Labuan Bajo, located in East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia, is often seen as the jumping-off point to Komodo Island’s top attractions. However, beyond dragons and diving, it boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in Indonesia. Each stretch of sand offers a unique experience—whether it’s snorkeling over coral gardens, watching a golden sunset, or relaxing on an untouched sandbar in the middle of the sea.
This Labuan Bajo beach guide will take you through ten of the best beaches in Labuan Bajo, covering how to get there, when to visit, and what makes each one special.
1. Pink Beach (Pantai Merah) – Iconic Pink Sand and Snorkeling Spot
- Location: East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia
- How to get there: Accessible by boat from Labuan Bajo harbor. Requires Komodo National Park entrance fee (approx. IDR 150,000).
- Highlights: Vibrant coral reef and pink sand created by Foraminifera microorganisms.
- Best time to visit: April to November for best water visibility.
Just off the coast of Komodo Island lies Pantai Merah, or Pink Beach. Known for its rare pink-hued sand and shallow snorkeling reefs, this spot is a must-visit. It offers a surreal combination of color, marine life, and calm waters ideal for swimming or snorkeling.
2. Kanawa Island – Beach with Vibrant Coral Reefs
- Location: Kanawah Island, Pasir Putih, Komodo, West Manggarai Regency, East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia
- How to get there: 40-minute boat ride from Labuan Bajo. Entrance fee may apply (IDR 25,000–50,000).
- Highlights: Coral gardens ideal for beginner snorkelers.
- Best time to visit: May to September.
Kanawa Island offers crystal-clear waters and soft white sand. It’s especially popular among travelers looking to snorkel directly from the shore. The coral reef is shallow, making it ideal for beginners. Many tours to Komodo include this as a quick stop.
3. Taka Makassar – A Unique Sandbar in the Middle of the Sea
- Location: Taka Makassar is a tiny island in Komodo National Park
- How to get there: Only accessible by boat as part of Komodo island-hopping tours.
- Highlights: Sandbar surrounded by turquoise water. Best for drone photography and wading.
- Best time to visit: Mid-year (June to August) during low tides.
Taka Makassar is not a traditional beach—it’s a white sandbar in the middle of Komodo waters. There’s no vegetation or shade, but the surroundings are breathtaking. Visitors usually stop here to take photos and enjoy shallow water play.
4. Kelor Island – Clear Beach and Scenic Hilltop Views
- Location: This island is located not too far from Labuan Bajo
- How to get there: a 30-minute boat ride.
- Highlights: Hiking up the hill for panoramic island views.
- Best time to visit: Morning to midday for hiking and beach time.
Kelor Island features a tranquil beach and a moderate hill perfect for scenic views. After a short 15-minute hike, you’re rewarded with a 360-degree view of the surrounding islands and azure waters. It’s one of the most photographed spots near Labuan Bajo.
5. Pulau Bidadari (Angel Island) – A Quiet Resort-Style Beach
- Location: This island is located in the western part of Flores Island, near the town of Labuan Bajo, in East Nusa Tenggara province.
- How to get there: 30-minute boat from Labuan Bajo. Entry via resort or day trip.
- Highlights: Calm waters perfect for paddleboarding and relaxation.
- Best time to visit: Year-round, with calm conditions in the dry season.
Pulau Bidadari is often referred to as Angel Island, and true to its name, it offers a peaceful retreat. The beach here is part of a private resort, so it’s less crowded and well-maintained. Ideal for couples or families seeking a quiet escape.
6. Pantai Waecicu – A Calm Beach Near Town with Sunset Views
- Location: Labuan Bajo, Komodo, West Manggarai Regency, Đông Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia
- How to get there: Reachable by motorbike or car, 15 minutes from Labuan Bajo.
- Highlights: Tranquil swimming conditions and golden sunsets.
- Best time to visit: Late afternoon for sunset photography.
Waecicu Beach is one of the easiest beaches to access from town. Its calm, shallow waters are perfect for swimming or lounging. The real show starts during sunset, where the sky turns golden behind silhouettes of nearby boats.
7. Pantai Pede – Local Public Beach Near the Town Center
- Location: Labuan Arah, Bajo, Goron Talo, Kec. Komodo, Kabupaten Manggarai Barat, Nusa Tenggara Tim., Indonesia
- How to get there: Free entrance; reachable by foot or motorbike from town.
- Highlights: Cultural immersion with local food stalls and weekend crowds.
- Best time to visit: Weekdays for a quieter experience.
Pantai Pede is a public beach popular among locals. It may not be the most picturesque, but it offers a glimpse into everyday life in Labuan Bajo. Street food, live music, and weekend gatherings make this beach lively and authentic.
8. Seraya Island Beach – Remote Beauty with Soft Sands
- Location: Seraya is located on the north coast of Seraya Kecil island, 9 kilometres north of Labuan Bajo, the gateway to Komodo National Park.
- How to get there: Boat from Labuan Bajo; some resorts offer private transfers.
- Highlights: Soft white sand, snorkeling, and minimal crowd.
- Best time to visit: Dry season, from April to October.
Seraya Island is peaceful and has 200 meters of pristine private beach. While a few boutique resorts are nearby, the beach remains largely untouched. The reef is close to the shore, and the shallow waters are ideal for snorkeling. It’s a perfect beach for a half-day escape.
9. Sebayur Island Beach – A Diver’s Getaway with a Quiet Shore
- Location: Sebayur is located near Labuan Bajo in East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia, within the Komodo National Park.
- How to get there: Boat access via Komodo dive tours. Some dive resorts are located here.
- Highlights: Access to top dive sites and a serene shoreline.
- Best time to visit: Year-round, with best underwater visibility from June to September.
Sebayur Island is a hidden gem for divers, has fascinating, long beaches and coral reefs full of life ideal for snorkeling from the beach. It’s close to major dive sites like Castle Rock and Crystal Rock. The beach itself is narrow but peaceful, making it a great place to relax post-dive.
10. Pantai Wae Rana Beach – A Hidden Gem Only Locals Know
- Location: Labuan Bajo, Komodo, West Manggarai Regency, East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia
- How to get there: Local transport or scooter from town (20–25 minutes).
- Highlights: Untouched sands and quiet atmosphere.
- Best time to visit: Early morning or late afternoon.
Pantai Wae Rana Beach is off the usual tourist trail. It’s rarely crowded and remains a favorite among locals for picnics and peaceful getaways. While it lacks tourist facilities, its raw beauty and solitude make it worth the visit.
Final Thoughts
Labuan Bajo is more than just a starting point for Komodo Island—it’s a destination in its own right. From the soft pink sands of Pantai Merah to the quiet charm of Wae Rana Beach, each shoreline offers something different. Whether you’re snorkeling over colorful reefs, catching the sunset, or just enjoying a slow moment by the sea, these beaches let you experience the real beauty of Flores.
To get the most out of your trip, don’t stop at the beaches. Discover more with curated day trips around Labuan Bajo, stay at comfortable accommodations in Labuan Bajo, or plan a longer journey with a reliable Flores tour operator agency. If you’re up for a deeper adventure, explore the scenic Flores and Komodo trails—a route filled with nature, culture, and unforgettable views.
And if you’re building a bigger itinerary across the country, don’t miss our picks for the top tourist destinations in Indonesia.
