1 Day in Labuan Bajo, Flores: The Perfect Overland Adventure

Flo MBT
Oct 24
3 min read

Updated: Oct 27

Most travelers come to Labuan Bajo, on Flores Island, Indonesia, for one thing — exploring the famous Komodo Islands and the incredible diving and snorkeling spots nearby.But if, like us, you’ve already done your island-hopping tour and have an extra day to spare, don’t rush off just yet.Labuan Bajo has plenty to offer on land, too!

Here’s how we spent one perfect day exploring Flores overland — waterfalls, caves, and the best sunset views in town.

Getting Around

We decided to rent a scooter — it gave us flexibility and saved a lot of money.

Scooter rental: 100,000 IDR for the day
Fuel: around 20,000 IDR

If you prefer not to drive, you can hire a private driver or join a “tour”, but it’s basically the same thing — someone driving you from spot to spot. Expect to pay around 1.5 million IDR, excluding entry fees, so renting a scooter is by far the better deal.

Stop 1: Cunca Waterfall

About 1 hour from Labuan Bajo, the road to Cunca Waterfall is smooth for most of the way, with only the last 2 km unpaved.You’ll pay a small entry fee and be joined by a local guide (mandatory).

The short 15-minute walk to the waterfall is easy and scenic. Once there, the falls are beautiful and surrounded by lush forest.You can jump into the pools from 3 or 7 meters — your guide will show you the safe spots. The water is surprisingly warm!

Lunch in Labuan Bajo

After the waterfall, we drove back to town for lunch. There are plenty of small warungs and cafés — anything from Indonesian nasi goreng to smoothie bowls with a view of the harbor.

Stop 2: Rangko Cave

Next, we headed to Rangko Cave, about 30 minutes from town. Once you reach the Rangko village, you’ll need to take a local boat to reach the cave. Prices vary — try to negotiate, but we paid:

250,000 IDR for two people (boat)
100,000 IDR for two (cave entry)

After a 10-minute boat ride, you arrive at a small beach. A short 5-minute walk brings you to the cave entrance. Inside, you’ll find a natural saltwater pool lit by sunlight streaming through the rocks — an unreal turquoise glow.

👉 Tip: The best time to visit is around 4 PM, when the sunlight hits the cave perfectly. The water is calm and refreshing — definitely bring your swimsuit!

Stop 3: Mirror Stone Cave (Batu Cermin)

On the way back to town, we stopped at Mirror Stone Cave, just a few minutes from the city center.

Parking: 10,000 IDR
Entry: 10,000 IDR for two
Optional guide: 50,000 IDR

After a short walk, at the entrance, you’ll find helmets — grab one before entering! Turn the lamp on you phone on and you're ready! The cave is dark but safe, and although it looks a bit intimidating at first, you can’t really get lost. Inside, you’ll see fascinating limestone formations that reflect the sunlight — hence the name “Mirror Cave.”

Sunset in Labuan Bajo

End your day with one of Labuan Bajo’s spectacular sunsets. You can head to Sylvia Hill for panoramic views over the harbor and nearby islands, or simply relax at one of the many terraces in town overlooking the sea with a cold drink in hand.

If you’re spending a few days in Labuan Bajo, don’t limit yourself to the islands.Flores itself deserves your time — and one scooter, a bit of curiosity, and a sense of adventure are all you need.

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