How to Get from Bali/Lombok to Flores  – Your Different Options!

The journey from Bali or Lombok to the enchanting Labuan Bajo and the iconic Komodo Island in Flores is filled with stunning landscapes and unique experiences. This comprehensive guide aims to explore the various transportation options available to travelers, each offering a unique way to discover the beauty of Indonesia.

If you are in Bali or Lombok and want to get to Komodo Island and Labuan Bajo in Flores, then make sure to read the complete guide before you decide how you want to travel there! Labuan Bajo is the main hub for trips to Komodo Island to see Komodo dragons.

Overview of The Different Options

Which option is best for you will depend on your budget, time, and how much comfort you want. There are 4 main options: plane, boat, bus, or Motorcycle/Car. Your journey will be very different depending on which option you choose, so make sure to do your planning!

Taking Flight to Labuan Bajo: Fast and Convenient

Should you be flying? If you are not interested in doing the boat trip I would recommend flying. If you are on a very tight budget, have a lot of time, and don’t need comfort then you can take the bus! You will not save very much, flying in Indonesia is generally quite cheap. Flying can be cheaper than taking the bus, especially if you have to spend a night in Sape. You can get a ticket from Denpasar to Komodo Airport very cheap, around IDR 700,000.

Book the flight in advance! Especially during high season.

Air Travel from Bali to Labuan Bajo

Flying is the quickest way to reach Labuan Bajo from Bali. Several airlines operate daily flights from Denpasar Airport in Bali to Komodo Airport in Labuan Bajo. The flight usually takes about an hour and 20 minutes, offering convenience and efficiency. However, this option can be more costly than others and may limit your luggage capacity.

Flying from Lombok to Labuan Bajo

Currently, there are no direct flights from Lombok Airport to Komodo Airport. The connecting flight is in Denpasar, flying from Lombok to Denpasar is only 45 minutes. With a connecting flight in Denpasar, you can still do the whole journey from Lombok to Komodo Airport in about 4 hours.

Embarking on a Boat Journey: The Scenic Route

Doing the boat journey is perfect for those who want to go see the Komodo Dragons, which you absolutely should! It’s a long journey, but you do the Komodo Trip on the journey which is a full-day trip if you book it from Labuan Bajo.

Sea Travel from Bali to Labuan Bajo

For those seeking a more scenic route, several boat services, including ferries and liveaboard cruises, depart from Bali to Labuan Bajo. These journeys are normally 4 days and, 3-nights. They offer an immersive experience, with opportunities to see other islands and enjoy onboard amenities.

Setting Sail from Lombok

Boat trips from Lombok to Labuan Bajo also provide a scenic journey. It’s a little shorter than departures from Bali but they are still 4 days, 3 nights. This option is perfect for travelers who enjoy slow travel and oceanic views. Most travelers and tour companies go from Lombok and not Bali!

Preparing For 3 Nights On A Ferry

It’s pretty much the same if you’re going from Bali or Lombok. There are a few very important things to check before you choose a tour operator. First of all, what you will see, and making sure it’s a company with great reviews.

It can be rough sea, and not all the boats have safety equipment. You must check that in advance. Also ask what is included, like snacks, and what times food is served. It’s often just for an hour each time. Normally you just sleep on deck and don’t have much space for yourself, but some boats also have private cabins.

You can get the full tour for around IDR 2.800.000 including tickets and entrance to Komodo Island (Ask in advance). You will normally also be going to Shark Point, Pink Beach, Padar Island, Menjerite Point for snorkeling, and then to Kelor Island.

Traveling with 30-40 other travelers for 4 days is a bit much for some people, but it’s a great trip. It’s not very expensive, since you would probably be going to Komodo Island anyway and you would have to pay for the transport to get there by plane or bus.

Overland and Sea Adventures: Bus and Ferry Combos

The main starting point for most bus journeys to Komodo is from Mandalika Terminal in Lombok.

Bus And Ferry Travel from Bali

The combination of bus and ferry travel from Bali to Lombok is a budget-friendly option. From Bali, you can either take a fast boat or a slow boat. I would not recommend buying a bus ticket from Bali to Komodo. First of all, you should stop and explore for some days in Lombok. It’s also better to buy the ticket either in Lombok or you can buy a ticket each time you enter a bus or ferry.

Bus From Lombok to Labuan Bajo, Flores

Traveling by bus and ferry from Lombok involves a similar process with transfers at key points. This option allows for an authentic travel experience, though it requires more time and a sense of adventure. We have made a complete guide for traveling by bus from Lombok to Flores which is a must-read before deciding! You can find it here!

Private Transport – The Road Less Traveled

If you are a family or a few friends traveling together it can be great to rent a car. I also met some solo travelers who were doing the trip by motorcycle.

By Car or Motorcycle

For the ultimate adventure, travelers can opt to drive a car or ride a motorcycle to Labuan Bajo. This option requires careful planning for ferry crossings and knowledge of the route. It offers unparalleled freedom and flexibility but is more suitable for experienced travelers familiar with Indonesian driving conditions.

You will be driving the same route as the bus, starting in Bali or Lombok. If you’re in Bali you will have to take the slow ferry to get your car to Lombok. From there you will be driving to the ferry to Sumbawa. Driving through all of Sumbawa, but make sure to make some stops. Make sure to be early in Sape for the ferry to Labuan Bajo in Flores.

Tips for a Smooth Journey to Labuan Bajo

Regardless of your chosen mode of transport, it’s important to plan ahead. Always check schedules in advance, pack appropriately for the journey, and be prepared for the unexpected. Keeping an open mind and being adaptable is key to enjoying your trip to Labuan Bajo.

Each transportation option offers its own set of advantages and disadvantages, ranging from cost and convenience to travel time and scenic value. Your choice will depend on your travel preferences, budget, and time constraints.

FAQs for Reaching Labuan Bajo/Komodo Island

What is the fastest way to get to Labuan Bajo?

• Flying is the fastest way.

Can I travel directly from Bali to Labuan Bajo by boat?

• No! You will either have to go with a travel company or charter a boat

Is it safe to travel by bus and ferry?

• Yes, it’s generally very safe, but requires careful planning and a sense of adventure.