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Labuan Bajo and Komodo waters

A suggested itinerary based in Labuan Bajo. Allow 3 days.

A suggested route for your own trip, inspired by the Journal’s locations. It is not a record of Andy’s personal itinerary.

Allow3 daysBaseLabuan BajoRoute5 planned stages

Editorially reviewed 16 September 2026 · confirm live access before travelling.

Labuan Bajo — photograph from Andy’s Journal

Your suggested route

The times below are suggested allowances, not live opening hours or transport schedules. Adjust the order for your arrival time, bookings and conditions.

  1. Day 1 · Arrival · Harbour and town

    Check in, have lunch and explore the town waterfront. Meet or contact your boat operator to confirm the actual departure, route and inclusions. Keep this day light instead of booking an offshore trip immediately after a flight.

  2. Day 1 · Late afternoon · A local outlook

    Choose an accessible public viewpoint agreed with your driver, such as a currently open Bukit Cinta area, then return for dinner. Allow a comfortable hour around the view. Private resort terraces should only be used with the property’s permission.

  3. Day 2 · Morning · Padar if conditions permit

    Join a well-equipped licensed boat trip and follow the crew’s route. If Padar is included and open, allow time for its stepped, exposed viewpoint walk, turning around when appropriate. The order depends on marine conditions and access, not solely the best photographic light.

  4. Day 2 · Afternoon · Ranger-led wildlife and water

    Choose a programme with an authorised ranger-led dragon visit and a small number of permitted beach or snorkelling stops. Follow wildlife distances and current guidance. Manta rays and other animals are never guaranteed, and strong currents can remove a swim from the plan.

  5. Day 3 · A buffer before departure

    Keep the final day for a town breakfast, a short local outing or a postponed activity if logistics genuinely allow. A second substantial boat day needs another night. Leave a generous margin before your flight rather than returning from sea at the last moment.

Where to pause for food

Choose a town meal around the harbour or Kampung Ujung area, checking prices for seafood. Confirm boat lunch, water and dietary arrangements in advance. Bring a secure snack and avoid leaving packaging on islands or boats.

Getting around

Labuan Bajo is the land base; Komodo-area stops require separate marine transport. Compare actual sailing time and boat type rather than the number of advertised stops. Arrange airport and harbour transfers clearly and keep a weather buffer between boating and flights.

For a shorter day or different weather

If seas are unsuitable, ask about a verified land-based outing or enjoy the town and accommodation. Visitors who do not want steep steps can select a route without the Padar climb. Diving is a separate specialist activity requiring its own planning and post-dive flight interval.

Before you go

Confirm park permits, ranger arrangements, passenger numbers, safety equipment and cancellation terms. Ask which fees are additional. The named stops are suggested options, not a promise that every one can be safely or legally visited on a particular day.

Visitor information and further planning

Use these destination, attraction and operator resources to check current access and arrangements before booking.

Places from the Journal

Explore the original Instagram posts from this destination.

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