Some guests ask about traveling by ferry and bus to Labuan Bajo instead of flying. While this may seem like an adventure, it is a very difficult and exhausting route that we do not recommend. Our staff has taken this route multiple times, and we are familiar with the challenges it presents.

To get to Labuan Bajo by ferry and bus, you must first start in Lombok. The first challenge is booking the bus. There are two types of buses available, and they are significantly different in terms of quality. The regular bus is very low quality and has questionable safety standards. The alternative is a sleeper bus, which costs 485,000 IDR ($30 USD), but it can only be booked via a WhatsApp number in Indonesian. Additionally, this bus has a low capacity and is often fully booked in advance.

The sleeper bus departs from Lombok and travels two hours to Kayangan Port, where passengers must exit the bus and board a 2-hour ferry ride to Pototano Port in Sumbawa. The bus itself is also on the ferry, but passengers are not allowed to stay inside during the crossing.

Upon arrival at Pototano Port, it is already nighttime, and the journey continues with an 8 to 11-hour overnight bus ride to Bima. This is where the trip becomes especially challenging. The bus schedule is highly unreliable, and delays are common, which can cause passengers to miss the ferry connection to Labuan Bajo.

When you arrive at Bima, the situation becomes even more difficult. Unofficial taxi operators aggressively approach travelers, using intimidating tactics to get them to book a ride. Some of these individuals do not actually have taxis, and guests have reported being forced into the back of trucks or even cattle transport vehicles instead of real taxis.

After navigating this situation, there is still a 1.5-hour drive to Sape Port. The road is very winding and mountainous, with unsafe driving conditions, frequent wildlife crossings (goats and monkeys), and reckless drivers. This stretch of the trip can be particularly stressful and is not recommended for travelers unfamiliar with the area.

Once at Sape Port, you will be approached by another group of semi-aggressive locals offering assistance. Here, you must figure out how to purchase your ferry ticket, which can be confusing for first-time travelers. The ferry itself is a basic public ferry that is not designed for tourists. It is overcrowded, uncomfortable, and offers little in terms of amenities. The 8-hour ferry ride to Labuan Bajo Port is often one of the most difficult parts of the journey.

Upon arrival at Labuan Bajo Port, you must then get to your hotel.

Many guests ask about this option, and while it may appear cheaper than flying, the reality is that it comes with too many risks, discomforts, and uncertainties. The long travel time, unreliable schedule, safety concerns, and lack of comfort make this route not worth the trouble.

It is far better to take a low-cost airline from Bali (or even from Lombok with a transfer in Bali), as it will save time, energy, and often end up costing less than this exhausting overland journey.