Labuan Bajo: The Gateway to Komodo Adventures

• HelloHalo
  [ha-lo]
• GoodbyeSelamat tinggal
  [se-la-mat ting-gal]
• YesYa
  [ya]
• NoTidak
  [ti-dak]
• Please/You're welcomeTolong
  [to-long]
• Thank youTerima kasih
  [te-ri-ma ka-sih]
• Excuse me/SorryMaaf
  [ma-af]
• How are you?Apa kabar?
  [a-pa ka-bar]
• Fine. And you?Baik. Dan kamu?
  [bai-k. dan ka-mu]
• Do you speak English?Bisa bicara bahasa Inggris?
  [bi-sa bi-tsa-ra ba-ha-sa ing-gris]
• I don't understandSaya tidak mengerti
  [sa-ya ti-dak men-ger-ti]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseSaya ingin melihat menu, tolong
  [sa-ya in-gin me-li-hat me-nu, to-long]
• I don't eat meatSaya tidak makan daging
  [sa-ya ti-dak ma-kan da-ging]
• Cheers!Selamat minum!
  [se-la-mat mi-num]
• I would like to pay, pleaseSaya ingin membayar, tolong
  [sa-ya in-gin mem-ba-yar, to-long]

• Help!Tolong!
  [to-long]
• Go away!Pergi!
  [per-gi]
• Call the Police!Panggil polisi!
  [pang-gil po-li-si]
• Call a doctor!Panggil dokter!
  [pang-gil dok-ter]
• I'm lostSaya tersesat
  [sa-ya ter-se-sat]
• I'm illSaya sakit
  [sa-ya sa-kit]

• I'd like to buy...Saya ingin membeli...
  [sa-ya in-gin mem-be-li]
• I'm just lookingSaya hanya melihat-lihat
  [sa-ya han-ya me-li-hat-li-hat]
• How much is it?Berapa harganya?
  [be-ra-pa har-ga-nya]
• That's too expensiveItu terlalu mahal
  [i-tu ter-la-lu ma-hal]
• Can you lower the price?Bisa kurangi harganya?
  [bi-sa ku-ran-gi har-ga-nya]

• What time is it?Jam berapa sekarang?
  [jam be-ra-pa se-ka-rang]
• It's one o'clockPukul satu
  [pu-kul sa-tu]
• Half past (10)Setengah (sepuluh)
  [se-ten-gah (se-pu-luh)]
• MorningPagi
  [pa-gi]
• AfternoonSore
  [so-re]
• EveningMalam
  [ma-lam]
• YesterdayKemarin
  [ke-ma-rin]
• TodayHari ini
  [ha-ri i-ni]
• TomorrowBesok
  [be-sok]
• 1Satu
  [sa-tu]
• 2Dua
  [du-a]
• 3Tiga
  [ti-ga]
• 4Empat
  [em-pat]
• 5Lima
  [li-ma]
• 6Enam
  [e-nam]
• 7Tujuh
  [tu-juh]
• 8Delapan
  [de-la-pan]
• 9Sembilan
  [sem-bi-lan]
• 10Sepuluh
  [se-pu-luh]

• Where's a/the...?Dimana...
  [di-ma-na]
• What's the address?Alamatnya apa?
  [a-lam-at-nya a-pa]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Bisa tunjukkan saya (di peta)?
  [bi-sa tun-juk-kan sa-ya (di pe-ta)]
• When's the next (bus)?Kapan yang berikutnya (bus)?
  [ka-pan yang be-ri-kut-nya (bus)]
• A ticket (to ....)Tiket (ke ....)
  [ti-ket (ke)]

Before the arrival of European explorers, the area now known as Labuan Bajo was inhabited by indigenous tribes, including the Manggarai people. These tribes lived off the land, fishing and engaging in small-scale farming. Oral traditions and artifacts suggest a rich cultural heritage that included intricate weaving and traditional music.

In the 19th century, Labuan Bajo, along with other parts of Flores Island, came under the influence of the Dutch East Indies. The Dutch established administrative posts and introduced Christianity, which led to significant changes in the social and cultural fabric of the local communities. The remnants of Dutch architecture and old churches can still be seen today.

During World War II, Labuan Bajo and the surrounding areas were occupied by Japanese forces. The region's strategic location made it a point of interest for military operations. Local oral histories recount stories of hardship and resistance during this period.

Following Indonesia's independence in 1945, Labuan Bajo remained a relatively quiet fishing village for several decades. However, the Indonesian government’s focus on regional development in the 1970s and 1980s brought infrastructural improvements, such as roads and schools, to the area.

In the late 20th and early 21st centuries, Labuan Bajo gained international recognition as a gateway to Komodo National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The park is home to the famous Komodo dragons, diverse marine life, and pristine coral reefs. This boom in ecotourism has transformed Labuan Bajo into a bustling town with numerous hotels, restaurants, and tour operators.

In recent years, there has been a growing movement to preserve and revive the traditional cultures of the Manggarai people. Efforts include the revitalization of traditional dances, music, and textiles. Cultural festivals are now held annually, attracting both locals and tourists.

Labuan Bajo, located on the western tip of Flores Island in Indonesia, can be accessed by air, sea, and land. The most convenient way is by air, with direct flights from Jakarta, Bali, and other major Indonesian cities to Komodo Airport (LBJ). For those preferring sea travel, Pelni ships and other ferries operate routes connecting Labuan Bajo with other parts of Indonesia. Overland travel is also possible from other parts of Flores Island, with buses and private cars being popular options.

Labuan Bajo is a small town, and many attractions are within walking distance. For longer distances, local modes of transportation include motorbike taxis (ojek), bemos (minivans), and regular taxis. Renting a scooter or a car is also a viable option for those who prefer to explore at their own pace. Boat charters are available for island-hopping and visiting nearby dive spots, including the famous Komodo National Park.

The official currency in Labuan Bajo is the Indonesian Rupiah (IDR). Credit cards are accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and larger shops, but smaller establishments and local markets often only accept cash. ATMs are readily available in the town, but it's advisable to carry enough cash when visiting remote areas or islands. Currency exchange services are available at banks and some hotels.

Labuan Bajo is generally safe for tourists, but it is always wise to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in poorly lit areas and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. Petty theft, such as pickpocketing, can occur, so it is best to stay vigilant. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, but always use common sense and be aware of your surroundings.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. The local police station and medical facilities are available in Labuan Bajo. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, there are pharmacies in town where you can purchase over-the-counter medications. The nearest hospital is Siloam Hospital in Labuan Bajo, which offers more comprehensive medical services.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Remove your shoes when entering homes and certain public buildings. Public Transport: Do be respectful and courteous to drivers and fellow passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a smile and a slight bow or handshake. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don't refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Labuan Bajo like a local, visit the local markets where you can buy fresh produce, seafood, and traditional Indonesian goods. Engage with locals, as they are often friendly and willing to share stories about the town's history and culture. Don't miss visiting the fish market early in the morning for a unique local experience. For a memorable adventure, consider taking a liveaboard boat trip to explore the nearby islands and dive sites, including the world-renowned Komodo National Park.