Labuan Bajo is the main entry point for the Komodo National Park. The most regular and accessible flights are from Bali, but you can also get there from several other Indonesian cities, including Jakarta and Yogyakarta with Nam Air, Wings Air and Garuda. The airport is a 10 minute drive from the centre of Labuan Bajo, from where you can embark on a liveaboard or day trip into the national park.

In Labuan Bajo there are a limited selection of small guesthouses and hotels. Opt for Le Pirate which is in a great location right in the centre of town and also boasts a lovely roof terrace and plunge pool from which to enjoy a cold beer as the sun sets. Outside of Labuan Bajo most people visit Komodo to stay on a liveaboard, if you aren’t looking to dive Le Pirate also offers a ‘Boatel’, a floating hotel!

Whilst on a liveaboard all food tends to be included and you can enjoy a selection of Indonesian and international dishes. In Labuan Bajo, there are a few decent restaurants – try Mediterraneo for decent Italian cuisine with some Asian influences. Be aware that Labuan Bajo often experiences power cuts so make sure you have cash to pay the bill!

Compared to some parts of Indonesia alcohol is fairly easy to come by in Labuan Bajo. Alongside their great sunset terrace Le Pirate also host live music nights where you can indulge in cocktails with a local twist. Whilst staying on a liveaboard there’s no alcohol permitted until after the last dive, however there’s still time for a beer as the sun goes down.

Book onto a liveaboard or day boat and explore the stunning Komodo national park, scuba diving or snorkelling the magnificent coral reefs. Uber Scuba is a great dive company who offer short liveaboard trips around Central and Northern Komodo (discounts available for snorkelers) aboard their beautiful MV Amalia. Most trips (both day and liveaboards) also include a short visit to see the Komodo Dragons, usually on Rinca island. Alternatively you can book this separately with one of the multiple tour companies in Labuan Bajo.