Labuhanbajo

Labuhanbajo is a town located on the eastern tip of Flores Island in the province of East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia. It serves as the capital of the Manggarai Islands Regency and functions as the principal gateway for visitors to the Komodo National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its Komodo dragons and marine biodiversity. The town sits on the southern coast of Flores by the Gulf of Tomini and is connected by a short, scenic drive from the island’s airport and a ferry that links it to the nearby islands of Komodo and Rinca.

Historically, Labuhanbajo has been a modest fishing and trading post established during the 18th century. Its name derives from the Indonesian words “labuhan” (harbor) and “bajo” (foal), reflecting its maritime heritage. Over recent decades the local economy has shifted significantly toward tourism, with a range of accommodation options from budget guesthouses to upscale resorts. Supporting infrastructure includes a small airport (Comoro Airport), a seaport that handles freight and passenger vessels, and public bus and taxi services that connect the town to other parts of Flores and the surrounding islands.

The culture of Labuhanbajo is a blend of indigenous Manggarai influences and the broader Sasak, Javanese, and Balinese elements brought by traders and migrants. Traditional dance and woodcarving are common, and the town’s annual Komodo Festival celebrates both the island’s wildlife and the local community. Visitors often use Labuhanbajo as a base to take boat tours around the Komodo National Park, snorkel or dive in the Great Reef, and explore the nearby volcanoes and waterfalls of Flores.