gradually dims its light.
Sunrise or sunset, one requirement that applies to both is this one: Capture. Your. Moment. ?
4. The Beach of Gili Laba, Where Peace and Grace Collide
Some people associate the beach with summer wildness where people do fun, adrenaline-rushing activities. However, a beach can also be lowkey and tranquil, right?
Magnificent views of white sand accompanied by the sound of gentle waves are some of the things you will get by relaxing here. Take a peek at its crystal-clear water and get a sense of what lays underneath!
If you’re in the mood, feel free to go and swim or simply play on the water. Just make sure you’re at a safe distance, okay?
Some Tips to Maximize your Gili Laba Journey

- Your outfit determines your journey. Want to have a comfortable journey? Dress accordingly in clothes that won’t sweat you up and shoes that are suitable for hiking.
- Prepare your stamina. It’s going to be a fun road, but a long one too! Make the most of your time in your best physical condition.
- Sunscreen is a must. Sunbathing is amazing and fulfilling, but sunburns? Big no! Protect your skin, t-mates. Your future self will thank you.
- Bring water, a camera, and trekking equipment. Keep this in mind: stay hydrated, documented, and safe.
- Pick the right time of the year. For a better hiking and beach experience, the best time to visit Gili Laba is in the summer, which is between May and August.
Enjoy Your Time at Gili Laba!
Apparently, the tiny island in East Nusa Tenggara can hold an abundance of beauty that makes an island vacation feels like a vacation to heaven. To ease your trip, your loyal holiday partner (tiket.com, of course) can help with your flight tickets and accommodation booking for your Labuan Bajo getaway.
going anywhere? tiket.com!
*The information is valid at the time of writing. Price and other policies are subject to change at any time without prior notice.




