Komodo Islands Sunset Cruise from Labuan Bajo, Manjarite Beach and Kalong Island
A sunset cruise from Labuan Bajo to Manjarite Beach and Kalong Island offers a mesmerizing blend of adventure and natural beauty. Starting in Labuan Bajo, the boat sails through the vibrant turquoise waters of Indonesia's Flores Sea. The first stop is Manjarite Beach, a serene snorkeling haven with crystal-clear waters teeming with colorful marine life and coral reefs. As the day fades, the cruise continues toward Kalong Island, famous for its breathtaking sunset view and the spectacle of thousands of flying foxes emerging from the mangroves. This magical encounter, set against the backdrop of the setting sun, creates an unforgettable experience in nature’s raw beauty and typically forms the first day of a longer 3 Day 2 Night Komodo Island Tour within Komodo National Park.
Manjarite Beach
Activity Overview and Map
Operators: We used local operators on the streets of Labuan Bajo, all tour companies offer an identical itinerary and this provides the chance to negotiate on the price. Alternatively there are several options on Get Your Guide if you wish to book in advance but these are more expensive.
Arrive: Meeting point for the tour in Labuan Bajo Port I Google Maps
Duration: The activity goes for approximately 5 hours
Time Slots: Depending on the company you go with most depart between 2:00PM and 3:00PM and return around 8:00PM
Cost: 800,000 Rupiah I 75 AUD per person (maximum to pay) for single trip
Accomodation: stay in Labuan Bajo or nearby surrounding areas
Manjarite Beach, near Komodo Island, is a peaceful spot known for its crystal-clear waters and vibrant coral reefs, making it an excellent location for snorkeling and marine life exploration.
Kalong Island, located near Komodo Island, is known for its daily spectacle of thousands of fruit bats (kalongs) flying out at sunset, creating a stunning natural sight against the evening sky.
Highlights: A 5 hour cruise on a traditional Indonesian Phinisi as you stop at the idyllic Manjarite Beach for a snorkel before watching the migration of flying foxes at Kalong Island.
Cruising near Majarite Beach
General Tips
The tour typically departs and heads directly for Manjarite beach or a nearby equivalent before stopping for a few hours to allow time for some photos and the opportunity to snorkel. Just before the sun starts setting the boat will then move into a position close to Kalong Island getting a prime position for the pending bat exodus.
There are literally hundreds of operators offering sunset cruise options along the main street of Labuan Bajo, so pick the one that suits your timing and availability the best.
Make sure that you negotiate on the price, we managed to get an entire boat to ourselves which would normally seat 20-30 people and still only paid a total of 1,500,000 Rupiah for two people.
Wear your bathers on the boat, the snorkelling around Manjarite Beach is amazing and you will definitely want to jump in. Snorkels were also provided on our boat, but it is something that is worth clarifying prior to departure.
Also be prepared that in this part of the world the weather can change at very short notice so pack accordingly.
There are a lot of boats around the final sunset location, but don’t stress it only adds to the ambience with all of the lights flickering in the distance. It also doesn’t disrupt the view as the flying foxes will fly directly overhead.
Try and get a position on the roof of your boat so that you are able to lie back and look directly up at them flying above you. A truly unique experience.
Alternatively there is the option to do this cruise as a part of a longer 3 Day 2 Night Komodo Island Tour where the boat typically follows a similar itinerary before continuing on into Komodo National Park.
There are a variety of tour operators available depending on how much you are willing to spend these can be booked directly on arrival in Labuan Bajo or ahead of time on Get Your Guide
Manjarite Beach Jetty
Traditional Indonesian Phinisi
View along cruise near Kelor Island
Traditional Indonesian Phinisi
Flores Sea
Kelor Island
Sunset Flores Sea
Sunset Flying Fox Exodus from Kalong Island
Sunset Kalong Island
Where to Next
Multi Day Komodo Tour: multiple companies offer extended sailing tours around the Komodo Islands, completing a 3 Day 2 Night trip is a great way to hike Padar Island, spot Komodo Dragons on Komodo Island and snorkel at the famous manta point.
Day Trip Cunca Wulang Waterfall: from Labuan Bajo Cunca Wulang waterfall is around a 45 minute scooter ride away. Its a great place to either relax or opt for some cliff jumping on the island of Flores.
Rangko Cave: A visit to Rangko Cave near Labuan Bajo involves a scenic boat ride to a stunning cave with turquoise waters perfect for swimming, best experienced in the early afternoon when sunlight illuminates the cave.
Wae Rebo Village, a remote Manggarai village in the mountains of Flores, offers a unique cultural experience with an overnight stay in traditional mbaru niang (conical houses). The 3-4 hour trek to reach the village is rewarded with insight into the local lifestyle, customs, and traditional weaving practices, requiring 2 days for travel and a stay.
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Pink Beach on Padar Island in Komodo National Park is a must-visit destination for beach lovers and adventure seekers alike. The unique pink-hued sand, created by a blend of white sand and crushed red coral, offers a striking contrast to the turquoise waters. Visitors can enjoy swimming, snorkeling among vibrant coral reefs, or simply relaxing on the shore.