A harbour town on the island of Flores that's the gateway to Komodo National Park, with dragons, pink sand and some of Indonesia's best snorkelling. Here's what Labuan Bajo is like, when to go and how long to stay.
Komodo National Park permits are booked online in advance, and fees change, so check the latest before you go. Indonesia's entry rules can change, so check GOV.UK before you book.
Temperatures are the average daytime high in °C.
April to November is the dry season, with calm seas for boat trips. May, June, September and October are the sweet spot, with July and August the busiest and priciest. December to March is the wet season, with heavy but often short downpours and rougher seas, though the hills are at their greenest.
See the world's largest lizards in the wild on Komodo or Rinca island, on a walk led by a park ranger.
Climb to the famous viewpoint over three curved bays, best at sunrise before the heat.
A beach with sand tinted pink by tiny pieces of red coral, with good snorkelling just offshore.
Snorkel or dive with manta rays, which gather here to feed, often seen in good numbers.
Spend one or more nights on a boat to reach the islands early, before the day-trip crowds.
A small island with white sand, clear water and easy snorkelling straight off the beach.
Watch the sun go down over the islands from a hilltop or a waterfront bar in town.
There are no direct flights from the UK to Indonesia. Fly to Bali with one stop, then take a domestic flight to Labuan Bajo, which takes about an hour and a quarter.
Yes, with a ranger. Visits are always guided, and rangers keep groups at a safe distance. Follow their instructions.
Three or four days is enough for a boat trip through the national park plus a day of snorkelling. Many people add it to a trip to Bali.
The dry season, from about April to November, has the calmest seas. May, June, September and October are less busy than July and August.
Put Labuan Bajo on standby with everyone's other ideas. You each spread your points in secret, get one veto, and the draw picks where you go.