Chinese tourists fuel Labuan Bajo boom

A rising destination

Labuan Bajo, named one of "The Best Places to Go in Asia in 2026" by Conde Nast Traveler in late 2025, is part of the "10 New Balis" program.

Located on the western tip of Flores Island in East Nusa Tenggara Province, east of Bali, Labuan Bajo has developed since 2015 from an isolated, underdeveloped fishing town into an international tourism destination.

Labuan Bajo now serves as the gateway to Komodo National Park on Komodo Island. Travelers can also explore Padar and Rinca, two tiny islands near Komodo famed for their pristine white-and-pink sand beaches and excellent snorkeling.

A visit to Komodo, Rinca and Padar offers tourists three distinct experiences: coming face-to-face with Komodo dragons, exploring the wilderness on land and admiring breathtaking scenery beneath the sea.

In Komodo, the largest of the islands, visitors can have close encounters with Komodo dragons. In Rinca, tourists can not only meet the lizards but trek through its savanna and hills, while Padar offers spectacular panoramic views of rugged hills, curved bays and contrasting beaches.

A 28-year-old Chinese tourist from Beijing, identified only as Mia, told Labuan Bajo Today in October 2025 that Komodo dragons are famous in China, prompting increasing numbers of Chinese tourists to visit Labuan Bajo. "This place is very unique and, of course, beautiful," she said, referring to the area's combination of the sea, hills, forests and savanna-covered islands.

Labuan Bajo stepped into the spotlight when it hosted the ASEAN Summit in May 2023, which saw Southeast Asian leaders sail aboard a traditional phinisi yacht through the waters of the Flores Sea while enjoying the sunset.

The leaders experienced being on board the wooden vessel, which is rooted in the maritime traditions of Bugis and Makassar seafarers in South Sulawesi.

Recognized by UNESCO for its ancestral craftsmanship, the phinisi is traditionally equipped with sails, but can be powered by engines and serve as a liveaboard vessel.

For centuries, sailors from South Sulawesi carried people and goods across the Indonesian archipelago, reaching parts of Southeast Asia, Australia and Madagascar. Researchers say that the Malagasy people have Southeast Asian ancestry.

Paul Edmundus Tallo, director of Floressa Bali Tours, said that flights from Bali to Labuan Bajo are full every day. He said most tourists want to check out the former fishing village.

According to official data, Labuan Bajo received more than 60,000 foreign tourist visits in 2022 and a staggering 340,000 in 2025.