If you’re visiting Labuan Bajo and the beautiful Komodo National Park, you’re probably wondering how to best get around and whether popular Uber-like apps like grab or gojek are available in the area.
Located on the island of Flores (or East Nusa Tenggara), Labuan Bajo is a small harbour town that represents the gateway to Komodo National Park. It’s mostly used as a stopover point for tourists but is growing fast, with more hotels and restaurants appearing regularly. However, Flores is still lacking the mass tourism that places like Bali or even Lombok experience, so the local transport is not the best.
Find out if you can use apps like gojek or grab, how to get around in Labuan Bajo, and all you need to know before you go.
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Why you can trust this article
Hi, I’m Victoria, and I’m your go-to source for Indonesia travel information.
I’ve lived in Bali for several years now and visited plenty of times before that, both as a tourist and backpacker. I know how to save money and when to splurge on things, so I’ll introduce you to the best luxury getaways for a special occasion but also the cheapest airport pickups and authentic local restaurants.
Komodo National Park is one of my favourite places I’ve been to so far, which means I’ve had to spend quite some time in Labuan Bajo as well. I know how to get around and navigate the local taxis, so let me help you prepare your trip so you don’t have to worry about possible scams and overpaying.
Can you use grab or gojek in Labuan Bajo?
The short answer is yes, you can use grab in Labuan Bajo, but gojek does not currently operate here. However, even grab is still in the beginnings of setting up business here, and drivers can be few and far between.
However, due to the G20 and ASEAN summits, which were partly held in Labuan Bajo, there was a steep increase in demand for ridesharing apps in recent years, leading to an increased number of drivers. The Indonesian government is heavily developing the area close to Labuan Bajo, and this influx of tourism is expected to bring better transport options to the area.
Currently, you can get a grab driver during most times of the day, although you might not be able to find one late at night. In the centre of town, the app works quite well, but if you’re staying at a resort further away, getting a driver may be a challenge.
Luckily, Labuan Bajo is so small that you can actually walk around to most places.
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The Indonesian tax mafia
The Indonesian taxi mafia is an organization that controls the local transportation industry in different places. Taxi drivers are organized into an alliance that makes sure gojek and grab drivers cannot enter areas where they should be able to operate. This means gojek and grab occasionally run into problems with the local community, which does not appreciate the low prices charged by the app.
This is not extremely common in Labuan Bajo, though, but something to keep in mind should your grab driver be unable to pick you up. Issues like this are very common in Bali in places such as the airport, Canggu, Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan, Tanah Lot Temple, Sanur, Kintamani, Ubud, Uluwatu, Lovina, Amed, Padang Bai, Seminyak, Nusa Dua and Kuta in Lombok.
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Note that in the majority of cases, the grabs available in Labuan Bajo are motorbikes and not cars. You will be able to see this in the app before you order.
Grab and gojek at the airport in Labuan Bajo
Grab and gojek are usually difficult to use at the airport in Indonesia, especially in Bali. Labuan Bajo’s airport (which is also called Komodo Airport) is still so small, though, that you shouldn’t have a problem calling a grab to pick you up.
The driver may ask you to walk for a few minutes to get away from the main arrivals area where taxi drivers have their territory. Since the airport in Labuan Bajo is located so close to town, some tourists even choose to walk all the way if they don’t have too much luggage.
You can also use grab to take you to the airport once your time in Labuan Bajo is done.
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One thing to note is that the majority of grabs in Labuan Bajo are motorbikes and not cars. This can still be an option for an airport pickup if you have a backpack and not a suitcase.
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How to order a taxi in Labuan Bajo
If you cannot find a grab driver in Labuan Bajo, you can use a local taxi, which may be slightly more expensive, but prices can be negotiated. The easiest way to find a taxi in Labuan Bajo is to flag one down on the street, which should be fairly easy most of the time.
Another good option is to save the number of a taxi driver you’ve had before (from your airport pickup, for example) and get in touch with them if you need to go somewhere. This is especially useful for longer trips.
Lastly, your hotel in Labuan Bajo will definitely be able to help you with calling a taxi when needed.
How much are taxis in Labuan Bajo?
Taxi prices in Labuan Bajo are more expensive than grab, but still reasonable. Generally, a car is around IDR 50,000 (~$5 AU) for a short ride around town, and a motorbike is IDR 10,000 (~ 1 AU). These prices are pretty standard, and it’s usually not possible to get a lower one even if you haggle.
Best ways to get around Labuan Bajo
If you need some gojek or grab alternatives for your time in Labuan Bajo, these transport methods should help
1. Taking a taxi in Labuan Bajo
Taxis are a great way to get around Labuan Bajo, especially for shorter distances or to get to your hotel located outside of town. Grab might only have bikes available, so if you need a car, this is a good choice.
2. Walking
Labuan Bajo is small, so you can actually walk to most places around town. Sometimes there may not be any sidewalks, though, so keep an eye out for traffic.
3. Public transport and Bemos in Labuan Bajo
Labuan Bajo has a system of small colourful buses called Bemos. They travel both long distances around Flores, but also around town, which only costs around IDR 5,000 (~ $0.50 AU) per ride per person. Stops and time schedules are unreliable, but if you get the chance, riding a Bemo is a fun experience.
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4. Private drivers in Labuan Bajo
Hiring a private driver in Labuan Bajo only really makes sense if you want to go longer distances around Flores. You can get numbers for drivers at your hotel or try this driver, which we can recommend.
5. Renting a scooter in Labuan Bajo
If you want a bit more freedom, you should consider renting a scooter. Just be sure to drive carefully and always wear a helmet as accidents involving tourists are common.
Every traveller should have insurance, including coverage for medical emergencies, hospital visits and unforeseen accidents. SafetyWing is not only the best choice for shorter trips but also offers long-term plans for digital nomads or those travelling for extended periods of time.
They have a great selection of plans, including trip insurance, which supports you in case of cancelled flights or lost baggage.
My favourite part is that they offer adventure sports coverage ad-ons, so you can do all the exciting activities without having to worry about taking unnecessary risks.
No matter where you’re travelling, you cannot put a price on peace of mind.
Find out more about SafetyWing here.
How to get from Labuan Bajo to Komodo National Park?
Most people come to Labuan Bajo to visit the beautiful Komodo National Park. The only way to get there is by boat, and you can choose between multi-day liveaboard tours and speed boat day trips. We definitely recommend booking a multi-day trip to make the most of your time in Komodo.
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Where to stay in Labuan Bajo
Labuan Bajo has a fantastic selection of hotels, hostels and upscale resorts. Most tourists choose to stay in the centre of town, which is where you will also find the best restaurants and where the boats to Komodo depart. Most nicer hotels and resorts are located a short drive away, though, so keep that in mind when booking.
Read our complete guide on where to stay in Labuan Bajo here.
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Things to do in Labuan Bajo
Here are some unmissable things to do in Labuan Bajo.
1. Visit Goa Rangko Cave
Goa Rangko is a beautiful cave with an underground pool located just a quick drive from Labuan Bajo. If you come at exactly the right time, the sun hits the water, making it even more impressive.
2. Have dinner at the seafood market
Labuan Bajo has great restaurants, and the seafood market is one of the most famous places to have dinner in town. Come for the freshest crabs, fish and lobster, and have it barbecued right there for you.
3. Join a liveaboard boat tour to Komodo National Park
Komodo National Park is a must-see for anyone visiting Indonesia. Book a multi-day liveaboard boat tour to see the famous pink beaches, hike up to Padar Island, and see Komodo dragons in their natural habitat.
4. Explore Flores
Labuan Bajo is just a small town, and the island of Flores actually has a lot to offer. Rent a motorbike or join a tour to discover the beauty of rural Indonesia.
Tips for using gojek and grab in Bali & Indonesia
One thing a lot of tourists miss when it comes to using grab and gojek in Bali is the hidden discounts. We’ll show you exactly how to use them and provide plenty more tips on how to use grab and gojek in Bali in our complete guide.
Find out what to do if a driver asks you to cancel a ride, how to avoid common scams and much more.
Grab & gojek in Labuan Bajo FAQ
You can use grab to get around Labuan Bajo, walk or call a taxi.
Labuan Bajo is a nice little town, but there isn’t a lot to do. Most people come here to get to Komodo National Park.
Yes, grab operates in Labuan Bajo, which is located in Flores.
Yes, grab works in Labuan Bajo, but gojek does not.
Visit Komodo National Park, go to Goa Rangko Cave, eat at the seafood market, and go on a road trip around Flores.
Before you go…
Your trip to Labuan Bajo is going to be unforgettable. Don’t forget to check out the best hotels, delicious restaurants, exciting boat tours, and fun things to do in town before you go.
If you’re headed to Bali, you might enjoy these beautiful beachfront hotels in Uluwatu, ways to make friends as a solo traveller, and our guide on whether a villa or hotel is best for you.
Did I miss anything?
If you have any questions or feel like something is missing from this post, please leave a comment below or contact me.
Did I miss anything?
If you have any questions or feel like something is missing from this post, please leave a comment below or contact me.
