Komodo Airport (LBJ)
Komodo Airport, airport code LBJ, sits on a low hill at the eastern edge of town. It is a modern single-terminal building with a short walk from the aircraft to baggage claim, so you are usually outside within fifteen minutes of landing. Flights arrive from Bali in about one hour, and there are also direct flights from Jakarta and several other Indonesian cities.
The terminal has a few cafes, a convenience store, a money changer and counters for local SIM cards. Outside the doors you will find a taxi desk with fixed prices and a row of drivers holding name boards for hotel and tour pickups. The airport is small enough that you will not need to look hard for anyone who is meeting you.
From the airport to town and the harbour
The main street of Labuan Bajo and the harbour are about ten minutes by car from the airport. The road runs downhill from the terminal, passes a few hotels and shops, and ends at the waterfront where the boats are moored. Hotels in the hills above town or along the coast road are a little further, usually fifteen to twenty-five minutes.
Airport taxis use a fixed price list posted at the desk, so there is no need to negotiate. Ride-hailing apps also work in Labuan Bajo and can be used for the trip back to the airport. If your hotel or tour operator offers a pickup, that is the simplest option, since the driver will already know where you are staying.
Pickup from Arah Pesona
Arah Pesona Trip offers airport pickup for guests who book a trip, and the office is in Labuan Bajo close to the harbour. A driver meets you at arrivals with your name, takes you to your hotel, and confirms the time for the next morning's boat. If you arrive in the afternoon, you can also stop at the office to meet the team and settle your balance.
The office is where pay on arrival works for eligible trips. Cards, bank transfer, Wise and QRIS are accepted, and the park fees are listed in writing on your quote. Guests who prefer to pay in advance can use a secure online link through Xendit. Bookings are made by WhatsApp or by email to arahpesonaindo@gmail.com.
Where to stay in Labuan Bajo
The town centre near the harbour is the most convenient area for boat trips. Hotels and guesthouses here are a short walk from the pier, the restaurants and the dive shops, and early morning pickups are quick. The street is lively in the evening and quiet by late night, which suits guests who leave at dawn.
The hills above town have guesthouses and boutique hotels with views over the bay and the islands, popular with couples and anyone who wants a sunset from their room. Along the coast road to the north are larger resorts with private beaches and pools. These are a longer drive from the pier but offer more space and quiet.
Cash, ATMs and SIM cards
ATMs are easy to find in Labuan Bajo. Several banks have machines on the main street and near the harbour, and most accept international cards. It is useful to carry some cash for small restaurants, market stalls and tips, although many hotels and restaurants also take cards and QRIS. A money changer at the airport and in town handles foreign currency.
A local SIM card is the easiest way to stay connected. Counters at the airport and shops on the main street sell prepaid SIMs with data packages, and the staff will register it with your passport on the spot. Coverage is good in town and at the harbour, and patchy but present on the islands, so download maps and your booking details before you sail.
What the harbour is like
Labuan Bajo harbour is the heart of the town. In the early morning it fills with guests boarding speedboats and wooden sailing boats, and by mid-morning it is calm again. The main pier is a short walk from the main street, with a waiting area, a few kiosks and a view of the bay where dozens of boats are anchored.
Boats are reached either from the pier or by a small tender from the shore, depending on where your boat is moored. Your guide will walk you from the meeting point to the boat, so you do not need to find it yourself. Bring your passport or identity card, because the park office may ask to see it when the ranger fee is recorded.
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