Bidadari Island

Bidadari is a white sand island with amazing underwater life located in Labuan Bajo, West Manggarai, East Nusa Tenggara.  This island is only 15 hectares wide.  Its beautiful underwater panorama is an interesting tourist attraction.

In 2006 and 2007, this island was fiercely debated over by politicians and central government officials because its ownership was controlled by an English investor who developed tourist driven infrastructure and attractions.  The island is still Indonesian territory and such control is only temporary. The English investor is planning to establish a resort on the island.

In addition to Bidadari, Serayu, Kanawa and Kukusan Kecil islands are also located near Labuan Bajo and they have various types of beautiful coral reefs, fish and assorted sea life.

Getting There

It will take only 30 minutes by motor boat from the Labuan Bajo port to Bidadari.  There are two to three flights from Bali to Labuan Bajo by Transnusa, IAT (Indonesia Air Transport), and Merpati.  From Kupang, there are flights twice a week.  When the weather is good, motorboats are also available everyday from Sape, West Nusa Tenggara.  The Pelni ship from Bali and Lombok makes a stop over here every two weeks.

Getting Around

There are no roads on Bidadari island but you can walk to explore this beautiful island.  To enjoy its waters, you can rent a motorboat from the Labuan Bajo port for a half, or full day.

To Do

Sunbathing in quite white beaches must be fun.  You can also go diving and snorkeling to observe the beautiful coral reefs and various types of underwater sea life and habitat.

To Stay

No hotel is available here.  Ernest Lewan Dowsky, the English investor, is currently planning to build a resort here.  The nearest rooming accommodations are in Labuan Bajo and range from motels for backpackers to luxurious hotels.

Hotel Bintang Flores (0385-42000) on Pede Beach is the most luxurious hotel in Labuan Bajo at present.  You can also stay in the Bajo Komodo Eco Lodge (0385-41391/www.ecolodgeindonesia.com), Gardena Hotel, Golo Hilltop, Chez Felix, Green Hill, Bajo Beach Hotel or Hotel Wisata.

Sweet & sour fish is a local favorite (please ask for Kerapu or tuna fish).  The sunsets here are particularly attractive here.  Other restaurants are the Paradise Bar and Pub (near Golo Hilltop), Arto Moro, and Matahari (Paradise and Matahari have a fascinating sunset views also).

To Eat

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There are no restaurants or food stalls here.  Restaurants are only available in Labuan Bajo.  Restoran Gardena (in Hotel Gardena) is a favorite restaurant.  Various types of European and Indonesian foods are available here.

To Buy

Souvenir shops are available in Labuan Bajo.  You can buy woven fabrics, traditional Songket fabrics and Komodo wooden statues from kiosks and shops along Yos Sudarso Street.

Tips

Please wear a hat & sunglasses and apply sunblock to your skin.