Where you stay in the “Gateway to the Komodo Islands” can make or break your trip. If you like to explore cities on foot, you don’t want to stay too far away. Luxury travellers will want to lock in one of the stunning villas for sunset views. And if you book far enough in advance, you can snag some great deals on mid-range and budget-friendly accom. Here are the best Labuan Bajo Hotel options depending on your travel style.
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Labuan Bajo hotel overview
Short on time? Here’s the real quick version of what I think you need to know before booking accommodation in Labuan Bajo.
- You can find great hostels for 200,000 IDR ($20 NZD) or ball out on bougie resorts villas for 50,000,000 IDR ($5,000)
- Make sure you book early for the high season.
- Katamaran Hotel & Resort is the top luxury pick for this city.
- I highly recommend Seaesta Hostel & Hotel for budget travellers.
- You can walk anywhere in the downtown area in like 20 minutes, so just pick somewhere you like.
Best luxury hotels in Labuan Bajo
Indonesia is a famously affordable destination for people coming with euros, dollars, and pounds. However, if money ain’t no thang, you should splash out on one of these premium price point hotels for some pampering.
Price range: 3,400,000 — 10,000,000 IDR
The top luxury Labuan Bajo hotel is a no brainer — look no further than the Katamaran Hotel & Resort. If you can afford it, what you really want is one of the over water bungalows. Expensive, but designed to be ultra luxe. I met someone who was staying here and they said it was a total dream.
Standout features: Overwater bungalows, highly-rated breakfast, beachfront.
Location: Not walkable from town, so that’s a bit of a downside. But the views from the property are amazing, and you can catch a Grab/Gojek ride to town for a couple bucks.
Price range: 6,000,000 — 50,000,000 IDR
It doesn’t get much more luxe than one of these cliff side villas at Plataran Komodo Resort & Spa. But even the standard rooms are beautiful and have a cozy, secluded vibe. You can catch a 10-minute boat between town and the hotel.
Standout features: The villas have private infinity pool overlooking the Komodo Islands. Incredible sunset views. Starlit beachside dining.
Location: Even further from town than Katamaran, but you have everything you need, and you’re super close to Waicicu Beach. Away from the hustle and bustle.
Other luxury hotels in Labuan Bajo
Overwater bungalows feel like such a Maldives, Bora Bora, Tahiti thing. But Labuan Bajo has hopped on the luxe trend and has a few stunning resorts to choose from where you can live the over water dream.
Best mid-range hotels in Labuan Bajo
If you’re not on a tight budget but also can’t really justify spending a thousand bucks on an over-water bungalow, I feel you. Here’s where you can stay for something a little nicer than a hostel that doesn’t break the bank.
Price range: 450,000 IDR — 600,000 IDR
I went to the Pu’u Pau Hotel‘s cafe a few times to work and loved it. Everyone was really nice, and I never felt like I was being an inconvenience. They have some areas set up for laptop use.
Location: Great spot right in the center of town. Next to more cute coffee shops like Komodough if you need a change of scenery.
View from Escape Bajo’s restaurant
Price range: 640,000 IDR — 1,900,000 IDR
I went to Escape Bajo a few times just for the views at the restaurant. It’s the perfect sunset spot! The rooms have the same epic, unobstructed view.
Standout features: The property is adults-only. They do also have dorms if you’re on a budget.
Location: Quick walk into town (uphill to get home).
Price range 750,000 IDR — 900,000 IDR
The Cool Breeze Authentic Hotel is family-run, super cute, and has a saltwater pool.
Standout features: The unique architecture. I also consider the pet dogs a feature, but I guess this could be a downside if you hate animals.
Location: Down in the south side of the city, but still an easy walk to the main stuff.
Price range: 770,000 IDR — 3,900,000 IDR
The Blue Parrot has amazing reviews and great views (that rhymes)!
Standout features: People rave about the comfortable beds and the great included breakfast.
Location: Walkable to the fish market and the nice part of town. However, it’s definitely uphill.
Other nice mid-range hotels in Labuan Bajo
Best hostels in Labuan Bajo
Labuan Bajo is a very backpacker-friendly place. As a major diving destination and increasingly popular alternative to overtouristed Bali, there are lots of hostels to choose from.
Price range: 240,000 IDR (dorm) — 1,400,000 IDR (hotel room)
This has to be the best hostel in Labuan Bajo. Everyone I spoke to knew of Seaesta, and considering the price, I think it’s the best bang for your buck. Everything was super clean. They make your bed every day, even if you’re in the dorms!
The team also helped me arrange a last-minute trip to Wae Rebo and I paid less than everyone else in my group lol. So they must have good relationships with tour operators.
Standout features: Rooftop pool, friendly staff, and events like live music or a DJ every night. Things wrap up by 11 so it’s not too loud too late.
Location: Great location close to the fish market and the nice part of town, but it is an uphill walk to get home.
I stayed at Seaesta Komodo Hostel & Hotel and it was the best.
Regardless of whether you’re looking for a bunk in a dorm or a private room, this is the place to be. Can’t recommend it highly enough! And I’m not the only one — the reviews for this place are consistently top tier.
Price range: 150,000 IDR — 650,000 IDR
I didn’t stay at La Boheme, but I know some girls who did and they loved it! Right on the beach, great social vibes, and friendly staff.
Standout features: Affordable private rooms, and the lowest-cost hostel dorms of all the well-rated options in Labuan Bajo. Some fun stuff like a pool table and dart board.
Location: Slightly outside the main strip, making it quiet but still accessible/walkable.
De Nata
I also stayed at De Nata because Seaesta was fully booked when I wanted to extend. Look, it wasn’t the worst place I’ve ever stayed, but it was a significant downgrade.
View from De Nata rooftop
I stayed in a female dorm for one night before my boat trip, and it was grim. Toilets just had a shower curtain, beds were rickety. I was dreading going back. But fortunately, I’d booked into a mixed dorm for the return, and it was way better! Thick mattresses, a little shelf and key lockbox in your cubicle, a nice curtain. Tiny but cute rooftop. Totally reasonable for a few nights.
Overall, De Nata was fine, but it’s the same price as Seaesta. So like, stay there instead.
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Most unique hotels in Labuan Bajo
Loccal Collection
This blue and white themed cliff side hotel looks like Santorini or something. Loccal Collection has amazing views overlooking the islands from an infinity pool. And it’s upper-midrange starting around 1,200,000 per night.
Elang Hillside Bamboo Villas
Who doesn’t love a good treehouse? The Elang Hillside Bamboo Villas have all the comforts of a nice hotel but a more unique bamboo interior. It’s definitely a very Instagrammable hotel in Labuan Bajo!
Loccal Collection Hotel
Elang Hillside Bamboo Villas
Some Labuan Bajo accommodation options I would avoid
I’m not tryna ruin anyone’s business, but I also want to make sure you have the best trip. Here are some places I would not stay in Labuan Bajo.
- Selini: This looks so cute but has really bad reviews on Booking.com. Reviewers did not feel it was very clean, and many complain about how loud the nearby mosque is.
- Bajo Hotel: Another spot with horrible reviews. When cleanliness and comfort are the two lowest-rated things, I’m out.
- Backpacker’s Homestay: The only well-ish-rated thing here is the Wi-Fi.
Tips for booking a hotel in Labuan Bajo
- Look for something close to the sea. It’s not hard to find here! Beach access will be a vibe.
- Book your hotel in Labuan Bajo early. Especially if you’re going in the high season!
- The town is on a hill. So make sure you consider that when looking at properties. Jalan Soekarno Hatta is the oval-ish main road, and the bit closest to the water is flat, but the more in-land section is all uphill. Both Seaesta and De Nata were up steep hills, so I got some glute exercise in.
- The northern part of the city is nicer than the southern bit. Not that the south is awful, but I stayed in both areas and the vibe in the north is just better. It’s also where you’ll find the fish market and little waterfront promenade.
- Bring earplugs and consider the nearby mosques. Even though Flores is a predominantly Christian island, there are lots of mosques. I didn’t think that would be an issue when I got to Indonesia, and thought people were overreacting/racist/big whiny babies. However, I was woken up several times by a 5 am call to prayer. I think it’s beautiful, but if you value your sleep, you may struggle with this. So bring ear plugs!
FAQs about Labuan Bajo accommodation
Here are some answers to frequently asked questions about Labuan Bajo hotels, villas, and budget accommodation. These FAQs can help you plan the perfect trip!
How do I get to my accom from Labuan Bajo airport?
Labuan Bajo’s Komodo International Airport (LBJ) is just a 10–15 minute drive from town. Most hotels offer a shuttle for an additional fee, usually 200,000 IDR.
You can take a taxi, but make sure you negotiate a good price — maybe 50,000 to 100,000 IDR to the town centre. Alternatively, if you’re willing to hop on a Grab/Gojek scooter with your luggage, it’ll cost under 20,000 IDR. I wore my big backpack and the driver kept my carry-on at his feet. Worked a treat, honestly.
I met some people who chose to walk. If you’re on like a tight shoestring budget, this might make sense. I wouldn’t do it at night, and there won’t be a footpath for most of your journey. But it’s only about a 30 minute walk.
Can you rent a scooter in Labuan Bajo?
Yes, you can easily rent a scooter in Labuan Bajo. Scooter rentals are available to tourists and the roads are relatively quiet and easy to navigate. You can pay per day or negotiate a better price for a week or longer.
You’ll need to show your passport, and make sure you have your driver’s license and an international driving permit (IDP) in case you get pulled over. This is a legal requirement.
Only rent if you’re comfortable with local driving conditions. If you’re not experienced, just use Grab/Gojek. It’ll only cost a few bucks every time you want to go somewhere.
What is there to do in Labuan Bajo?
The 3D/2N live aboard boat trip is basically a must. Komodo National Park to see the dragons is the main highlight, of course. But you’ll also make lots of snorkeling stops — maybe even to see turtles and manta rays, if you’re lucky. Your itinerary will likely include Padar Island, Pink Beach, and a spot to watch flying foxes take to the skies at sunset. It’s a whole vibe.
Beyond the boat trip, here are some Labuan Bajo activities:
- Mirror Cave: Very affordable and close to town. You can explore on your own or hire a guide.
- Rangko Cave: Underwater cave where you can go for a little swim.
- Wae Rebo: Overnight trip to an ancient village. One of the best things I did in Indonesia! No road access, so you’ll need to take on a 2-hour hike.
- Todo Village: Another historical traditional Indonesian village, but easier to reach than Wae Rebo.
- Waterfalls: You can do a day trip to all the waterfalls. A great way to cool off on a roasting hot day.
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Wae Rebo
How long should I stay at a hotel in Labuan Bajo?
You don’t need more than 3 days in Labuan Bajo (not including any liveaboard trips).
The multi-night boat trips are usually 2-3 nights, or even longer for the diving trips. But you might also want to check out the caves and waterfalls near town. So tack on a few extra days before or after your boat trip. I also recommend an overnight trip to Wae Rebo.
All that said, you don’t need more than a week. The town itself doesn’t have much going on. I stayed 2 weeks, and it was way too long.
What is the best time of year to visit Labuan Bajo?
The dry season (May–September) is the best time to visit. The seas will be calmer, which is obviously ideal for island hopping and diving adventures. The wet season (November–April) can affect boat tours, but the waterfalls will be cooler.
Peak season is July–August, so book accommodation and any live aboard trips early! Seriously. I booked my boat trip over a month out and I had limited options.
How do I get to Labuan Bajo?
Most flights to Labuan Bajo are domestic, so you’ll likely fly via Bali (1 hour) or Jakarta (2.5 hours). The only international flight is from Kuala Lumpur.
Alternatively, if you’re into slow travel, take the four-day boar from Lombok. I didn’t personally do this, but I know a few people who did and they loved it. It stops at a few places along the way, like Padar Island and Komodo National Park.