Flying from Surabaya to Komodo Island

Quick Answer:
Labuan Bajo is the gateway to Komodo Island, a family-friendly paradise where turquoise seas meet wild nature. This short flight from Surabaya opens the door to Komodo dragons, pink beaches, and unforgettable family adventures in Flores.

How Did Our Journey to Labuan Bajo Begin?

After exploring Jakarta, Semarang, Surabaya, and Sidoarjo, our family was ready for the highlight of our summer holiday: Labuan Bajo, the gateway to Komodo Island.

This trip was very special to us. Before flying to Flores, we felt so grateful for all the love and kindness we received during our time in Java, the attention, the food, and the thoughtful gifts from family, friends, and even friends of Mas Bas. Unfortunately, we couldn’t meet everyone this time, but Insha Allah, on our next vacation we’ll have more time to connect.

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Flying from Surabaya to Labuan Bajo: What Was It Like?

Our journey began at Juanda International Airport (Surabaya), Terminal 1 Gate A/8. We flew with Super Air Jet at 14:10 for a short 1.5-hour flight. It still feels amazing to think that the plane covered almost 800 km across Indonesia’s islands in such a short time.

Juanda Airport itself holds a special place in our hearts. Fourteen years ago, this was where our story began. I worked for AirAsia, and Mas Bas was traveling to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia for business. Destiny brought us together at the Juanda Airport check-in counter.

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Although our flight was slightly delayed, we didn’t mind. We grabbed brunch, wandered through the souvenir shops, and enjoyed hearing the boarding announcements in Javanese. Inside, I felt so proud, such a beautiful reminder of Indonesia’s cultural diversity.

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What Was Our First Impression of Labuan Bajo?

We landed at Komodo Airport. Considering how famous this destination is, the airport is small but very busy, named after the legendary Komodo dragon. The arrival area had only two baggage belts, and our luggage was split between them (mixed with bags from an AirAsia flight!).

Luckily, our travel agent, East Cruise had already arranged everything from the airport pickup to hotel check-in and island-hopping tickets. They even sent us a photo of our driver, Pak Mirdad, via WhatsApp so we wouldn’t miss him. Pak Mirdad, our friendly driver, was waiting with a big sign that had my name written on it.

Yes, everything was arranged by East Cruise, the taxi, hotel check-in, tickets, and boat trips. Truly hassle-free travel, and perfect for a first-time visit to Flores.

For smooth trips like this, a good travel agent is priceless. But if you love planning everything yourself, don’t forget your must-haves like compact luggage organizers.

What Did We Learn About Komodo Dragons?

During the ride, Pak Mirdad shared amazing stories about the Komodo dragon:

They can swim and even stand on their hind legs.
Mama Komodo sometimes eats her babies, so newborns escape to the trees!
They are true carnivores and protected species (never ever eat Komodo meat!).
According to the IUCN, there are fewer than 6,000 Komodo dragons left in the wild, with estimates ranging between about 3,000 and 5,000 individuals.
Komodo dragons are reptiles, which means they lay eggs.
A mama Komodo can lay 20 to 30 eggs in one nest, usually hidden in a hole or an abandoned nest of another animal.
The wildest fact: males have two penises (hemipenes) but use only one at a time!

Mating Season Timeline

May–June: Courtship begins.
July–August: Peak mating season, with fierce competition between males.
September: Females dig nests to prepare for egg-laying.
September–April: Eggs are incubated, warmed by the sun and soil.
April: After about 9 months, the eggs finally hatch.

Nature truly never stops amazing us.

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What’s the Food Like in Labuan Bajo?

Although the town is famous for fresh seafood, our family doesn’t eat seafood. So Pak Mirdad took us to a local restaurant that served savory, spicy East Javanese style food and it was delicious! Live music filled the air while we enjoyed our meal.

Travel Tip: Don’t forget to always apply anti mosquito lotion if you decide to eat outdoors.

We recommend carrying natural mosquito repellent when dining outdoors in Labuan Bajo. It makes your dinner much more enjoyable!

From the terrace, we could see the sea, hotels, tall buildings, and even a mosque! a picture of Indonesia’s harmony in diversity.

What Happens at Night in Labuan Bajo?

From our hotel, we could walk straight to the beach. At night, Caesar and Milan explored with only their phone flashlights. We discovered crabs, seashells, spiders, and even a shed snakeskin!

Of course, it was scary, but it reminded us how wild and untouched nature here still is. Every creature seems possible on this island.

The boys were thrilled, but we decided it was time for bed. We had to wake up early the next morning for our trip.

What to Pack for a Labuan Bajo Trip

If you’re planning to visit, don’t forget to bring:

A hat and umbrella for the strong sun
Sunscreen (reef-safe if you’ll be snorkeling)
Swimwear and a quick dry towel (we wore long leggings and long-sleeved swimwear with SPF 50+ protection)
Enough drinking water
Light snacks for the boat

East Cruise would pick us up at 8:00 a.m. for our island-hopping adventure. Everything was well-organized by East Cruise, so we could simply relax and enjoy every moment together.

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Final Thoughts

Labuan Bajo is more than just a gateway to Komodo Island. It’s a little paradise where nature, culture, and adventure meet. Whether you explore with a travel agent or on your own, this destination will leave you amazed and inspired.

We also made a vlog about this trip! Watch now our video. We can’t wait to share more in our next story, join us as we set sail around the magical islands of Flores! Nasi en Stamppot: Labuan Bajo Adventure

FAQ

Where is Labuan Bajo located?

It’s on the western tip of Flores Island, East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia, the main gateway to Komodo National Park.

How do you get from Surabaya to Labuan Bajo?

Direct flights take about 1.5 hours via Super Air Jet, Batik Air, or Garuda Indonesia.

What’s the best time to visit Labuan Bajo?

Between May and September (dry season). You’ll enjoy clear skies, calm seas, and better island-hopping conditions.

Can families with kids enjoy Labuan Bajo?

Absolutely! Choose shorter island tours and bring sun protection and snacks. Kids love the boat rides and nature walks.

Read our Padar Island adventure.

See our full Labuan Bajo itinerary with kids.

More tips in our Family Travel section.

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