Hidden Gems in Labuan Bajo – The pearl of East Indonesia and East Nusa Tenggara, Labuan Bajo, is titled as one of Indonesia’s super-priority destinations. There are of course reasons why it is titled so; first, it must be the picturesque views wherever you go in Bajo.
Amidst the pandemic, Labuan Bajo has gained popularity as Indonesia’s tourism industry begins to rise again, slowly but surely. Nestled in a half-moon bay surrounded by hills that beautifully rise steeply from the shore, Labuan Bajo has always something to offer.
In fact, you need perhaps deep research in order to get the best out of your stay in Labuan Bajo. Besides the popular ones, there are other places that you have not yet discovered. There is more to Bajo other than the popular Pink Beach.
Hard to Resist, These Hidden Gems in Labuan Bajo are Worth Visiting
You, t-mates, are always on the top of our priority list. That is why we are here to ease away your pre-Bajo vacation, with a list of hidden gems in Labuan Bajo that are worth visiting. No more worrying about where to go now 😉
Flight ticket price from Jakarta to Labuan Bajo: starts from 718,300 IDR/pax*
Flight ticket price from Bali to Labuan Bajo: starts from 436,000 IDR/pax*
1. Liang Bua Cave, once was home to the “hobbits”
Have you ever wondered what “The Hobbit” house looks like? If an image of little houses decorated with flowers just like in Snow White popped up in your mind, then your guess might not be accurate.
The real home of the “hobbits” in real life can actually be found in Labuan Bajo, Flores! Back in 2003 in Liang Bua Cave, scientists found the skeleton of a dwarf-sized human that was discovered as Homo Floresiensis.
They discovered how the 106 cm dwarfs once lived in Liang Bua Cave about more than 50,000 years ago. See, this is how big the real hobbit house is! You can visit the museum if you want to take a look at the Homo Floresiensis’ skeleton.
Other than a once home to Home Floresiensis, Liang Bua cave is a perfect spot to take a bunch of pictures that will bring new vibes to your Insta feed 😉
Price: free*, 40,000 IDR* for the museum
Opening hours: 24 Hours
Address: Liang Bua Village, North Rahong, West Manggarai Regency, East Nusa Tenggara 86516 (Check on Google Maps)
2. Discover the great Sano Nggoang Lake
Do you know that Sano Nggoang Lake is the largest and the deepest lake in East Nusa Tenggara? Well, now you know 😉 Situated in Wae Sano Village, Sano Nggoang Lake is naturally blessed with its picturesque surroundings.
The clear view of Sano Nggoang Lake can be enjoyed from the top of Golo Dewa Peak. Prepare yourself to be in awe of how pristine and splendid the Sano Nggoang Lake is. The view is undoubtedly more beautiful in the morning, where you can witness the sunrise at dawn.
More than that, if you are able to get near the lake, you can also feel the warm beneficial sulfuric water. There is a nearby hot spring that you can soak in, one thing that you should prepare is some extra clothes. Wait, make sure to ask the locals first, as there are some pools with heat of 70 to 1000 degrees celsius.
Opening hours: 6 AM-6 PM (local time)
Address: Wae Sano, Sano Nggoang, West Manggarai Regency, East Nusa Tenggara (Check on Google Maps)
3. Kanawa Island, a place to call home
Nestled just half an hour away from the center of Labuan Bajo, Kanawa Island is the queen of underwater vista in Bajo. Located in between Flores Island and Komodo Island, the Kanawa Island is a private island that you can stay in.
If the beaches in Bajo are way too crowded, then Kanawa Island can be a perfect option for those of you who seek for privacy and tranquility. Far away from the city, Kanawa Island will make you feel as the island is all yours, and only yours.
Besides its clear white sand and crystal turquoise waters, the island has some accommodations to offer. So, you can stay on the island for as long as you want, t-mates.
If you are looking for some adrenaline rush other than sunbathing, you can always go for some snorkeling. Witness the underwater vista of Labuan Bajo and make sure to bring your waterproof camera to keep your memories in Kanawa Island forever!
Price: 100,000 IDR* per group/ferry
Address: Poto Tano, West Sumbawa Regency, West Nusa Tenggara (Check on Google Maps)
4. The exoticism of Rangko Cave
Located in Rangko Village, the exoticism of Rangko Cave can’t be missed while you are visiting Bajo. A natural private pool inside of a cave? Well, that’s what to expect once you arrive at the exotic Rangko Cave.
The water is as clear as crystal, you can even see the bottom of the alluring underwater vista, t-mates. You can choose to admire it from above or jump right into the natural private pool 😉 The stalactites above you add the natural ambience to your surroundings.
Rangko Cave is such a beauty that you rarely find elsewhere, but in Bajo. Your visit to Rangko Cave will also be accompanied by the bat caves ? Woah, prepare to fill your camera roll with mesmerizing pictures, t-mates!
Price: 10,000 IDR* and 300,000 IDR* for the ferry
Opening hours: No official hours, but the best time is at 12 PM-2 PM (local time)
Address: Tanjung Boleng, Boleng, West Manggarai Regency, East Nusa Tenggara (Check on Google Maps)
5. Cunca Rami Waterfall, crystal clear waterfall in the middle of the jungle
Besides its alluring beaches and hills, Labuan Bajo is also home to scenic waterfalls, and one of them is Cuci Rami Waterfall. Nestled deep in the forest area of Mbeliling, Wae Lolos Village, Cunca Rami Waterfall can be reached by driving 30 kilometers away from Bajo.
On your arrival, the locals usually offer you a tour guide service to take you to Cunca Rami Waterfall. With its 30 meters height, the great waterfall of Cunca Rami can be seen from a far away distance.
We suggest that you take the tour guide offer, as it will take you approximately 45 minutes to an hour ‘til you finally can reach the end of Cunca Rami Waterfall. Make sure that you get enough sleep the night before, and take your vitamins in the morning, as the trekking route to Cunca Rami is long and steep.
Price: Free* (unknown tariff for the tour guide)
Address: Golo Ndaring, Sano Nggoang, Golo Ndaring, West Manggarai Regency, East Nusa Tenggara (Check on Google Maps)
6. Sawah Lingko, the spider’s web alluring paddy fields
Have you ever crossed a paddy field? Well, of course most of you have. But this one in Labuan Bajo is probably the most unique paddy fields that you can find. Usually, paddy fields were designed to be absolute squares, or something like terracing. But Sawah Lingko was intentionally designed to look like a spider’s web.
More than you know, it’s not just for an aesthetic purpose. The spider’s web paddy field is a generation to generation tradition. The paddy field system was formed based on the customary law, where the rice fields are divided for the community. In this case, the Customary Leader gets the largest share.
The view from the hill is truly amazing, Sawah Lingko and its unique spider’s web is the only one in the world, and it’s only in Labuan Bajo. This is one of the hidden gems in Labuan Bajo that can’t be missed.
Price: free*
Opening hours: 24 Hours
Address: Cancar Village, Manggarai Regency, East Nusa Tenggara (Check on Google Maps)
Where to Stay at Labuan Bajo: Le Pirate Island
If you have been dreaming of a beach house and can’t build one in Indonesia, then staying at Le Pirate Island in Labuan Bajo is the best option. Uniquely different from any other accommodations that you might have crossed in life, Le Pirate Island offers you an on-beach glamping experience.
There are 2 types of rooms that you can choose; one is a bungalow that was built high above the ground and the other is the usual glamping tent. If you want to experience the uniqueness, then we suggest that you choose the Bungalow one.
What’s so unique about it is that you have to climb up the stairs to be able to get into your room. What a design, right? Here, you will be 24-hour accompanied by the sound of the ocean and you’ll wake up everyday with an ocean view!
The place also offers a small bar by the beach, where you can order your favorite cocktail while waiting for Bajo’s splendid sunset!
Price: starts from 1,200,000 IDR/room/night*
Address: no street address, Labuan Bajo, Komodo, West Manggarai Regency, East Nusa Tenggara 86554 (Check on Google Maps)
Facilities: Restaurant, 24-Hour Front Desk, On Private Beach, Smoke-free Property
Plan Your Trip to Bajo and Discover these Hidden Gems
So, what to wait, t-mates? Plan your future trip to Labuan Bajo whenever you’re ready, these hidden gems in Labuan Bajo are waiting for you to explore. Ease your journey to Bajo by booking a flight to Labuan Bajo only at tiket.com. With tiket FLEXI and tiket Reschedule, there’s no more hassle in flying 😉
Stay safe wherever you are, t-mates!
*The information is valid at the time of writing. Price and other policies are subject to change at any time without prior notice.
