Labuan Bajo to China travel with family

Quick Answer
If you are traveling from Labuan Bajo to China, your journey will usually include a flight to Jakarta followed by an international flight to cities like Fuzhou. The experience combines a quiet island departure, a transit in Jakarta, and an early morning international flight. Planning your timing, rest, and expectations helps make the transition smoother. This kind of journey is a real example of family travel from Labuan Bajo to China, especially when traveling with children.

Leaving Labuan Bajo for China

This morning felt a little heavier than usual. After a long and exciting day out at sea yesterday, we all woke up still feeling sleepy and slightly tired. Even so, we knew we had to get up and make time for breakfast, because today was a travel day. Today, we were leaving Labuan Bajo.

Labuan Bajo surprised us in a way we did not expect. It is not a place full of busy streets or endless attractions on land, but that is exactly what makes it special. Life here feels slower, calmer, and most of the real beauty happens out on the sea. Two days here felt too short. There was still so much more to see beyond Pink Beach, Padar Island, Taman Nasional Loh Liang Komodo, Manta Island, and Siaba Bay. You can see our blogs and vlogs about those places in our previous stories.

Exploring Labuan Bajo Before Our Flight to China

After checking out from the hotel, we still had a few hours before our afternoon flight to Jakarta. Our flight with AirAsia, QZ861, was scheduled at 16:30, so we decided to use the remaining time to see a little more of the town. We contacted Pak Mirdad, the same taxi driver who had been helping us during our stay, and asked him to take us around the town center one last time. We left our luggage in his taxi, and he dropped us in the city centre so we could walk around freely.

Pak Mirdad dropped us off near a familiar coffee place where we ordered iced chocolate and some bread. Right in front of it stood a mosque. I decided to wait for Zuhur prayer time before continuing our walk. Moments like this, especially when we are far from home, feel different. There is a sense of calm that is difficult to explain. Taking a short pause to pray becomes a quiet reminder to be grateful, to slow down, and to realize that we are still given time to experience everything on this day.

“Remember Me, and I will remember you.”
QS. Al-Baqarah 2:152

Everyone in the mosque was very welcoming. They knew we were not local, so they showed us where should pray. While I was praying, Mas Bas, Caesar, and Milan waited quietly in the men’s area. We spoke softly, almost in whispers, respecting the calm atmosphere inside.

Simple Life in Labuan Bajo Town

After that, we continued walking along the main road. There were travel agents offering island trips, small local food stalls, a bank, and a few services that tourists might need. Everything felt simple, but somehow real.

The afternoon heat in August in Labuan Bajo reached around 33°C, and the streets were relatively quiet. I suggest bringing sunscreen or sun protection. Just like what Vicky, our guide, had told us earlier, most activities here happen on the water. On land, there are only a few small cafes, a supermarket, a post office, banks, and simple souvenir shops. It is not crowded or overly commercial. It is just enough for visitors who come and go.

There are many travel agents here, and you can also rent a motorcycle if you are confident enough to use it. Online taxi apps are not widely available yet in Labuan Bajo. Renting a private driver for the whole day, which you can arrange through your hotel or a travel agent, is a practical option.

Ice Cream Before Heading to the Airport

We took a short break for ice cream. One thing I always notice is how different ice cream tastes in Indonesia compared to Europe. It feels lighter, less creamy, and not overly sweet. Small details like this always make a place feel unique.

Before heading to the airport, I made a quick stop at a small local shop. I have always liked visiting places like this. The food is made for local people, not adjusted for tourists. It feels more honest, more connected to my roots, and often becomes the part I remember and miss the most.

By 14:01, we knew it was time to go. The heat was getting stronger, and Caesar’s neck was starting to feel sore from the sun. I applied some ointment and asked him to cover it with his cap. Mas Bas did the same by lifting the collar of his polo shirt to protect his neck. We called Pak Mirdad to pick us up again and take us to the airport.

There was a quiet feeling in the car. A mix of being a little sad to leave and also curious about what was waiting ahead.

From Labuan Bajo to Jakarta

Labuan Bajo Airport is quite small. During peak season, it can feel a bit crowded considering the number of tourists.

We flew with AirAsia. For us, AirAsia is not just an airline. It holds memories. I used to work for AirAsia in Surabaya, and Mas Bas was once a passenger. We met in 2011 when he flew on flight QZ 7615 from Surabaya to Kuala Lumpur. That was where our story began.

During this flight, Mas Bas quickly fell asleep, his legs and neck still recovering from sunburn after our activities in Labuan Bajo. Meanwhile, Caesar’s condition had improved enough for him to finally use his neck pillow comfortably.

Transit Experience at Jakarta Airport

At Jakarta Airport, something caught our attention. Right in front of the baggage carousel, there was a screen showing a live camera feed from behind the conveyor belt. We could see how the luggage was being handled and transported. It was something we rarely get to see, and surprisingly interesting.

After arriving, we were picked up by the hotel shuttle and stayed for one night before continuing our journey. The next morning would be an early one, with a flight to Fuzhou, China at 07:05 with Xiamen Airlines.

Our Last Night in Indonesia

That night felt a little different. It was our last night in Indonesia after two weeks on this trip.

We ordered Indonesian dishes that we would not easily find in the Netherlands, fried chicken with mango sauce, fried noodles, gado-gado, fried bananas, avocado juice, and iced chocolate. The flavors felt familiar, but also something we knew we would miss again later.

After dinner, we went for a short swim at the hotel pool. Not for long, because we had to wake up at 03:30 the next morning.

Every time I am about to leave Indonesia, I feel something I cannot fully explain. This is the country where I was born and raised. No matter how long I live abroad or how many times I travel, that feeling never really changes.

Early Morning Flight from Jakarta to Fuzhou China

The next morning came quickly. We were still very sleepy, but everything moved smoothly. The hotel shuttle took us to the airport on time. At the airport, there was not much to do. We walked around, looked at souvenirs, and bought a few small items.

We were tired, but also excited.

This was our first trip to China.

Our plane was parked quite far from the gate, so passengers had to take a bus. However, because Mas Bas has a frequent flyer membership, we were given access to a smaller bus. A small detail, but it made the experience feel more comfortable.

On the plane, Caesar had a funny moment. He had just turned 13, but he was still given a “My Family Kids” package with puzzles. He looked slightly awkward receiving it, while Milan was clearly happy and enjoying it. He still felt like a child, while Caesar was starting to feel the changes of growing up.

The flight attendants spoke English with us, while Milan was already a bit nervous thinking about how he would communicate in Chinese. After spending two weeks in Indonesia, we were now on our way to something completely new.

Arrival in Fuzhou China

We are in Fuzhou, China.

A new place, new stories, and new memories are waiting for us.

This is just the beginning of our journey. Follow our blog and vlog series for the next story.

Where This Journey Can Be Useful for Travelers

This kind of journey is not only about moving between destinations, but also about planning every detail carefully. From flights, airport transfers, accommodation near transit airports, to small essentials during travel with children, every part of the experience plays a role in making the journey smooth and comfortable.

For travelers planning a similar route, having the right support, services, or products can make a significant difference, especially when moving between very different environments like Labuan Bajo, Jakarta, and China.

What to Expect When Traveling from Labuan Bajo to China

Traveling from Labuan Bajo to China usually involves at least one stop in Jakarta. You move from a quiet island environment into a much larger and busier international airport before continuing your journey.

The contrast can feel quite strong. Labuan Bajo offers calm surroundings and simple facilities, while Jakarta introduces a faster pace and more structured travel systems. By the time you board your international flight, you are already transitioning mentally into a new country. If you are planning family travel from Labuan Bajo to China, understanding this transition helps a lot.

What Makes This Route Feel Unique

This journey is about more than distance. It is about moving between completely different environments.

You leave a small coastal town where daily life happens slowly, and within hours you find yourself preparing to enter a country with a very different culture, language, and rhythm.

That shift is what makes this route memorable, especially if it is your first time traveling to China.

How to Travel from Labuan Bajo to China Smoothly

Practical Tips Before Leaving Labuan Bajo

• Keep your last day simple and flexible
• Bring sun protection, especially after island activities
• Arrange airport transport in advance
• Have snacks ready for children during transit
• Prepare for early morning flights with enough rest

FAQ

Where to Check, Plan, or Explore

If you are planning a similar journey, you can explore flight routes connecting Labuan Bajo with Jakarta and onward to China. Accommodation near Jakarta Airport can make early departures easier, especially for families.

Local transport services in Labuan Bajo are simple but reliable, and arranging them ahead of time helps avoid last-minute stress. For your arrival in China, it is useful to check airport transfers, hotel locations, and nearby city access so your first day feels more comfortable.

Closing

Our journey from Labuan Bajo to China felt long, but everything went smoothly in the end.

From a quiet island to a busy airport, and then into something completely new, it was a full transition in just a short time.

Now that we have arrived, it is time to settle in and start exploring. Looking back, this family travel from Labuan Bajo to China was a meaningful experience for all of us.

The next part of our journey will be in Fuzhou. We will share our experience in Fuzhou in the next story.

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