Summary
The Goa Rangko Cave is a hidden gem featuring a stunning natural blue pool, located near the town of Labuan Bajo in Flores, Indonesia. Labuan Bajo is recognized as the gateway to Indonesia’s famed Komodo National Park, making the cave (known as Gua Rangko) easily accessible with a brief drive and a short boat ride from town.
This travel guide outlines how to reach Gua Rangko Cave from Labuan Bajo and provides vital information for visitors.
Where To Stay In Labuan Bajo
Goa Rangko Cave – What To Expect
The Goa Rangko Cave is a limestone cave that only receives sunlight once daily. When illuminated, the pool reveals a mesmerizing blue shade. Visitors can swim in the pool, making swimming effortless due to the mineral-rich water, along with occasional glimpses of small fish.
Steps lead down to the water; visitors should exercise caution on the surrounding rocks, which can be slippery. Therefore, wearing water shoes is advisable until you reach the water.
Best Time To Visit
Based on our experience, light begins to enter the cave around 2:00 PM, with optimal lighting occurring between 2:30 PM and 3:00 PM. The light starts to fade by 3:30 PM, leaving you with a limited window for capturing photographs.
During our visit at noon, the cave remained dark. Timing may vary with the seasons, so it’s best to consult locals or the ticket booth for current conditions. Fortunately, Labuan Bajo typically enjoys sunny weather, which minimizes lighting issues.
Entrance Fee
- Boat Crossing: ~200k IDR (~$14) return
- Cave Entrance Fee: 50k IDR
These are the current fees for Gua Rangko as of 2024. The boat accommodates up to five passengers, allowing for cost-sharing among friends. Boat drivers may initially quote inflated prices, thus requiring some haggling.
How To Get There
Accessing Goa Rangko Cave requires a boat ride, but first, you must drive to the harbor, approximately 20-30 minutes from Labuan Bajo town. The road is mostly paved with a few steep hills, providing a pleasant drive with minimal traffic and spectacular coastal views.
Upon arriving at the harbor, several boat drivers will be available, so be sure to negotiate for a fair price. The boat ride to Goa Rangko Cave lasts around 15 minutes, during which drivers will wait for you while you explore the cave. Upon reaching the island, you’ll find a small ticket booth and a short path leading to the cave, which can be reached in about five minutes.
EXTRA: Pasir Timbul Sandbar
For an additional attraction near Goa Rangko, visit the tiny Pasir Timbul sandbar, easily accessible by boat in about five minutes! At low tide, it forms a crescent shape while transforming into a small disc of sand at high tide. This sandbar provides an excellent opportunity for stunning drone photographs.
Simply offer your boat driver an extra 50-100k Rupiah for a visit to the sandbar, which is visible even from the harbor.
Labuan Bajo Hotels
More Komodo Travel Tips
We appreciate your interest! We hope these tips facilitate your visit to the enchanting Goa Rangko cave near Labuan Bajo.
For comprehensive information regarding the dragons and the surrounding islands, consult the complete Komodo Travel Guide.
