Summary
Sombori island (and its exotic neighbor Labengki) stands out as one of the most breathtaking destinations in Indonesia. With its stunning lagoons and numerous paradise islands, it has been dubbed ‘the Raja Ampat of Sulawesi’ due to its resemblance to the renowned islands in West Papua.
The remoteness of Sombori and Labengki ensures that they remain untouched by mass tourism, and online information about these gems is still scarce. During our exploration, we stumbled upon unnamed lagoons and pristine beaches, as well as diverse wildlife including giant sea clams and hornbill birds!
This travel guide will provide insights on how to reach Sombori, accommodation options, exciting activities, and essential tips to make the most of your visit to this Indonesian paradise.
Where Is Sombori Island?
Sombori island is situated in the southeastern part of Central Sulawesi province, Indonesia. The island features a mountainous peninsula encircled by limestone karst formations and vibrant turquoise lagoons, creating an ideal setting for boat explorations.
Tour packages to Sombori often include visits to Labengki, which shares much of the same stunning scenery and offers various accommodations.
How To Get To Sombori Island
Traveling to Sombori and Labengki can be an adventure, requiring some planning. The journey begins with a flight to Kendari (KDI), typically with a layover in Makassar (UPG). Makassar is accessible from popular destinations like Bali and Jakarta and has direct daily flights to Kendari starting at around 800k Rupiah ($50 USD). You can explore flights to Kendari using Skyscanner.
Upon reaching Kendari, you may need to stay overnight depending on your flight schedule. Recommended accommodations include the Swiss-Belhotel or Claro Hotel Kendari.
From Kendari, you will need to drive to the harbor for a boat ride to Labengki, taking about an hour via speedboat or three hours on a traditional wooden boat. Sombori island is located another two hours north of Labengki, which can be visited as a day trip from there. We enjoyed two separate day trips to Sombori during our stay.
Sombori Island: What To Expect
The most common way to explore Sombori and Labengki is through package tours that include meals, accommodations, and boat transportation. While it’s possible to arrange these elements individually, the overall cost generally remains the same.
Standard tours usually last for 3D2N or 4D3N, which may feel slightly rushed. However, this duration allows you to experience many of Sombori and Labengki’s key highlights. As a solo traveler, you can expect to pay around 4.5 million Rupiah ($300 USD) for a 4D3N private tour in basic accommodation.
Alternatively, we opted for a 7-day package for 15 million Rupiah ($1,000 USD), which included airport transfers, the boat ride from Kendari to Labengki, six nights at Labengki Beach Huts, unlimited private boat tours, and meals for two. It’s important to note that these were the prices during the Covid period in 2020, and costs may have increased since then.
While this destination can be pricier by Indonesian standards, most expenses derive from chartering private boats and fuel costs, given the remoteness making supply deliveries challenging. A deposit is typically required for food and fuel purchases before your departure.
Your overall expenses will fluctuate based on the length of stay, type of boat (wooden boat versus speedboat), and choice of accommodation (homestay, beach huts, or resort). Open/shared trips can reduce costs but may also be difficult to secure.
Best Tour For Sombori & Labengki
Our trip was coordinated by Oji, a local from Kendari with extensive knowledge of Sombori and Labengki. Oji proved invaluable in arranging our accommodations, meals, and boat outings.
You can reach his company, ‘Kelas Vakansi’, via WhatsApp at ☎ +62 813-4340-6633. Fluent in English, he is generally responsive, although there may be occasional delays if he’s currently on a trip. An alternative would be contacting them through their Instagram page.
It’s worth mentioning that the locals in Sombori and Labengki have limited English proficiency, which may pose a challenge for some visitors. However, it was manageable for us, with my wife being Indonesian. Organizing all major details before your journey is advisable, and saving visual references of specific sites to share with your local guides can be helpful.
Best Things To Do In Sombori
• Paradise Island (Pulau Kayangan) – Viewpoint #1
Your initial tour stop on Sombori island is typically Pulau Kayangan, famed as the ‘Raja Ampat viewpoint’ due to its striking resemblance to the famous islands of West Papua.
A short five-minute hike leads to the summit, offering breathtaking views of the rocky limestone islands paired with azure lagoons.
• Paradise Island (Pulau Kayangan) – Viewpoint #2
Just 100 meters from the first viewpoint lies another perspective at Kayangan, dubbed the second ‘Raja Ampat viewpoint’.
The view changes slightly as you find yourself at the edge of one of the stunning blue lagoons.
• Grandma’s House (Rumah Nenek)
One notable spot in Sombori, affectionately named ‘Grandma’s House’, was once inhabited by a dedicated fisherwoman living in a humble wooden structure.
The fisherwoman has since passed, but tales of her adventures live on, especially the story of a whale shark that swimmers famously adopted here for nearly two months! Its release was prompted by challenges in caring for it.
This enchanting location is excellent for photography, particularly if you have a drone. It features multiple turquoise lagoons.
• Diamond Cave (Gua Berlian)
Among the many limestone caves in Sombori, Diamond Cave ranks as one of the largest and most impressive.
This cave’s name reflects its sparkling limestone formations, which captivate with their brilliance when illuminated from above.
It is fascinating to discover that the cave also contains prehistoric handprints, visible on closer inspection of the walls.
• Left Water Beach (Pantai Air Kiri)
This shallow lagoon features a sandy beach with soft white sand.
Legend has it that a fisherman discovered freshwater here while reaching in with his left hand, consequently inspiring the beach’s name.
• Allo Cave (Gua Allo)
Allo Cave is an intriguing sea cave hidden along the coastline. With two entrances, visitors can explore the cave by swimming or canoeing at high tide, or wading in when the tide is low.
Inside, hundreds of bats dangle from the ceiling, along with a secret passage leading to a small natural swimming pool.
• Prehistoric Cave (Gua Prasejarah)
Before leaving Gua Allo, we were guided by a local fisherman to a more remarkable cave that remains relatively unexplored.
Excitedly, he urged us to bring our cameras for excellent photos. Following him led us into a significant cave adorned with government signs, roped-off areas, and archaeological tools.
This location is noteworthy, boasting government protections due to its prehistoric handprints, confirming Sulawesi’s status for the oldest cave art worldwide.
• Princess Lake (Danau Putri)
During a drone flight at Gua Allo, we unexpectedly discovered a hidden donut-shaped lake.
Although it is known to locals, accessing it on foot proves quite challenging.
• Hermit Crab Beach (Pantai Umang-Umang)
This unique beach earns its name from the numerous tiny hermit crabs scuttling across the sand—hundreds of them, in fact!
Behind the beach resides an oddly shaped blue lagoon. While I operated the drone, our team embarked on a spearfishing venture, successfully bringing back a hearty catch for dinner. During this, we also spotted a giant sea clam, a notable feature in Sombori and Labengki, though many have sadly vanished due to destructive fishing methods.
• Five Kings Lagoon (Laguna Raja Lima)
This remarkable area encompasses five lagoons located at the northeastern edge of Sombori.
Within, you’ll discover five turquoise lagoons surrounded by mountainous landscapes. If drones are your passion, you won’t want to miss this stunning locale!
A picturesque multi-colored lake lies hidden in the jungle just beyond the lagoon.
• Ambokita Island (Pulau Mbokita)
This snorkeling spot near the fishing village of Pulau Mbokita is noteworthy.
While the region isn’t primarily recognized for snorkeling opportunities, sparked by coral damage due to dynamite fishing, this specific site proved to be exceptional, showcasing vibrant coral and diverse fish species, including some rarities.
• Koko Island (Pulau Koko)
Koko Island features a beautiful white sand beach, bordered by shallow lagoons on either side, and boasts a treehouse viewpoint offering exquisite views of Harapan Island and its surrounds.
While the viewpoint is delightful, it would benefit from more neutral coloration on its boards, as the current rainbow hues seem rather out of place.
• Jellyfish Lake
A recently discovered jellyfish lake on Tarape Island (close to Sombori) allows visitors to swim with countless stingless jellyfish!
Found in 2023, this remarkable site is not yet widely known, but images shared by our tour company can be seen on their Instagram page, showcasing the beauty of this hidden gem.
• Labengki Island
Most typical 3-day or 4-day tours include a significant amount of time in Labengki, which lies about two hours south of Sombori. This series of islands also offers excellent accommodations in the area.
The landscapes in Labengki rival those of Sombori, presenting an enchanting paradise filled with heart-shaped lakes, lagoons, fine sandy beaches, and towering limestone mountains.
Where To Stay
• Labengki Beach Hut
During our visit, we stayed at the Labengki Beach Huts located on the primary island (Labengki Besar).
The setting is magical: ten charming beach huts adorn the base of steep cliffs, with a private beach just outside your doorstep. Additionally, a nearby white sand beach (Pantai Pasir Panjang) is accessible within a 10-minute hike.
Food offerings were delightful, featuring a rich variety, including fresh fish, squid, chicken, rice, vegetables, shrimp, fruit, eggs, pancakes, and much more.
The pricing package included daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner, along with complimentary tea and coffee throughout the day. Fresh drinking water was conveniently available in large containers for refillable bottles.
The accommodations are quite basic, as electricity is only available through a generator from 6 PM to 6 AM, necessitating charging of all electronics within that timeframe. Each room is equipped with outlets and a fan. Telkomsel service proved reliable during our stay.
Bathroom facilities consist of six outhouses with drop toilets. Showers are accomplished using a bucket and pale. Keep in mind, this setting embodies a Robinson Crusoe experience, so do not expect luxury.
During our visit, some maintenance appeared overdue—such as broken hammocks among other facilities. While this lodging is on the pricier side for Indonesian standards, the outlook for upkeep is somewhat diminished due to its remote location.
Despite the simplicity, the allure of an exotic tropical escape is undeniably captured by the Labengki Beach Huts!
Contact them through their Facebook page or WhatsApp at ☎ +62 853-9750-5163.
• Labengki Nirwana Resort
For those seeking higher-end accommodations in Labengki, the Nirwana Resort provides overwater villas with breathtaking views and direct swimming access from balconies. The rooms offer comfort, with air conditioning, around-the-clock electricity, and fully-equipped bathrooms.
While I haven’t checked their current rates, they were reported to range from 1.1 to 2.5 million Rupiah ($75 to $175 USD) per night, depending on room selection.
Contact them via their official website, which lists email and multiple WhatsApp contact numbers.
• Labengki Kecil Homestay
Visitors looking for the most affordable lodging option in Labengki can consider the homestays located in the fishing village on the small island (Labengki Kecil). Many local homestays have recently begun operations.
Accommodations are extremely basic, similar to the beach huts, with drop toilets and wash buckets provided. Rooms come complete with a fan and limited electricity during the evening hours. Meal provisions are typically included, and Telkomsel reception is available.
The primary disadvantage rests in the location, as the fishing village doesn’t offer the same charm as the beachfront at the Labengki Beach Huts, nor is the dining experience likely to be as varied (mostly fish, rice, and vegetables). However, it should remain palatable.
Rates hover around 250k Rupiah ($17 USD) per night per person, making it the most economical accommodation choice in Labengki.
• Other Accommodation
Future expansions in accommodation across Sombori and Labengki are being planned. Among them is the new Priyanka Resort situated on Pulau Tarape, located halfway between Sombori and Labengki; however, its construction appears to be on hold.
Additionally, there are budget homestay options in Sombori island, with prices and quality resembling those in Labengki Kecil, though with limited cell service.
An exciting option remains—camping permitted by the owners of Labengki Beach Huts—although guests must provide their own equipment. This could be another way to save while enjoying an extraordinary natural backdrop.
What To Bring
Given the remoteness of these islands, it’s essential to pack thoughtfully. Here are our top recommendations:
- Snacks: If you have a sweet tooth, you won’t find familiar convenience stores here, so pack your favorite treats.
- Snorkel: Sombori island offers some excellent snorkeling locations; don’t forget your gear!
- Power Bank: Limited electricity is available from 6 PM to 6 AM, making a portable charger handy for keeping devices powered.
- Dry Bag: Protect your camera and electronics with a waterproof bag while exploring the islands by boat.
- Drone: Capture the picturesque landscapes from above for an exceptional perspective!
Other Travel Tips For Sombori
- Mosquitoes: No malaria cases have been reported from Labengki and Sombori. According to the 2018 Lancet study, malaria is reportedly eliminated in South East Sulawesi (encompassing Labengki), but some instances might still occur in Central Sulawesi (including Sombori). While a few mosquitoes were noted during our stay, we received minimal bites—the sealed Labengki Beach Huts offered sufficient protection.
- Religion: Residents in Sombori and Labengki predominantly practice Islam. A mosque on Labengki Kecil island may be quite loud, so light sleepers might want to carry earplugs. Fortunately, at the Labengki Beach Huts, the distance rendered any noise negligible.
Best Time To Visit Sombori
Indonesia’s dry season, characterized by optimal weather, occurs from April to November. However, Sombori and Labengki may follow different weather patterns, as evidenced by reports from travelers in the rainy season who enjoyed excellent conditions.
During our visit in September, we encountered generally pleasant weather, apart from a fierce overnight storm that had us worried about our beach hut!
How Long To Stay
Traditional tours for Sombori and Labengki typically span 3 or 4 days, which offers ample time to enjoy primary attractions. However, should you favor the Robinson Crusoe experience, an extended stay is quite feasible.
Our lengthy stay of 7 days and 6 nights still left us without having fully explored the area, as numerous hidden lakes and lagoons await discovery!
Our Drone Video Of Sombori/Labengki
Finally, here’s my 4K drone video capturing the stunning beauty of Sombori island from our trip—showcasing the area’s breathtaking landscapes.
Happy travels!
