Eastern Indonesia’s Labuan Bajo is a secret paradise. The Sape Strait divides East Nusa Tenggara Province, which is next to West Nusa Tenggara, and the Komodo District, West Manggarai Regency, where this village is situated. One of the five Super Priority Destinations being developed in Indonesia is Labuan Bajo. So enjoying a private tour of Labuan Bajo is a must to try.

The Komodo National Park, which has incredible natural beauty and well-known primitive animals, is accessible through this location. You can find everything by starting your journey in Labuan Bajo, including the endemic Komodo dragon on Rinca Island and Komodo Island, rows of exotic islands, underwater biodiversity, and fantastic beaches.

The Entrance to Paradise on Earth

Komodo National Park and Labuan Bajo are one and the same. Since the two are connected, you must visit Komodo National Park while you are in Labuan Bajo. You can explore private tour travel to Labuan Bajo there by ferry or fast boat. There is a variety of morning and evening departure times. 

In addition to the Komodo dragons, this national park is well known for its stunning scenery. It is required to include a number of spots here where photographers can take pictures. With its hill-shaped island and various different shades of blue sea in the background, consider it the iconic Padar Island. No less cool is Kelor Island, which offers a breathtaking view of the island and the deep blue sea from its summit.

Pink Beach, also referred to by the locals as Pantai Merah, is another location that shouldn’t be missed. It turns out that the red color of this beach is caused by microscopic creatures and reddish coral fragments near the shore.

Souvenir of Labuan Bajo

There are some unique souvenirs that you shouldn’t skip if you want to bring something home from Labuan Bajo, including the regional songke cloth from Manggarai Land, Kompiang Bread, coffee, forest honey, and processed moringa leaves.

Songke Cloth

Songke cloth was typical of the Manggarai Land. This fabric typically comes in black and has a variety of vibrant motifs on it. Songke motifs are very diverse and each one has its own meaning, just like those on other Indonesian textiles. There are several songke motifs you should be knowledgeable of, including:

• Ranggong (spider) is a symbol of integrity and diligence.
• Wela Kawu, a kapok flower, refers to the bond that exists between people and the natural world.
• Wela Runu (runu flower) is a Manggarai word that means “small flower” but also means “source of beauty.”
• Ntala (star), which means prayers and good wishes.
• Everything has an end, based on the deep philosophy of Ju’i (border lines).

Kompiang

Kompiang is a salty snack that has a denser texture than bread. Sesame seeds are scattered on the top side, and there is a hole in the middle that is filled with different flavors. There are classic flavors like original banana, cheese banana, chocolate banana, and kelor, as well as chocolate, cheese, chicken, vegetable chicken, spicy mushroom chicken, tuna, mayo tuna, and spicy tuna. Some NTT citizens have a longtime love for Kompiang and commonly bring it home with them when they travel.

Coffee

The Manggarai area is well known for its unique coffee beans. There are many stores that sell robusta and arabica ready-to-eat coffee grounds.

Forest Honey

A number of UMKM in Labuan Bajo also sell premium forest honey as an alternative to typical tourist souvenirs. This is the result of a forest with strong characteristics in the Labuan Bajo region.

Processed Kelor Leaves

Kelor leaves are a type of herbal plant that has been used for a very long time for a variety of purposes. Slowing the development of cancer cells is one of the advantages of Kelor leaves. Kelor leaves can now be consumed in a variety of ways, including snack sticks and flour made by UMKM in Labuan Bajo.