Labengki Island and its neighboring island Sombori are hidden gems in Indonesia. These tropical paradises in Sulawesi are incredibly stunning and captivating. They are among the most enchanting destinations we have explored during our travels.
This place offers a variety of attractions such as lakes in the shape of a heart, green lagoons, a beach with reddish orange sand, a lighthouse, and many white sandy beaches. Additionally, there are interesting sights to explore in the nearby area of Sombori.
There is a lack of English information available online about these places, and while exploring the islands, we almost anticipated to encounter dinosaurs.
In this guide, you will find information on how to reach Labengki, accommodations available, activities to do, and all the essential details to help you discover this hidden treasure in Indonesia on your own!
1) Labengki Island's Location
2) Transportation Options to Labengki Island
3) What to Anticipate on Labengki Island
4) Top Tour for Labengki & Sombori Islands
5) Activities to Enjoy on Labengki Island
6) Example Schedule for a Visit to Labengki Island
7) Accommodation Options on Labengki Island
8) Essential Items to Pack for a Trip to Labengki Island
9) Additional Tips for Traveling to Labengki Island
10) Ideal Time to Explore Labengki Island
11) Recommended Duration of Stay on Labengki Island
12) Our Aerial Video of Labengki Island
Labengki Island can be found in Southeast Sulawesi, which is a region in Indonesia.
Labengki consists of two islands: Labengki Kecil, which is smaller, and Labengki Besar, which is larger. The majority of the population resides in a fishing village located on Kecil.
The main attractions in Labengki are located on the island of Besar, which is mountainous and has steep cliffs, making it very difficult for people to live there. You can see this in the picture below.
Trips to Labengki typically also involve visiting Sombori, which is a collection of islands and lagoons close by that offer similarly breathtaking views.
Sombori is located near the border of Central Sulawesi province, and is easily accessible for a day trip from Labengki.
Aerial view of Labengki Island
Tobelo Lake is a
Navigating to Labengki Island can be a bit challenging due to its remote location.
To start your journey, you need to first take a flight to Kendari (KDI) with a layover in Makassar (UPG). Makassar is conveniently accessible from Bali or Jakarta, and there are daily direct flights to Kendari available for as little as 800k Rupiah ($50 USD). You can search for flights to Kendari on Skyscanner.
Upon reaching Kendari, you may need to spend a night there depending on your arrival time. In that case, we suggest staying at either the Swiss-Belhotel or Claro Hotel Kendari.
Starting from Kendari city, the next part of the journey involves driving to the harbor and then taking a boat ride to Labengki. The boat ride can last for approximately 1 hour if using a speedboat, or around 3 hours if using a wooden boat.
The southern tip of Labengki Island.
Beach with red
Labengki Island: What You Can Anticipate
A common way to explore Labengki and Sombori is through a tour package that covers your meals, accommodations, and transportation by boat. While you could attempt to book these components individually, the overall cost is unlikely to vary significantly.
The usual tour package for Labengki and Sombori is either 3 days and 2 nights or 4 days and 3 nights, which I personally find a bit hurried. However, it is sufficient time to visit most of the main attractions in the area. As a solo traveler, you can opt for the 4-day private tour for as little as 4.5 million Rupiah ($300 USD) if you choose to stay in a simple homestay.
In 2020, we spent 15 million Rupiah (equivalent to $1,000 USD) to enhance our experience with a 7-day package. This package included transfers from Kendari airport, a boat trip from Kendari to Labengki, accommodation for 6 nights at Labengki Beach Huts, unlimited private boat tours around the islands, and all meals for two people. It's important to note that these prices were during the Covid pandemic in 2020, and have slightly increased recently.
The prices at this location in Indonesia are on the higher side, mainly due to the private boat charter and cost of petrol. The lack of flexibility in pricing is because of the remote location and the difficulty in bringing in supplies. Even with my wife, who is Indonesian, attempting to negotiate, there is little room for adjustment. Additionally, a deposit is necessary as they need to purchase food and fuel in advance for the trip.
The total cost is determined by the duration of your stay, the type of boat you choose (wooden motor boat or speedboat), and the accommodation option (homestay, beach huts, or resort). Opting for a shared trip can be more cost-effective, but it may be challenging to find available spots.
A kind crab was spotted close to our beach hut in Labengki.
Aerial photograph of Tobelo Lake, shaped like a heart.
Our trip to Labengki and Sombori was planned by Oji, a local from Kendari who is familiar with the area. He assisted us with booking accommodations, arranging meals, and organizing boat tours during our stay.
To reach 'Kelas Vakansi' company, you can message them on WhatsApp at +62 813-4340-6633, and the person you speak to can communicate in English. If you don't receive an immediate response, it's possible that he is currently traveling. Alternatively, you can also attempt to get in touch with them through their Instagram account.
Note: The residents of the villages in Labengki and Sombori have limited English speaking abilities, which is also the case for many people in Kendari. This may not be a problem for me as my wife is Indonesian, but it is something that others should consider.
Before embarking on your trip, it is recommended to clarify any crucial information and if there are specific sights you are eager to see, consider saving a picture of them on your phone to share with the person operating your boat.
The breathtaking shoreline of Labengki
Greetings and welcome to Jurassic Park
Top Activities in Labengki
• Small Labengki Island
Labengki Kecil is the smaller of the two Labengki islands. It is home to a fishing village with around 500 residents, and there are also a variety of affordable homestays available for tourists to stay in.
Even if you're not staying on Labengki Kecil, there are interesting places to visit such as an abandoned lighthouse, several beaches, and a small limestone cave known as Gua Kolam Renang (Swimming Pool Cave).
Aerial photograph of the Labengki Kecil lighthouse captured by a drone.
The tall structure
The seaside shore
The southern part of Labengki Kecil island
• Long Sand Beach (Pantai Pasir Panjang)
Labengki's longest beach is known as Long Sand Beach. It features a beautiful expanse of white sand, a dense palm forest, and serene blue water.
When you book a stay at Labengki Beach Huts, you can easily access the beach within just 5 to 10 minutes by crossing over some limestone rocks.
Extensive stretch of
Forest of palm trees
Aerial photograph of Pasir Panjang Beach captured by a drone.
• Love Bay, also known as Teluk Cinta, is a popular heart-shaped bay in Labengki that has gained attention on social media platforms like Instagram. The bay is located close to the Labengki Nirwana Resort.
By ascending Kimaboe Hill, you can enjoy stunning panoramic views, but for a clear sight of the heart shape, a drone is necessary.
Aerial photograph of Teluk Cinta
Scenery from the top of Kim
View of Teluk Cinta from an aerial perspective
• Mahumalang Lagoon (Blue Lagoon)
A secret swimming spot known as the Blue Lagoon can be accessed by climbing a ladder over rough limestone rocks.
This location could be more aptly named the green lagoon. The hue of the water here is unlike anything I have ever witnessed! We dubbed it Gumby Lake due to its resemblance to the color of the cartoon character.
Blue Lagoon, also known as Laguna Mahumalalang.
Aerial photograph of the body of water
• Twin Lagoon, also known as Danau Kembar, consists of two lagoons that are divided by a small mound of limestone rocks. It is recommended to wear suitable footwear when exploring this area, as the rocks can be very sharp and potentially dangerous.
During our tour, our guide shared a tale with us about how the lagoon used to be utilized by fishermen in the past to catch and raise sharks. In addition, we were able to see a few Sulawesi Hornbill birds in the area.
Two lagoons located next
Aerial photograph of two connected bodies of water.
Entrance to Twin Lakes
• Tobelo Lake, also known as Danau Tobelo, is a secluded body of water that can only be accessed by walking through a narrow cave that is connected to the ocean.
Within, there is a clear blue lagoon filled with fish and coral. When viewed from above with a drone, the lake appears to be in the shape of a heart.
Tobelo Lake can only be accessed when the tide is low enough for the water level to be below the cave. The boat guide informed us that these optimal tide conditions only occur for one week every month.
It goes without saying that we feel incredibly fortunate to have had the opportunity to visit this location!
Tobelo Lake is a
Tobelo Cave is a
Tobelo Lake
Is it possible for this lake in the shape of a heart to be any
• Red Sand Beach (Pantai Pasir Merah)
The beach is known as Pantai Pasir Merah in Indonesia, which translates to Red Sand Beach due to the reddish-orange hue of the sand found there.
The large cliffs and curved palm trees on this beach are absolutely stunning. It was without a doubt my top choice beach in Labengki, and one of the best I've seen in Indonesia!
The mountains towering over this beach are incredibly large.
Crimson Sand
Beach with red
Aerial photograph of Red Sand Beach
• Shark Lagoon (Laguna Hiu)
Located along the route to Red Sand Beach, there is a lagoon tucked away in the rugged coastline of Labengki island.
Initially, it may be difficult to notice due to the trees blending in with the cliffs, but upon closer inspection, two lagoons can be observed within: a larger one and a smaller one.
We chose not to swim, but our boat guide mentioned that he has witnessed numerous sand tiger sharks in the lagoon, which is why it is called that way!
Aerial photograph of the area where sharks are kept
The small body of water
• Labengki Beach, also known as Pantai Labengki, is a beautiful stretch of white sandy beach located on the southern tip of Labengki island, close to the Nirwana Resort.
Many tours do not include this stop, and the beach was deserted except for a collection of palm trees. Despite this, we found it to be one of the most beautiful beaches we encountered in Labengki.
Labengki Beach is a
Take a good look at our boat. Can you
• New Jellyfish Lake
A recently found jellyfish lake located in Tarape island (between Labengki and Sombori) offers the opportunity to swim alongside countless jellyfish that do not sting!
This lake was recently found in 2023 and is not widely known yet. However, you can view captivating images of it on our Labengki tour company's Instagram page.
• Sombori Island
Once you are done exploring Labengki Island, there are plenty of other attractions to visit in the nearby Sombori Island. Sombori is a collection of islands and lagoons located approximately 2 hours north of Labengki.
A common itinerary for a 3 or 4 day tour of Labengki and Sombori includes dedicating a whole day to exploring Sombori. If you have more time, you could extend your stay and spend an additional day or two discovering all that Sombori has to offer.
The landscape in this place is just as stunning as Labengki. It's a gorgeous tropical oasis filled with lagoons, tall limestone mountains, and undiscovered caves.
Explore further: Discover more about Sombori Island
Island of Sombori
Unlimited bodies of water can be found at Sombori island.
Example Schedule
Here is an example of what a standard 4-day itinerary for Labengki might include:
Paradise in the tropical regions
Accommodation Recommendation
• Labengki Beach Hut
During our visit to the region, we chose to stay at Labengki Beach Huts located on the main island, Labengki Besar.
The setting is enchanting: 10 small beach huts are nestled at the base of the steep cliffs, and there is a secluded beach just in front of your accommodation. Another beach with white sand (Pantai Pasir Panjang) is only a 10-minute hike away.
The meals were delicious and had a wide range of options. We enjoyed fresh seafood like fish, squid, and shrimp, as well as chicken, rice, vegetables, fruit, eggs, pancakes, and more. There were so many different dishes to choose from.
There's no place like home – our cozy Labengki Beach Hut.
The cost we paid covered three meals a day – breakfast, lunch, and dinner – as well as unlimited tea and coffee. They also provided large containers of clean mineral water for us to refill our bottles with tap water for drinking.
The accommodations are simple and minimal. Electricity is only available from 6 PM to 6 AM through a generator, which means you can only charge your devices during those hours. The rooms have wall outlets and a fan for comfort. We had good cell phone reception with Telkomsel.
In the bathroom area, there are 6 outhouses equipped with drop toilets. Showers are taken using a pale and bucket to wash yourself. Keep in mind that this is meant to be a rustic, Robinson Crusoe-style experience, so don't anticipate any luxury amenities.
During our visit, we noticed that some maintenance tasks had been neglected. The hammocks and other facilities were in need of repair. Despite the high cost compared to other accommodations in Indonesia, there is little justification for the lack of upkeep, except for possibly being in a remote location.
However, the main reason for your visit is not for opulence, but for a unique and tropical getaway, which the Labengki Beach Huts provide plentifully!
If you need to get in touch with them, you can reach out through their Facebook page or send a message on WhatsApp at the number +62 853-9750-5163
Copyright belongs to Labengki Beach Huts.
Aerial photo of the place we lodged at
Exclusive ocean views provided by the Labengki Beach Hut.
• The most expensive accommodation option in Labengki is the Nirwana Resort.
There are luxurious overwater villas with stunning views and the option to swim right from the balcony. The rooms appear to be cozy despite being in a secluded location. Amenities include air conditioning, continuous electricity, and well-equipped bathrooms.
I have not looked at their prices recently, but the last information I received is that their rates range from 1.1 to 2.5 million Rupiah (equivalent to $75 to $175 USD) per night, depending on the type of room.
If you need to get in touch with them, you can visit their official website which provides an email address and multiple WhatsApp numbers for contact.
Aerial photograph of Labengki Nirwana Resort captured by a drone
Luxurious accommodations built on stilts over the water, as seen at Labengki Nirw
Within the accommodations (© Labengki Nirwana Resort)
Aerial perspective of the bungalows situated over the water.
• Labengki Kecil Homestay
The most affordable accommodation option in Labengki can be found in the fishing village located on the small island known as Labengki Kecil. Numerous local homestays have recently become available in this area.
The lodging is extremely simple, similar to the beach huts, with a basic toilet and washing facilities, along with a fan and electricity available in the evenings. All meals are provided and there is now cell phone service from Telkomsel.
The biggest downside is the location, as the fishing village is not very well-maintained compared to the private beach at LBH. The food may not be exceptional, consisting mainly of fish, rice, and vegetables, but it should still be tasty.
The cost for a night of accommodation at this lodging in Labengki is approximately 250k Rupiah ($17 USD) per person, making it the most budget-friendly option in the area.
Small village located on Labengki Island.
Small Labengki Beach
• Additional lodging options
There are plans to build more accommodation in Labengki and Sombori. One of these developments is the upcoming Priyanka Resort on Pulau Tarape, an island located midway between Labengki and Sombori. However, progress on the project appears to be on hold.
Another possible accommodation choice is to stay at an affordable homestay in Sombori. The cost and quality of the accommodations should be comparable to staying on Labengki Kecil, but you may not have access to cell phone service.
Finally, the owners of Labengki Beach Huts also permit tent camping, but guests must bring their own equipment. This option can help visitors save money while enjoying a stunning natural environment.
The hues of paradise
Labengki Kecil lighthouse is a
Items to Consider Packing
When preparing for your trip to these isolated islands, remember their remote location. Here are some suggestions for what to bring along.
There
Additional Advice for Traveling to Labengki
We saw a fishing boat using the drone.
Unspoiled natural environment
The ideal time to visit Labengki in Indonesia is during the dry season, which typically runs from April to November and offers the best weather conditions.
Labengki and Sombori appear to have unique weather patterns that don't always align with the typical seasons. Despite being visited during the rainy season, many people experienced great weather during their trips.
The weather during our trip in September was mostly great, with the exception of one intense storm at night that made us fear our beach hut would be swept away.
I'm sorry
The typical duration for tours of Labengki/Sombori is around 3 or 4 days, which allows for ample time to experience the main attractions. However, if you prefer a more secluded and relaxed atmosphere, you may choose to extend your stay for a longer period.
During our 7-day, 6-night stay, we were unable to explore the entire area due to its vastness. Many undiscovered lakes and lagoons are scattered throughout the area, just waiting to be discovered.
A fisherman from the area is displaying the
I'm sorry,
Presenting our Labengki drone video, showcasing the stunning beauty of Labengki island in 4K quality from our recent trip. This video captures the incredible essence of this place and highlights its natural wonders.
Have a safe and
I
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Personal Introduction
Hello! My name is David Leiter, an American who has been exploring different countries for the past 9 years. My wife, Intan, and I spend most of our time in Bali, but we also travel to various destinations around the globe. Join us on our adventures!
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