Sailing Labuan Bajo

I never thought a trip could change my entire perspective on travel—until I went sailing in Labuan Bajo.

It started with a random suggestion from a fellow traveler I met in Bali. She said, “If you’re going to Indonesia, don’t skip Labuan Bajo. Go on a sailing trip. Trust me.” At the time, I wasn’t entirely sold. I had seen pictures of Komodo dragons and turquoise waters, but something about it just felt… distant.

But wow, was I wrong.

The First Glimpse: Labuan Bajo From the Sea
Arriving in Labuan Bajo by plane is already impressive. That tiny airport, the rugged landscape, and the heat—it’s all a bit surreal. But the real magic started once I boarded the phinisi boat the next morning.

If you’ve never heard of a phinisi, imagine a traditional wooden ship with elegant sails, handcrafted by Bugis sailors and now turned into a sailing yacht. It’s not just a boat—it’s an experience in itself. There’s a kind of nostalgic charm on a phinisi that you won’t find on modern yachts. The creaking wood, the smell of the sea, the wind on your face—it immediately felt like I had stepped into another world.

We left the harbor around 9 AM, with the sun climbing and casting this golden shimmer over the ocean. From the deck, I could already see tiny islands in the distance, their silhouettes rising from the deep blue water. My heart was racing. I knew this was going to be special.

Island Hopping Through the Komodo Archipelago
Sailing around Komodo National Park isn’t just about ticking destinations off a list. It’s about feeling each stop.

Our first anchoring spot was Kelor Island. A short hike to the top gave us a view I can’t describe without goosebumps. The ocean below was a mosaic of deep blue, turquoise, and green, with our phinisi boat looking like a toy from above. I remember just standing there, soaking in the silence, and realizing how rare moments like this really are.

Then came Manjarite, a snorkeling paradise. I’ve snorkeled in Thailand, the Philippines, even the Maldives. But there’s something so raw and untouched about Labuan Bajo’s underwater world. Schools of fish, vibrant corals, and that sense of floating in a dream—it was peaceful, humbling, and a little addictive.

Later in the afternoon, we cruised toward Kalong Island, just in time for sunset. And then—just like that—thousands of bats flew out from the mangroves, soaring into the sky like a black river. Everyone on board just stood in silence. I couldn’t believe such a scene actually existed in real life.

The Heartbeat of the Journey: Padar and Komodo
No trip to Labuan Bajo is complete without Padar Island. That early morning hike (yes, it’s steep) is worth every step. The view from the top? Unreal. Three beaches, each with a different color—white, black, and the famous pink—wrap around the island like a painting. I’ve seen a lot of Instagrammable spots, but this one? It hit different. It wasn’t just beautiful. It felt sacred.

Then, of course, came the legendary Komodo Island. Walking through the savanna-like trails, guided by a ranger, hoping to spot a dragon—it’s thrilling. Seeing a Komodo dragon in the wild is like watching a living dinosaur. Massive, slow, and strangely majestic. There’s a quiet tension in the air that makes your senses sharp. It’s the kind of experience that lingers in your bones.

Moments You Don’t Expect
What I loved most about sailing Labuan Bajo wasn’t just the places. It was the in-betweens.

The shared meals on deck under the stars. The sound of waves hitting the hull while I lay in a hammock. The early morning coffees with mist still rising from the water. The laughter with strangers who quickly turned into friends.

And the crew—oh man, the crew. Warm, funny, professional, and so knowledgeable. They weren’t just guides; they were storytellers, sailors, and soul-keepers of the sea.

Every sunset felt like a reward. Every sunrise felt like a fresh beginning.

Why a Sailing Trip Feels So Different
I’ve done fast-paced tours before—where you’re shuttled from one spot to another, barely having time to breathe. This wasn’t that.

This was slow, intentional travel. This was about feeling the wind dictate your pace, letting the ocean choose your direction, and realizing that sometimes, you find more by doing less.

Sailing Labuan Bajo reminded me how travel should be. It should move you. Stir your soul. Leave you speechless—not because of flashy attractions, but because you feel connected to something bigger than yourself.

Final Thoughts From the Deck
By the time we returned to Labuan Bajo port, I didn’t want to leave. My skin was sun-kissed, my hair tangled from the sea breeze, and my heart—full.

If you’re thinking about exploring Labuan Bajo by boat, don’t overthink it. Just go. Whether you book an open trip to meet new faces, or rent a private boat for a more intimate escape, it’s a decision you won’t regret.

There’s something about this place—these islands, these waters, this sky—that stays with you long after the trip ends.

And trust me, once you’ve been on a Komodo sailing tour, you’ll keep dreaming about it every time you close your eyes.