06 - Leaving With Unforgettable Memory...

“Every journey eventually ends, but the memories we gather along the way travel home with us.”

 

(Goodbye Labuan Bajo...)

Date: 05/09/2026 (Saturday)
Flight: AK311 LBJ - KUL

Our final morning in Labuan Bajo began with breakfast at Sangkar Lobster once again. We could choose between the buffet spread or table service, all enjoyed in its casual yet trendy setting. The restaurant’s Aegean-inspired white-and-blue architecture, together with its panoramic views of the ocean and the many islands scattered across the horizon, made it a lovely place for our last breakfast in Labuan Bajo. 

(Breakfast with a view)

(A heavy breakfast to last until lunch time)

(The view from the restaurant)

Hunting for Souvenirs at Kado Bajo

We checked out early, and our transport was already waiting to take us to Kado Bajo, a popular multi-storey souvenir and gift centre located just across from Komodo International Airport. Conveniently situated for departing travellers, it is something of a one-stop shop for local keepsakes and gifts. Naturally, we could not resist a little souvenir shopping to bring home some memories of our trip.

(A mural on the wall)

(Our luggage waiting in line at the lobby)

(Buying gifts and souvenirs for family and friends)

(A popular gift and souvenir centre near the airport) 

Nusantara Cuisine for Lunch

Later, we had an early lunch at Ayam Bakar Primarasa Labuan Bajo, a well-known Indonesian family restaurant specialising in authentic Nusantara cuisine. Its signature Javanese-style sweet grilled chicken and fresh grilled seafood are among its popular offerings. Originating from East Java, the restaurant provided a comfortable, fully air-conditioned setting - especially welcome after being out in the heat and its proximity to the airport makes it a convenient stop for travellers.

(Restoran Ayam Bakar Primarasa)

(Tasty grilled chicken and rice)

Volcanic Eruptions Caused Havoc at the Airport

By the time we arrived at the airport, however, the atmosphere was noticeably different. The situation felt somewhat chaotic.

News of several volcanic eruptions the previous day had caused considerable disruption to air travel, with volcanic ash affecting flights and several airports on Java Island. The airport was crowded with travellers, many gathered around the airline counters trying to find out the status of their flights. Some were even sitting on the floor, looking tired and frustrated as cancellations and delays continued.

(Goodbye Labuan Bajo)

(Ready to board our plane to KL)

We held our breath as we approached the check-in counter. Thankfully, we managed to drop off our luggage and were told that our flight to Kuala Lumpur was not affected. What a relief! It seemed that luck was on our side.

Our 3.00 pm AirAsia flight departed on schedule. As we flew over the Java Sea, the sky below was dark and cloudy, giving us one last dramatic view of the region we had just explored. The flight itself was thankfully uneventful, and at 6.15 pm, we landed safely at KLIA2. Alhamdulillah...

And just like that, our six-day adventure in Labuan Bajo came to an end.

We returned home with souvenirs in our bags, hundreds of photographs in our cameras, and, most importantly, another collection of wonderful memories to add to our travel journal.

Next trip: 4×4 Road trip Thailand - Laos - Cambodia