I’ve been to beaches, mountains, temples—you name it. But nothing hit my soul like a cruise through Labuan Bajo.
This wasn’t your typical vacation. It was that sweet spot between wild adventure and pure serenity, where the ocean feels endless and time slows to a heartbeat.
Whether you’re looking for honeymoon magic, a family escape, or just a break from the everyday, I swear: this is the experience.
Setting Sail from Labuan Bajo
The harbor was alive that morning. Wooden phinisi boats rocked gently in the breeze, the sun peeked over the hills, and the salty air made everything feel exciting.
Our crew welcomed us with huge smiles, and just like that—we were off.
As we cruised out into the Flores Sea, Labuan Bajo faded behind us. In front? A string of unspoiled islands rising from the sea like nature’s sculpture garden.
And the boat? Total comfort. Cozy cushions, wide-open decks, and enough space to stretch out and just be.
Every Island Felt Like a Different World
First stop: Kelor Island. A quick hike to the top gave us insane 360° views. Think: blue waters stretching forever, green hills rolling into each other, and that crazy sense of being tiny in the best way.
Then came Manjarite, where we snorkeled over coral reefs that looked like alien landscapes. The water was so clear I could see my shadow on the ocean floor. I floated next to parrotfish, clownfish—even saw a turtle gliding past like it had all the time in the world.
Later, we dropped anchor near Komodo Island and went trekking with rangers.
Yes, we saw them. Giant Komodo dragons just chilling like they owned the place (because, well, they do). The air was dry, the landscape rugged, and the whole moment felt like walking into a David Attenborough documentary.
Slow Cruising, Big Moments
But honestly? My favorite moments weren’t even the “big” ones.
It was the in-between.
Lying on the top deck with the wind in my face. Watching flying fish skim the water. Eating grilled fish with bare hands. Sipping coffee at sunrise. Laughing with strangers who somehow became friends by the second day.
And don’t get me started on Padar Island. That sunset hike? Unreal. Burnt-orange hills. Curved bays below. Everyone went quiet when we reached the top. Some took photos. I just sat down and breathed it all in.
Labuan Bajo cruise experiences give you access to all this without feeling like a tourist on a tight itinerary. You move with the ocean, not a schedule. That’s what makes it so special. You feel the rhythm of the sea, the changing light, the silence between destinations.
And the crew? Legends. Always smiling, always ready with a snack, and somehow always knew when to let us explore and when to just let the moment be.
Perfect for Every Type of Traveler
On our boat were two couples celebrating anniversaries, a solo traveler healing from burnout, a family with two kids who wouldn’t stop jumping off the deck, and me—looking for something different.
We all found it.
That’s the magic of cruising Labuan Bajo. It meets you where you are and gives you exactly what you didn’t know you needed.