Labuan Bajo

Labuan Bajo grew up as a small fishing settlement, and its name links the harbour (labuan) with the seafaring Bajo people who settled along this coast. It is now the administrative seat of West Manggarai Regency.

The town's transformation came with the rise of Komodo tourism. In 2018 the national government named it one of five super-priority tourism destinations, bringing major investment in the waterfront, roads and Komodo International Airport. That growth has made the town the hub for nearly every visit to Komodo National Park, while the park authority manages ticketing and visitor numbers from its visitor centre here.

Labuan Bajo is a mix of communities from across Flores and beyond, including Bajo, Bugis and Manggarai people, and the town has both churches and mosques. Fishing, boat building and crewing remain important livelihoods alongside tourism. Halal food is available at many local restaurants and seafood stalls, though it is always worth asking. Dress modestly when away from the waterfront, particularly when visiting villages.