Labuan Bajo: Sunburns, Scooters, and Seriously Good Coffee
okay, so labuan bajo. it’s…a lot. i’m a freelance photographer, and honestly, i went chasing light, and i found a whole scene. it’s not what i expected, which is always good. i landed with a vague plan to shoot the *Komodo dragons (obviously), but ended up spending most of my time trying to navigate the scooter traffic and find decent wifi.
first things first: the heat. i just checked and it’s…sticky right now, like walking through warm honey. the weather report said 23.65 celsius, feels like 24.26, pressure’s at 1008, humidity’s a solid 84%, and the sea level is 1008. basically, bring breathable clothes and accept your fate. i’m pretty sure my camera bag is sweating more than i am.
getting around is…an experience. scooters are king. like, everywhere. i rented one for next to nothing, but i swear i aged ten years just trying to avoid collisions. the roads are…optimistic. potholes are a design feature, apparently. if you’re not comfortable on two wheels, grab a becak (a traditional Indonesian rickshaw) - they’re slower, but significantly less terrifying. you can find some options on TripAdvisor.
now, the food. oh, the food. i’ve been living on ikan bakar (grilled fish) and nasi goreng (fried rice). seriously, the seafood is incredible. i found this tiny warung (small restaurant) down by the harbor - i don’t even know the name, but the fish was so fresh it practically jumped onto my plate. someone told me to avoid the ice in drinks unless you’re at a reputable place, which is good advice, i think. i also stumbled upon a coffee shop that roasts its own beans. as a coffee snob, i was in heaven. it’s called ‘Roca Coffee’ and it’s worth the detour. Yelp has a few reviews, but honestly, just go.
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i overheard some divers complaining about the crowds at certain dive sites. apparently, manta point gets packed. they said if you want a more secluded experience, you need to charter a private boat and go further afield.
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and the people! everyone is so friendly, even when i’m butchering the bahasa indonesia. i’ve been practicing, but i mostly just end up pointing and smiling. if you get bored, Kanawa Island and Seraya Island* are just a short boat ride away. they’re supposed to be paradise. i haven’t made it yet, but it’s on the list.
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a drunk guy at a bar warned me about the sandflies. apparently, they’re vicious. he said to bring industrial-strength mosquito repellent and cover up at dusk. i’m taking his advice seriously.
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my biggest tip? embrace the chaos. labuan bajo isn’t polished. it’s rough around the edges, a little bit gritty, and utterly captivating. it’s a place where you can get lost in the moment, disconnect from the world, and just…be. check out this local forum for more tips: Labuan Bajo Info. i’m off to chase some more light (and maybe another cup of coffee). oh, and don't forget sunscreen. seriously.
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i heard a rumor that there’s a secret beach only accessible by kayak. i’m determined to find it before i leave.
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