Labengki & Sombori • Hidden Paradise Sulawesi | Kelas Vakansi
News
News
Two exotic gems in the eastern hemisphere of Indonesia - Labengki and Sombori island????
When you first read “the eastern hemisphere of Indonesia” we’re 100% sure that what pops up in your mind is Lombok, if not Bali. Fortunately, it’s not those two beautiful islands we’re talking about in this article, but another two beautiful islands located around Sulawesi.
These two islands are Labengki and Sombori, also known as the “Raja Ampat” of Sulawesi. If you’re looking for another heaven on earth in Indonesia but are concerned about packed beaches full of people, Labengki and Sombori might be your next best travel destination. Labengki Island and its alluring counterpart, Sombori, may be Indonesia's best-kept hidden treasure.
That is why we at Kelas Vakansi passionately encourage people to visit Labengki and Sombori. With these two enchanting views, Labengki and Sombori will be some of your most memorable destinations in Indonesia. This guide will provide you with information on how you get there, a list of accommodations you can choose, what you will expect, and the trip packages we offer, or you can hover over the part you want to know more about here:
● Where it is located and how to get there
● What will you find in Labengki and Sombori
● Best tips to visit Labengki-Sombori
● Trip packages by Kelas Vakansi
[Foto tim Kelas Vakansi di Labengki/Sombori]
Labengki and Sombori are two different islands. One is in South Sulawesi, and the latter is on the edge of Central Sulawesi but can be easily visited from Labengki Island.
[Foto map Labengki dan Sombori]
The nearest city to the islands of Sombori and Labengki is Kendari, located in the southeastern part of Sulawesi. You can reach this city by a 3-4 hour flight from Surabaya or the same duration from Jakarta. You can compare prices through Skyscanner or using Indonesia’s local websites, Traveloka.com or Tiket.com.
Once you arrive at Haluoleo Airport in Kendari, you can continue your car trip to the harbor, which usually takes 1-2 hours. Lastly, you will continue your journey from the harbor to Labengki, which will take about 90 minutes by speedboat/fiber boat or 150 minutes by wooden boat.
If you think you can’t handle the entire trip directly from the airport, you can stay at Kendari, which offers quite a wide range of hotels. For the best price, we recommend you stay at our partner’s hotel swiss bel hotel Bothersome journey? Well, we are confident it is worth the effort!
Labengki consists of two islands, Labengki Besar (the bigger island) and Labengki Kecil (the smaller island), where most of the population lives. In Labengki Kecil, you will meet the people of Bajo, famous for their lives on the sea. Most tourist destinations are on Labengki Besar, with various tourist spots and lodgings for you to stay in.
A 4D3N tour is enough to explore the area, and you can also choose to extend your time.
Steep hills surround Labengki Besar – if you’re not afraid of heights, you can try their famous flying fox on the smaller island. You can also hike the “Teluk Cinta” or The Bay of Love, named after its unique shape. Besides the beautiful beaches, you will also be spoiled by its beautiful lagoon spread across the island.
Here are our most popular destinations at Labengki and Sombori
Long sand beach is the longest beach on Labengki Island, stretching around 500m. Usually, tourists spend their time here swimming and snorkeling. If you stay at Labengki Beach Hut, you can access this beautiful beach by climbing over some limestone rocks for only 10 minutes.
This lagoon has a diameter of approximately 150 meters and a depth of 6 - 8 meters, depending on the tides. You can visit Blue Lagoon at noon, between 10 am and 1 pm, for maximum results.
Tobelo Lagoon is a closed area. To visit Tobelo Lagoon, you must pass through a cave that can only be accessed when the water completely recedes. If you’re lucky, you will be privileged to witness such a remarkable lagoon.
White sand beaches dominate the Labengki area, but some are different from other spots. There is a spot called Red Sand Beach, which got its name from the red sand covering this beach. The best time to come here is when the water is high so the boat can reach the shore. The iconic spot on this island is the two palm trees that look magically identical!
Foto by Drone
Foto by Kamera
The lighthouse at Labengki Kecil is the best spot to catch the sunrise – thanks to its location east of Labengki Kecil.
[Foto Mercusuar Labengki Kecil]
● Swimming Pool Cave (Gua Kolam Renang)
The Swimming Pool cave is a small pool in Labengki Kecil formed by the seawater that enters the cave. Hence, the water volume can vary depending on the tides. The Swimming Pool Cave is formed from natural karst rocks that you must climb before entering the cave. The good thing about this cave is you can swim without sunburn!
[Foto Gua Kolam Renang]
Most of the trips will end here. You will reach this island by 2 hours of boat trip. This is where you will get the “Raja Ampat” vibes, thanks to its coral islands that stretch across as far as you can see. These coral islands are home to various fish species. So, we highly recommend you explore the ocean surrounding these small islands by snorkeling and/or diving. The clear water in this area compares to the clear water in Phi Phi island, Thailand!
● Paradise Island views (Pulau Kayangan)
There are two viewpoints of Paradise Island. These islands are known as the “Raja Ampat” of Sulawesi because of the formation of the little coral islands. You will only need a 5-minute climb to get to the top.
Picture by Drone
Picture by Camera
● Jellyfish Lagoon
Jellyfish Lagoon, a lake in the middle of the island, is one of the most beautiful and exotic places on Sombori Island. Recently discovered on December 25th, 2023, this Lagoon is still surrounded by its natural beauty. On your way to the lake, you will be amazed by the clean white sand that becomes a place for boats to dock before going to the lake.
Jellyfish Lagoon got its name because of the Jellyfish that filled this Lagoon. These Jellyfish are not poisonous and don't sting -- like those in Lake Kakaban and most Jellyfish in Papua. You will only realize that this Lagoon is filled with Jellyfish once you swim in it.
You only need to track 10 minutes from the shore where the boat docks to reach this place.
Foto by kamera
● Diamond Cave
Among the prevalent features in Sombori are limestone caves, and Diamond Cave stands out as one of the largest and most impressive caves in Kendari – even in Indonesia. The cavern cavern is derived from the glistening limestone rocks, particularly conspicuous when illuminated by light streaming through the cave's ceiling aperture.
[Foto Diamond Cave]
● Left Water Island (Pantai Air Kiri)
This white-sanded beach got its name from a folklore about a fisherman who discovered a natural well by reaching into it with his left hand.
● Allo Cave (Gua Allo)
Allo Cave is a remarkable cave by the sea that's easy to miss. You can get inside by swimming, using a canoe when the tide is high, or just walking in when it's low. Once you're in, you'll find many bats hanging from the ceiling and a secret passage leading to a small natural swimming pool.
● Hermit Crab Beach
The beach earned its name due to the swarms of tiny hermit crabs scurrying on the sand. Just beyond the beach lies a uniquely shaped blue lagoon.
[Foto Hermit Crab Beach]
There are a few options for accommodation you can try during your trip. You can stay at
available resorts, or you can also stay at a local homestay provided for tourists, as the locals also rely on tourism for their income. They will happily serve you and provide fresh water, food, and drink. Each homestay has a different capacity, from 15 people to 20 people. These homestays are located in Bajo Village on Labengki Kecil. Homestay prices vary from 300,000 to 500,000 ($25 to $45) Rupiah.
Another option is to stay at resorts/cottages. The advantages of staying at resorts are endless. You will be privileged to enjoy the best views and every facility each resort/cottage offers, such as canoeing, kayaking, and snorkeling.
Here are two famous resorts loved by our guests:
● Labengki Beach Hut
Labengki Beach Hut is one of the most popular resorts in Labengki. It has a private white-sanded beach along its coast, surrounded by cliffs and tropical forest.
No room in this cottage is provided with air conditioning. So you will find only a fan in the room. As the electricity is limited on this island, you will be provided with electricity only from 6 pm to 6 am. Other than that, this hut only has an outside bathroom.
● Labengki Nirwana Resort
Nirwana Resort is located on Labengki Besar with cottage-style houses on stilts above the sea. This resort is located far from residential areas, making it very exclusive. The rooms are provided with Air Conditioning and 24-hour electricity. The rooms are also provided with private bathrooms. You can enjoy water game facilities in this resort, such as kayaking and snorkeling.
The best times to visit Labengki and Sombori are during the dry season, around April and October to December. However, the weather could vary. Some people had a great time visiting during the rainy season, but as the islands seem to follow different weather patterns, it’s best always to ask your local guides.
Where Every Step
Tells a Story
