04 - From the Sea to Golo Mori...

“Some mornings are worth waking early for; some views stay with you forever...”

(Watching the sunset at Golo Mori)

Date: 03/09/2026 (Thursday)
Activity: Sailing Day 03 and Labuan Bajo Tour
Destination: Sebayur Island, Batu Cermin Cave and Golo Mori
Hotel: Loccal Collection Hotel

Breakfast on board was a simple but comforting affair, toast and pancakes with strawberry and blueberry jam, enjoyed in the cosy dining room. The layout was thoughtfully designed for both comfort and relaxation. I was glad to see that everyone seemed a little more cheerful this morning.

A Morning Swim With The Turtles

This morning, it was time to go turtle spotting at Pulau Sebayur. The marine life around Pulau Sebayur is exceptionally vibrant. Even beginners can enjoy the calm, shallow waters of Sebayur Besar, where sea turtles and colourful fish can often be spotted swimming among beautiful coral formations. It was a wonderful way to spend our last morning at sea.

(Time for turtle spotting)

(A massive school of fish crossing our path)

(Where are the turtles?)

(Spotting a shark far away)

The End Of Our Sailing Adventure

Our final lunch on board the liveaboard phinisi marked the end of our sailing adventure. We stopped near the waters of Pulau Pasir Putih, about an hour's sail from Labuan Bajo. After lunch, it was time to say goodbye to our friendly phinisi crew. We would certainly miss their warm hospitality, attentive service and, of course, the delicious food they had prepared for us throughout the journey.

(Early for lunch, as usual)

(One last photo on the phinisi)

(Sailing back to the Marina in Labuan Bajo)

Back on Solid Ground & Another Caving Expedition

As we arrived back at Labuan Bajo Marina, it was quite a relief to be back on solid ground! Our driver was waiting for us, and we drove about 5 km to Gua Batu Cermin, or Mirror Stone Cave, a fascinating natural limestone cave system and archaeological site.

(A brief detour on the way to Batu Cermin Cave)

(Umbrella Rock, a unique rock formation)

Originally submerged beneath the sea thousands of years ago, the cave is known for its ancient marine fossils and its unusual play of light. The name Batu Cermin, meaning "Mirror Stone", comes from the way sunlight filters through a small opening in the cave's roof and reflects off the smooth, salt-encrusted limestone walls. At the right angle, the reflected light creates a beautiful shimmering effect, almost like a natural mirror.

 

(The entrance of Batu Cermin Cave)

(Hiking and caving enthusiasts - ready to explore)

(The start of the crawl into a smaller cave)

(A much needed rest before exiting)

 
Unfortunately, parts of the cave were closed to visitors due to the recent earthquakes, so we were unable to explore the entire cave system.

A Stop For Prayers at a Local Mosque

On our way back to Labuan Bajo, we stopped to perform our prayers at Masjid Nurul Falah Waemata.

The mosque serves as an important place of worship for the local Muslim community and also welcomes Muslim travellers visiting the Waemata area. It was a peaceful stop before we continued our journey south.

(Nurul Falah Waemata Mosque)

(The spacious main prayer room)

Breathtaking Vantage point at Golo Mori

From Labuan Bajo, we continued towards Golo Mori, about 45 minutes south of the town. Golo Mori is being developed as a sustainable coastal tourism and international meeting destination. It is home to the modern Golo Mori Convention Center and offers a quieter escape from the bustle of Labuan Bajo, with panoramic views of green hills, the Molo Strait and the surrounding islands.

Our destination was Nuka Beach Club, a scenic beachfront spot in Golo Mori. Its striking bamboo architecture, dramatic cliffside setting and expansive ocean views make it a beautiful place to unwind. We settled in to enjoy the peaceful surroundings and watched the sun slowly sink towards the horizon. As evening descended, we tucked into a tasty barbecue dinner, a fitting way to end our day.

(Nuka Beach Club)

(A good spread of bbq meat and seafood)

(Sunset dinner with a nice ambiance)

(Time to head back to Labuan Bajo)

A good night rest in Santorini

Tonight, we checked in to the Loccal Collection Hotel, a popular hillside property overlooking Labuan Bajo harbour. The hotel immediately caught my eye with its distinctive white-and-blue architecture, inspired by the Mediterranean aesthetic of Santorini, Greece. Perched on the hillside, it also offers sweeping views of the harbour and beautiful sunsets.

(Our lodging for two nights)

After several days of early mornings, boat rides, island excursions and endless sightseeing, it had been another full and memorable day. But our Labuan Bajo adventure was not over yet. We still had another two days ahead before our flight home to Kuala Lumpur.

For tonight, though, I was more than ready for some much-needed rest. Tonight, I didn't need any lullaby. I dozed off almost immediately the moment my head touched the pillow.

05 - A Taste of Flores Culture...

“To travel is to discover not only new places, but the stories, flavours and people that give them meaning...”

(A cute hut at Dapur Tara Flores)

Date: 04/09/2026 (Friday)
Activity: Dapur Tara Flores & Rumah Tenun
Hotel: Loccal Collection Hotel, Labuan Bajo

We started our morning with breakfast at Sangkar Lobster, a cliffside restaurant at Loccal Collection Hotel, beautifully perched overlooking the sea. The restaurant is known for its stunning vantage point and its speciality fresh seafood, particularly local lobster prepared with traditional Indonesian flavours.

(Breakfast with Indonesian flavours)

After breakfast, the rest of the morning was ours to enjoy at leisure. It was a slow and easy morning, giving us time to simply relax and take in our last moments in Labuan Bajo.

(Beautiful view from the upper floor of the hotel)

(The rooms by the pool)

(Mimpi Cafe - with a beautiful view)

(The cafe was quite crowded in the evening)

From farm-to-table meals at Dapur Tara Flores

Around noon, our ride arrived to take us out to Dapur Tara Flores, a lovely community-run farm-to-table sanctuary tucked away in Melo Village, about 17 kilometers outside Labuan Bajo. This place is so much more than somewhere you just stop to grab a bite - it’s all about slow living, ancestral heritage, and genuine local connections.

(Having lunch at Dapur Tara Flores)

(A welcome herbal drink for the guests)

(A taste of Flores delicacies)

(Vibrant coloured Flores dishes on my lunch plate)

Instead of putting on staged performances for tourists, they welcome you right into their daily rhythms with traditional cooking and communal meals. Everything on the table is made using seasonal ingredients fresh from their own organic gardens or grown by nearby families.

(A simple life of Flores people)

It was easily one of my favorite parts of the trip. Beyond the calm village views, we got to taste the real, authentic flavors of the land and get a warm, personal glimpse into how the local community lives and keeps their traditions alive.

Witnessing the traditional weaving practices of Manggarai 

On our return journey, we stopped at the Baku Peduli Center, a community-run cultural and weaving centre located about 10 km from Labuan Bajo. The centre plays an important role in preserving and promoting the traditional weaving heritage of Nusa Tenggara Timur, particularly the beautiful Manggarai songket weaving and natural-dyeing techniques. At the same time, it provides economic opportunities for local women and village artisans.

(A welcome scarf for each guest)

(A traditional technique of weaving)

The ladies in our group were delighted to have the opportunity to dress up in traditional costumes and, of course, there was plenty of photo-taking. It was a fun and colourful way to appreciate the artistry and cultural heritage of Flores.

(Trying out Manggarai tradional dress)

(Beautiful ladies in Manggarai traditional costumes)

(Absorbing the calm view of paddy field while having the afternoon  tea)

Before continuing with our evening programme, we returned to Masjid Nurul Falah Waemata for our prayers. Despite its modest size, the mosque can comfortably accommodate a regular congregation of more than 200 worshippers. Once again, it was comforting to have a place where we could pause, pray and reflect during our journey.

Our Last Sunset in Labuan Bajo

And then came our final sunset in Labuan Bajo.

We made our way to Amelia Sea View, a popular viewpoint offering a beautiful panorama of the sea and surrounding hills. The name is associated with Villa Amelia, a prominent nearby villa. The area is also close to other well-known viewpoints such as Cinta Hill and Sylvia Hill.

(The sun is setting fast at Amelia Hill)

(Scenic view of the ocean)

Interestingly, many of the scenic hills around this part of Labuan Bajo carry names associated with women or romantic themes. Compared with the much higher and more challenging Sylvia Hill, Amelia Hill is the easier climb - perfect for those of us who simply wanted to enjoy the view without too much exertion. As the sun slowly descended, painting the sky and sea with the warm colours of evening, we realised this would be our last sunset in Labuan Bajo. There was something especially poignant about watching the day come to an end.

A Final Dinner at La Moringa Resto

Our final dinner was at La Moringa, a restaurant built around what they describe as a “healthy hype” concept. The menu creatively incorporates locally harvested moringa and sorghum, combining wellness-inspired dishes with traditional Indonesian flavours. Moringa is a nutrient-rich plant that has long been used in traditional practices, and it was interesting to see how the restaurant incorporated it into its dishes in such creative ways.

(Mouth-watering dishes for hungry tummies)

The food was delicious, wholesome and filling - a fitting final dinner to conclude our Labuan Bajo Sailing Excursion.

Our Last Night in Labuan Bajo

On our final night in Labuan Bajo, we took one last opportunity to enjoy the view from the elevated vantage point of our hotel. Below us, the sea stretched into the darkness while the twinkling lights of the town slowly came alive. Around the hotel, Santorini-style lights illuminated the white cliffs, creating a romantic and wonderfully serene atmosphere.

(A serene night view of Labuan Bajo bay)

We stood there for a while, simply taking it all in. Tomorrow, we would be leaving Labuan Bajo. But tonight, we allowed ourselves to linger a little longer to savour the view, the quietness and the memories we had gathered over the past few days.

A cherished moment that we will keep in our hearts for a long time.

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.