5 Scenic island day trips from Labuan Bajo to explore Flores’ 13 best pristine beaches and clear waters

Written by Junanto Xu
Co-written by Kristyna Schonova
Edited by Beverley Lennon

There’s an ugly fact about Bali we all try to keep in isn’t it? Truth be told, the beaches are not so clean and rarely can you find clear waters unless… you simply fly 1.5 hours away and explore Flores & Komodo Islands! Besides being home to the legendary Komodo Dragons, this archipelago is dotted with scenic untouched islands with the most pristine sandy beaches and azure transparent waters!

And though you could hop on for a sailing journey with a liveaboard experience, a safer and more comfortable option is to explore these islands with day trips from Labuan Bajo (this is where you will land too).

Forget checking cruise schedules or having to work out the route from one island to another, these 5 day tours let you discover 13 picturesque islands on board exciting island-hopping adventures so you can leave the logistics to someone else and concentrate on enjoying yourself with guided sightseeing at each stop!

Half the joy of this journey is in discovering the little quirks that set one island apart from another; happy hopping!

Read more:

5D4N Scenic West Flores + Komodo + Padar + Rinca islands adventure itinerary with giant komodo dragons and pristine beaches!

25 Exotic natural, cultural and traditional attractions in Flores you have never heard of

The Ultimate guide to Komodo islands and West Flores – Indonesia’s land of dragons

1. Spend a romantic getaway on a private paradise island

Le Pirate Private Island

What to expect: Private island, gorgeous beach hut, crystal clear sand, azure blue water, and more!

Ahoy, little pirates! Get ready to escape from the city madness for one day and set sail on a journey to an exclusive private island.

This day trip will transport you to a tropical playground that is perfect to celebrate love!. What’s best is that you get to enjoy an almost deserted island, stroll by an untouched beach, take time to explore the underwater scenery, and sip on cocktails (at your own extra cost).

You sure will enjoy the feeling of exclusivity and intimacy while you disconnect with the real world.

Your day trip to Le Pirate Private Island starts at Labuan Bajo harbour where you’ll embark for a whole new world of tranquility. Lunch, tea and coffee and an array of activities are included in your day trip package so if you’re restless, this is also for you!

The private island also offers beach huts that overlooks the stunning sea, so you can lay down in your lover’s arms and enjoy the sea breeze along with crazily stunning views!

2. These islands are paradise within paradise!

Sebayur Island, Kanawa Island, and Bidadari Island one day tour

What to expect: Top diving sites, secluded island and powdery sand!

Keen for some diving adventures along with double opportunities to enjoy and just relax on the beach? With this day trip, you’ll get to explore three postcard-perfect islands known for their rich marine life but also for their laidback vibes! We all deserve to know what life as an islander feels like 😉

2-a. Featuring top diving sites (Crystal Rocks, Castle Rock and more!) – Sebayur Island

If you were given one week to dive and could choose any scuba diving sites in the world to fill your logbook with, where would you go? We would probably choose Sebayur Island! There’s no ‘why’ to our answer; you’ll have to head there and see for yourself!

Other than diving, you can also explore the island’s hilltops with some trekking sessions. We bet the views are the greatest reward!

2-b. An almost-private island – Kanawa Island

Here, you can almost have an island all to yourself – isn’t that a dream come true?

If you get tired of lazing on the beach, go grab your snorkelling equipment and explore the marine life on the reefs!

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2-c. Laze on the white sandy shore – Bidadari island

This beautiful white sand beach is ideal for a private getaway. Enjoy a swim, and simply bask in the sun on the beach – all by yourself (or with your partner)!

P.S. Don’t mistake this island with another island in the Thousand Islands (near Jakarta) with the same name.

3. Sail back into a time when animals still rule

Padar Island, Komodo Island, and Manta Point

What to expect: Komodo dragons, pink beach, manta rays and more!

The Komodo Islands are one of the best places in Indonesia to set sail to. With a collection of islands dotting the ocean, there is something for everyone here. If pristine unusual beaches and exotic adventures are your thing, you’ll want to consider the day trip to the lands of giant lizards (Komodo Island), lush green hills (Padar Island) and seas of majestic manta rays (Manta Point).

Come on board for a full day of sailing from one island to the next, and enjoy everything summer island-hoppers dream of!

3-a. ♫ I’m on top of the world, hey! ♫”:  Padar Island

A must-stop of the trip – Padar Island! This is where you get to relish on panoramic views of majestic green hills, azure waters and a spectacular stretch of white sand beach; all at once!

We deem it as a “postcard-perfect place to see before you die!” Make sure your phone camera roll is empty and that your digital camera has an extra memory card. Go forth and explore this way-too-beautiful island and let your eyes explode with its gorgeousness.

3-b. Meet the world’s last dragons! –  Komodo Island

Update: Komodo Island will be closed temporarily from January 2020 for a year, to improve its conservation efforts and increase the population of the Komodo dragons

Step into Indonesia’s Jurassic Park (Komodo National Park) and witness the giant lizards roam and rule the island. The park was selected as one for the New7Wonders of nature and is home to the closest relative of the dinosaur!

Prepare your weapons (camera or selfie sticks) and capture this magical moment. Share your victorious moment.

After your dragon hunting adventure, head to the Pink Beach and see how Mother Nature worked her magic. The pink sand contrasting with the clear blue sea water is second to none; it is indeed a rare sight that looks straight out of a postcard!

3-c. Dive among manta rays, colourful fishes, and a myriad of sea creatures – Manta Point

Escape from the real world and discover one underwater! This thrilling experience lets you enjoy swimming with giant manta rays at the Manta Point. Those unique creatures are known to get real close to fellow swimmers, but we do not recommend you to touch them!

Besides the winged sea creatures, the vibrant marine life of turtles, corals, and school of fishes at this popular diving site will also leave you in complete awe!

4. Drift away to under-the-radar islands

Burung Island, Sabolon Island, and Seraya Island

What to expect: Isolated islands, crystal clear waters, untouched sandy beaches!

Fancy spending a day on isolated islands similar to your favourite “Lost” television series? This day trip brings you to three different islands and each of them is a haven for small-group hoppers. With their just-for-two feels, these islands are the locals’ best kept secrets and you might not want to share them yet!

4-a. Sun-seekers and crowd-haters best island bet – Burung Island

Burung Island is a sparkling hidden gem amidst the sea of Komodo islands that only few travellers have heard of and visited.

Here, you can immerse yourself in the hypnotizing azure waters and powdery white sand without having to fight over crowds – it’s a lesser-known jewel and with some luck, you might even be the only people on the island on that day. So picture this – just you, the pristine beach, the majestic sea, and maybe some of your best mates or your lover (even better)!

Don’t miss heading underwater – snorkelling sessions at Burung Island are second to none as you come close to schools of fishes and other marine creatures making their way through gardens of colourful untouched corals. The vibrant marine life at this island will surely brighten up your day and make this vibrant experience unforgettable!

4-b. Every divers’ dream come true – Sabolon Kecil Island

As a diver, there is nothing more frustrating than bumping into crowds of divers underwater. You are escaping life on land and are heading under the surface to skip all interactions with humanity, aren’t you?

Known to experts only, this little paradise off the north coast of Labuan Bajo guarantees unique diving sessions – it is the perfect untouched spot to witness a theatrical show under the sea where devil scorpionfishes, pygmy seahorses, orangutan crabs, and frogfishes cohabit happily ever after!

This is a unique location to fill your logbook with 😉 Don’t tell your diving squad!

4-c. Paradise found at this coral sanctuary – Seraya Island

With such lively corals at Seraya Island, you can expect nothing but rich marine life.

Besides enjoying time underwater and spotting on a buoyant population of vibrant creatures, you may choose to simply kick back and relax. The island is very small and can be circled easily within minutes on foot. A true experience of being stranded on a deserted island!

5. Float on the ocean from day to dusk

Rinca Island, Kelor Island, Menjerite Island, and Kalong Island

What to expect: More dragons, spectacular treks and views, amazing sunset!

All too often, sunset cruises are dull and overpriced. They may offer an impressive view for a couple of minutes, but don’t truly deliver the unforgettable memories you’re signing up for. Of course, all sunset cruises include a sunset but how many of them include walks with giant lizards, picturesque hikes, rewarding swimming sessions and a show of bats at feast time?

5-a. Embark on a dragon-spotting adventure – Rinca Island

Are you in quest of relishing on a real-life dragon? Well, you might want to start your journey here because the chances of encountering them on Rinca Island are more promising than on the other surrounding islands!

Adventurers who embark on this journey must sail for one hour from Labuan Bajo before stepping on the Land of Dragons. Upon arrival, you might be lucky enough to spot one or two lazy Komodo Dragons basking under the sun (you know, just collecting tan lines like us)!

Locals say that the population of Komodo Dragons here is higher than on Komodo Island hence your mission will be far from impossible! However, the dragons here tend to be aggressive and fierce so always remember to keep your distance and stay alert at all times.

Besides its extended dragon family, Rinca Island is also known for its epic trekking trail! Enjoy a forever-changing panorama while you visit the island! Vast savannahs, majestic hills, azure sea waters, and a stunning shoreline will please your eyes and leave you speechless!

5-b. Explore a beautiful island with spectacular views – Kelor Island

This hidden gem offers a rewarding hike to its visitors.

While you could simply laze on the sparkling white sands and let the azure blue water wash your worries away, we would highly recommend you to make it to the top of the hill to enjoy endless views and take it the 50 shades of blue the ocean has to offer!

5-c. Scenic island with striking underwater vista – Menjerite Island

As your boat slowly approaches this island, you’ll immediately notice a majestic green hill proudly standing along with a wooden jetty stretching fearlessly atop the ocean, almost as if it was a bridge to paradise.

We know you’re only thinking about the ton of Instagram shots you’ll get here, but take some time to explore the lively waters at Menjerite Island – known to be a top diving spot and a must-stop while island hopping around Labuan Bajo.

5-d. Watch flying foxes fly some errands during sunset time – Kalong Island

The mangrove forests in Kalong Island are home to thousands of bats. As the sun goes down, it’s time for the bats to wake up. Come and watch hundreds of them go on their food hunt mission, flying out from the forests in a perfect synchronised manner.

Their dark silhouettes cast out a dramatic shadow in the sky orange glow – a unique award-winning show illustrated by Mother Nature!

Special mention (Inland tour): Uncover an exotic waterfall and ancient village

Cunca Wulang and Todo Village inland tour

We know you’re here for the beach but Flores has much more to offer! Explore the island’s exotic sites and conquer the forests that lead to a hidden waterfall, where you can satisfy your adrenaline rush with some cliff jumping!

This day tour also lets you get a glimpse of authentic village life and the old civilization of Flores; the perfect mix of natural and cultural experience!

6-a. Row, row, row your canoe through the rainforest: Cunca Wulang Waterfall

No trip in the tropics is complete without a visit to a waterfall! Nestled in a tropical rainforest, Cunca Wulang is an exotic waterfall and canyon that is bound to please every nature lover!

Jump from the clifftop and dive into the azure blue water, exactly what you need if you are looking for some adrenaline rush! And if you happen to be a canoeing enthusiast, you can also opt to start a canoeing adventure!

6-b. Go back in time to an old civilization – Todo Village

When we talk about local villages in Flores, Wae Rebo might be the first that comes to mind, but getting to Wae Rabo involves at least 5 hours of hiking – pretty inconvenient especially if you have limited time.

A tour to Todo Village is a good alternative to appreciate authentic village experience at a fraction of the price and distance!

Todo Village is not your typical ancient village, this is an ancient ROYAL village where centuries of historical events have slowly shaped and transformed the land, sprinkled with myths and legends.

The sight of the surrounding vistas and unique traditional thatched houses adorning the site create a magnificent view that is bound to triple impress you!

Eager to discover untouched pristine islands away from rowdy crowds? Have you heard of other equally spectacular islands in and around the Komodo Islands? Do share them with us in the comment section below!

PLEASE NOTE: All the above information is correct at the date of publication. If you come across any changes or updates, please let us know and we will update the information accordingly. Thank you! Tell us

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