Poor island that is expensive relatively. Not so nice food generally. A long way off catering to western standards of hygiene, service,and responsible tourism.
No rubbishy collection. No infrastructure for responsible development. Big gap between those who have and those who don't.
Labuan Bajo is part of Flores island, to explore Labuan Bajo itself doesnt take more than one day. However, to enjoy the beauty of the islands takes more days as it has so many beautiful places you need to visit by boat.
There were a good variety of food choices at the local restaurants and some interesting souvenir shops.
There were many tour shops along the main harbour road, which i recommend checking deals before arranging a boat trip or diving trip. Also check the entry costs to Komodo Island as i was quoted Rp200,000, but it cost me Rp300,000 because i carried a movie camera (Rp150,000 extra!). Hiring a small boat to Rince Island cost Rp1.5 million, including a cooked lunch and snorkelling on the return journey.
This is a small town with a small town centre (meaning there is one road where the nicer restaurants are).
This town is more of a stopover for adventurers and diving enthusiasts. Most of the days will be spent traveling on a boat to the smaller islands for a good diving or snorkelling session. Make sure to use a reputable diving/tour company. Not recommended to hire your own boat because sometimes you will get a broken down boat. If you are on your vacation, you want everything to be relaxing, not worth saving a few dollars for a full day of stress. Food are mostly street food with a couple of good restaurants here and there. The area is developing rapidly and it will be interesting as to what the town will look like in a couple of years. Getting around is easier with an Ojek (or motor taxi). Rates are about Rp 5000 per one way.
Labuanbajo is a great destination for a beach vacation. There are hundreds (we're told) of white sand beaches within a few hours boat ride and it's easy to join a group or hire a boat for the day.
The snorkeling is good (coral is a bit bleached out but there were fish and other creatures to see). Italian restaurant was surprisingly good (not by standards of an international city but definitely better than most small tourist towns) and the seaside warungs had outstanding an inexpensive fish dinners. The main strip is a series of one diving shop after another punctuated by restaurants but there are still some local stores and services around town if you look for them.
An entry point for visitors to Komodo and driving enthusiasts. The town has good beaches and basic facilities with several good hotels.
It has been a poor region, but is becoming a tourist centre and the locals are very friendly and attentive.
A must stopover town in Flores. We when on a 2 days 1 night trip to Komodo island and totally enjoy it.
We visited Komodo island at 7:30 am it was cool and the Komodo Dragon were very active.
Although it is meant to be just a convenient all-in-one stop for travellers/divers to the Komodo National Park , it is quite a charming laid back town in its own right.
the vibe of the place is just right and the panoramic sunset certainly adds to the charm!
prepare your travel carefully in Labuan bajo, so you can visit Komodo Island, but also having a land tour on the main Island.
If you are looking for hectic and city like...then you will not find it. Labuan Bajo is only a town, not much to explored.
But still good to visit.
The town itself very small and not much to see. The nature surround it is really great. I love to see the combination of yellowish hill and dark blue ocean, especially around 5 pm, when the ray of the sun makes it looks like a dream world.
Also love to venture into the small island and spend lots of time in the water. Definitely will love to come back again.
Labuan Bajo is the right place to go to Komodo and for diving. The city itself needs a lot of public infrastructure enhancement: at present (2013)the city is very dirty and foul-smelling.
Many of the western restaurants are not so good and very expensive.
80% Christian, very friendly, feel safe,staff at hotel very friendly,amazing island and sunset views,still untouched,great snorkelling diving beach island swimming,
One of the transit gateway to Komodo Islands. A tiny port town that is magical for sunset from the hills.
Nothing much to do in this town. Food is limited but there are hotels with good accommodation that are new and worth staying. Definitely a must visit.
Not a lot happening in town besides some nice restaurants and trips sellers. Would recommend to do day trip to one of the comodo islands.
Excellent base for access to Komodo National Park.Quite basic but a true insight into daily remote Indonesian life.
Very friendly locals.
Changing rapidly from a fishing village to a backpackers hangout for those wishing to do some day scuba dives or take is Komodo Dragon tour.
a new airport terminal is being built.
Amazing diving to take part in, lots of options for dive schools. We went with Bajo dive, they rocked!
Labuana Bajo is a poor city with the hudge mess. Staying there is purposeful only for diving or snorkling or visiting Komodo / Rinca and see dragons.
A great base for exploring the Komod National Park. Local transport using the hotels is expensive. Some of the better class hotels do not provide value for money.
Still developing so a captive market right now.
Beautiful city. Not touristy (yet), so you get to see life as they really live it (unlike Bali.) A lot to do and see very close to town, including Komodo island.
a couple great restaurants in town fro food and great views. Very relaxing town as well, if that is what you are looking for.
Could be a paradise if the streets were cleaner. The view across the bay from Labuan Bajo is super. The people are very friendly and helpful.
Well worth a visit.
Labuan Bajo is a small city that makes us surprised. There are lots of Italian restaurant that really offer good quality of food.
And the Komodo island and all the island surround it is very beautiful. We really enjoy snorkeling in Bidadari Island, and Pink Beach. We can even see even sting ray and sea turtle and many other beautiful fish. We really enjoyed this trip. The kids LOVE IT. It's an adventure!
Labuan Bajo is a small but well-situated town with minimal facilities foir tourists. There is one ATM and one supermarket (as far as I know).
However, there are some good restaurants and coffee houses. Views over the harbour, bay and distant mountains are to be appreciated from scores of vantage points. There is little in the way of spectacular architecture but away from the main street one can walk through authentic neighbourhoods and soak in the atmosphere. This is a major gateway for boat trips out to the unforgettable Komodo National Park.