What happens when you visit Labuan Bajo and skip the island hopping?
When most people arrive in Labuan Bajo, they leave the mainland almost instantly. You land at the airport, hop onto a boat, and start searching for Komodo dragons or the Insta-famous Pink Beach. So, when Crowne Plaza Labuan Bajo invited me out for a three-day reset (it’s a super easy one-hour flight from Bali), I fully expected my entire itinerary to be nothing but sunsets and boat days.
Except that’s not what happened. Shortly after I arrived, the government temporarily closed all sea activities due to strong currents. What I thought would be a sea-focused escape turned into something completely different, but surprisingly, even better. Being grounded on the mainland led me to experience a different side of Labuan Bajo. I ended up finding some incredible local spots I would’ve totally missed from a boat.
Here’s exactly how those three days went down…
Crowne Plaza Labuan Bajo at a glance
Best for: Convenient stays near the airport and a reliable base to explore Labuan Bajo.
Book here if: You want a polished, modern stay with local design touches and facilities that cover everything from pool time to all-day dining.
Rates: Starting from IDR 2,100,000++ per night
My 3D2N Labuan Bajo Itinerary
Day 1
- Land at Komodo International Airport
- Check in at Crowne Plaza Labuan Bajo
- Relax at the hotel pool or freshen up
- Head to Melo Village
- Sunset at Bukit Silvia or Bukit Cinta
Day 2
- Breakfast at Pamakka, the hotel’s all-day dining restaurant
- Drive inland to Desa Seribu Air Terjun (Wae Lolos)
- Swim and explore the waterfall
- Lunch back in town
- Visit Goa Batu Cermin (Mirror Cave)
- Catch the sunset and have dinner at Pondok Sinara Garden
Day 3
- Breakfast at the hotel
- Visit New Eden Moringa
- Return to Crowne Plaza Labuan Bajo & pack
- Flight home
My stay at Crowne Plaza Labuan Bajo
First off, let’s talk about the hotel’s location. Forget the usual airport transfer stress, Crowne Plaza Labuan Bajo is literally five minutes away from Komodo International Airport. You land, and you’re basically there. My window actually overlooked the landing strip, which was such a cool perspective on how close it really is.
The hotel itself has that polished, contemporary feel you crave after traveling. It’s spacious and calm, with a large bed that was dangerously hard to leave. One thing I loved: if you look at the artwork above the headboard, it’s inspired by Kain Songke, the traditional woven fabric of the Manggarai people. I really appreciate those small, thoughtful details that actually reflect the local culture.
Other Facilities at Crowne Plaza Labuan Bajo
Beyond the rooms, the hotel has everything you’d expect for a comfortable stay. Think a large swimming pool, a fully equipped gym, and a bar at the lobby for easy snacks and hangout spot. But what genuinely stood out to me was that they have dedicated rooms for guests with disabilities, they’ve thoughtfully designed every detail in the room to cater to their needs. From the layout to the fittings, it’s clear this wasn’t an afterthought. A small detail to some, but honestly, a big win for inclusivity.
When it came to food, Pamakka (the hotel’s all-day spot) basically became my second home. The space is super bright and airy with all these warm wood tones and huge windows. You have to try the local Flores coffee here, it just hits different when you’re sipping it right where it’s grown. For breakfast, I loved that they did a really thoughtful mix, so whether you’re craving a proper Indonesian start to the day or just want your classic eggs and toast, you’re totally covered.
What To Do in Labuan Bajo (Beyond Island Hopping)
If there’s one thing I learned from my weekend in Labuan Bajo, it’s that the mainland is extremely underrated. While everyone else is fighting for a spot at Pink Beach, you can have waterfalls and traditional villages almost entirely to yourself. So if you ever find yourself with a closed port (or just want to escape the crowds), these are my top recommendations.
Experience traditional Manggarai culture at Melo Village
If you want to see a more traditional side of Labuan Bajo, Melo Village is a great place to start. Located about 45 minutes from town, the drive alone is worth it, winding up into the hills with sweeping views over the Flores landscape. Once you arrive, the local Manggarai community welcomes you with kain songket, which you can buy for IDR 100,000 to take home as a souvenir
One of the highlights here is the Caci dance performance, a traditional whip-fighting ritual that’s both intense and symbolic. The dancers wear elaborate headpieces and songke cloth, moving to the rhythm as they take turns striking and defending. Here, you can even participate in striking one of the dancers (above the protective gear, of course). You’ll also get panoramic views from the village hilltop, stretching all the way to the coastline on a clear day. It’s peaceful, raw, and completely different from the beach scenes most people associate with Bajo.
Top tip: Bring cash in Indonesian Rupiah, as certain parts of the ceremony may involve giving a small donation as a sign of respect.
Discover Labuan Bajo’s hidden waterfalls
One of the best decisions I made was heading inland to Desa Seribu Air Terjun. The name literally translates to “village of a thousand waterfalls”, which already tells you what kind of landscape you’re stepping into. It’s about an hour’s drive from town, and the journey itself shows you a different side of Bajo, with rice fields, small villages, and quiet stretches of road that feel far from the harbour buzz.
Getting to the waterfall involves a short walk down uneven paths and steps, so wear proper shoes. It’s not extreme, but it’s not flip-flop friendly either. Once you’re there, you’ll find a natural pool fed by the waterfall where you can cool off and take a proper break. The waterfall area hasn’t been overly developed or staged for photos, which honestly makes it feel more special.
Top tip: Grab fresh passion fruit from the farmers along the way. If you’re lucky, they’ll pick it straight from the vine for you!
See the natural light reflections inside Goa Batu Cermin
Another mainland spot worth adding to your list is Goa Batu Cermin, also known as Mirror Cave. It’s only about 15 minutes from the centre of Labuan Bajo, making it one of the easiest natural attractions to reach.
The cave gets its name from the way sunlight reflects off the limestone walls at certain times of the day, creating a subtle shimmering effect inside. You’ll need a local guide to walk you through the cave, and they’ll point out fossilised coral formations embedded in the rock, a reminder that this entire area was once underwater. It’s a short exploration, but surprisingly interesting, especially if you’re into geology. Wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for a bit of climbing and ducking inside.
Top tip: Don’t stray away from your guide. The area around the cave is home to various types of snakes, including poisonous ones, so it’s best to follow instructions at all times.
Visit New Eden Moringa for a taste of local wellness traditions
If you want something slower and maybe nearing the end of your trip, make a stop at New Eden Moringa. This local initiative focuses on moringa, a nutrient-rich plant that’s widely used across Flores for its health benefits. It’s part café, part education space, and part community project, which makes the visit feel more meaningful than just another food stop.
Here, you can try moringa in different forms, from teas to smoothies and even snacks, while learning how it’s grown and processed locally.
Top tip: Contact them in advance and you can order a tumpeng, a traditional Indonesian cone-shaped rice platter served with various side dishes. We usually reserve it for celebrations, but here you can pre-order it for a group lunch.
Island hopping will always be iconic, but don’t sleep on the mainland. Labuan Bajo has more layers than you think!