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Tourist Destination: Labuan Bajo |
Hidden Paradise
Labuan Bajo is a hidden paradise located in the eastern part of Indonesia.
Labuan Bajo, This village is situated in the Komodo District, West
Manggarai Regency, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) Province, bordering West Nusa Tenggara
and separated by the Sape Strait.
Labuan Bajo is one of the five Super Priority Destinations currently being
developed in Indonesia.
This destination serves as the gateway to Komodo National Park, which
harbors breathtaking natural beauty and world-famous prehistoric creatures.
From the endemic Komodo dragons on Rinca Island and Komodo Island to a
string of exotic islands, diverse marine life, and stunning beaches, you can
discover it all by starting your journey in Labuan Bajo.
Enjoying the sunset view is another way to savor Labuan Bajo's beauty.
Strategic spots for admiring this serene sunset can be found not far from
Komodo International Airport.
You can choose destinations like Bukit Cinta, Puncak Amelia, and Puncak
Silvia to capture the soul-soothing sunset.
There's also Gua Rangko, with its oasis-like charm and refreshing saltwater
pool.
If you're an adventurer at heart, a short trek to Cunca Wulang Waterfall is
a great option.
Don't miss out on the exciting live-on-board experience, where you can stay
on a pinisi boat for several days while sailing to visit beautiful islands and
even go diving to witness the extraordinary underwater beauty of Labuan Bajo.
Gateway to a World
Paradise
Labuan Bajo and Komodo National Park are inseparable entities.
They are interconnected, so when you're in Labuan Bajo, it's essential to
visit Komodo National Park.
To get there, you can take a ferry or fast boat, with numerous departure
options from morning to late afternoon.
Komodo National Park, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1991,
consists of Komodo Island, Rinca Island, Padar Island, and several other
surrounding islands.
The presence of the Komodo dragon (Varanus komodoensis), the world's
largest lizard, was first documented in a scientific journal in 1912 by Pieter
Antonie Ouwens, the Director of the Zoological Museum in Bogor.
This discovery marked the beginning of Labuan Bajo's global recognition, as
many tourists and scientists came to witness the ora, the local name for the
Komodo dragon.
While in Komodo National Park, you'll be treated to several astonishing
attractions.
One of them is taking a photo with a Komodo dragon.
It's an unforgettable experience to capture a moment with this rare
creature found only in Indonesia.
Besides the Komodo dragons, the national park is also renowned for its
mesmerizing landscapes.
Photography enthusiasts must include several spots for great shots.
Take, for example, the iconic Pulau Padar with its hilly terrain and the
gradient of blue sea in the background.
Pulau Kelor is equally enchanting, with its clear blue waters and
breathtaking views from its peak.
Another must-visit spot is Pink Beach, known as Pantai Merah by the locals.
Did you know that the red color on this beach actually comes from
microscopic organisms and reddish coral fragments along the coast?
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Tourist Destination: Labuan Bajo |
Labuan Bajo's Souvenirs
If you wish to bring home some souvenirs from Labuan Bajo, there are
several unique items you shouldn't miss, one of which is the distinctive Tanah
Manggarai songke fabric.
These fabrics typically have a black base with various colorful motifs on
top.
Similar to other traditional Indonesian textiles, songke patterns are
diverse and hold their own meanings.
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Tourist Destination: Labuan Bajo |
Here are some songke motifs you should know:
1. Ranggong (spider) symbolizes honesty and hard work.
2. Wela Kawu (kapok flower) signifies the connection between humans and their
surrounding nature.
3. Wela Runu (runu flower) represents that Manggarai people are like small
flowers that contribute to beauty.
4. Ntala (star) conveys hope and good wishes.
5. Ju'i (boundary lines) has a profound philosophy that everything has its
limits.
You can purchase these songke fabrics at souvenir shops located in front of
Komodo International Airport.
Labuan Bajo's Culinary Delights
Delicious Labuan Bajo cuisine can also be taken home as souvenirs, such as
the famous bitter-tasting Manggarai coffee, kompiang bread made from flour with
sesame toppings, or snacks made from rice flour and grated coconut called
rebok.
Getting to Labuan Bajo
Labuan Bajo is accessible by land, sea, and air. The beauty of Komodo
Island, combined with its rich local culture and exotic islands, makes LabuanBajo a potentially bustling tourist destination.
By Air
If you prefer air travel, Transnusa Airlines directly connects Labuan Bajo
with several cities in Indonesia, such as Makassar, Semarang, Balikpapan,
Kupang, and Mataram.
If you're coming from Jakarta, several airlines like Batik Air and Citilink
operate flights to Labuan Bajo, with departures in the morning and afternoon.
The flight duration from Jakarta to Labuan Bajo is approximately four
hours.
You can also travel to Labuan Bajo from Gewayantana Airport in Flores,
Frans Sales Lega Airport in Ruteng, or H. Hasan Aroeboesman Airport in Ende.
For more flight schedule information, visit the relevant airline's website,
Sobat Pesona!
By Land
Taking a road trip to Labuan Bajo via Flores is an interesting option. The
journey typically starts from Flores, passing through Bajawa, Ruteng, Nancar,
Mboera, before reaching Labuan Bajo.
Another alternative is from Flores to Riung, Wera, Ruteng, Nancar, and
Mboera before ending in Labuan Bajo. This land journey can take up to 12 hours.
If you prefer another option, you can take a bus from Bali to Mataram,
Lombok.
From there, continue the journey to Bima in Sumbawa, and then proceed to
Sape. Upon arriving in Sape, you can board a ferry to Labuan Bajo.
By Sea
Interested in a sea journey to Labuan Bajo? You can take the Leuser ship
from PELNI, which sails from Makassar, South Sulawesi, or the PELNI KM Binaiya
ship departing from Denpasar (Benoa) to Labuan Bajo.
You can find detailed ship schedules on PELNI.
These are the essentials you need to know about Labuan Bajo.
Besides exploring the attractions, you can also capture the scenic beauty
and atmosphere of Labuan Bajo using your gadgets or camera.
Remember to wear a mask, maintain social distancing, and wash your hands with running water while visiting any tourist spots in Labuan Bajo!