Labuan Bajo is located on the western side of Flores Island, famous for the Komodo dragon. Its popularity surged after being designated as one of the priority tourist destinations. The stunning landscapes, coupled with excellent tourist facilities, attract many visitors. In addition to exploring its natural beauty, souvenirs from Labuan Bajo should also be on your must-buy list before heading back home. So, what are some iconic Labuan Bajo souvenirs you can take back as gifts?
Your itinerary
1. Manggarai Coffee
Coffee is a must-try drink for visitors in Labuan Bajo. The best coffee here is Manggarai Coffee, made from beans sourced from East Manggarai. Two types of coffee are cultivated here: Arabica and Robusta. However, Manggarai Arabica is the preferred choice. You can easily find Manggarai Coffee at souvenir shops or restaurants around Labuan Bajo.
2. Rebok
Rebok is not a brand of sports shoes but a traditional snack from Labuan Bajo made of shredded coconut and rice flour. It is toasted without oil and packaged as a powder. Its unique flavor is a sweet and savory combination. The people of West Manggarai often use Rebok as a topping for milk, bread, or avocado. It’s definitely worth trying!
3. Jintan
Jintan here isn’t a spice, but a snack made from cumin. These small, soft bread bites are sweet in flavor. They are made with butter, eggs, flour, and cumin. Jintan is a perfect companion for your coffee or tea while enjoying the gentle breeze by the beach in Labuan Bajo.
4. Cara Fish
Cara Fish is usually dried, so you just need to prepare it into various dishes. It’s similar to salted fish. Since it’s salted, the fish lasts longer, especially when stored in a dry room with warm temperatures. You can find Cara Fish at the local markets in Labuan Bajo. Try frying it and adding some sambal terasi for extra flavor. It’s sure to go perfectly with rice!
5. Kompiang Bread
Kompiang Bread resembles a toasted bread roll but is more elongated and topped with sesame seeds. Made from the same ingredients as regular bread, its small size makes it a great snack with coffee. Despite its small size, eating several Kompiang Bread will leave you feeling full. If you’re not in the mood for rice during your holiday, Kompiang Bread is a perfect Labuan Bajo souvenir alternative.
6. Bepalaya
Bepalaya, or sometimes spelled Bapalaya, is a traditional Bugis cake. It’s easily found in Labuan Bajo due to the presence of many Bugis people who have lived here for years. The main ingredients are brown sugar, glutinous rice, rice flour, and sesame seeds. It has a sweet flavor and can last for seven days at room temperature. Bepalaya is perfect with tea or coffee and can be found at the Wae Kesambi vegetable market or the Fish Auction Place (TPI) in Labuan Bajo.
7. Songke Fabric
Every region in Indonesia has its own unique traditional textiles, and Flores is no exception. The Songke fabric from Flores is beautifully woven with distinct motifs that carry cultural significance. The patterns and colors represent values and traditions preserved in Manggarai. One of the most iconic motifs is Mata Manuk, the symbol of religious and social life in West Manggarai. Even in modern times, Songke is still woven using simple tools, making the process time-consuming and requiring skilled craftsmanship, which makes the fabric relatively expensive. However, for lovers of traditional textiles, Songke is a must-buy. These are the 7 must-buy souvenirs from Labuan Bajo. These gifts will always remind you of the beauty and hospitality of Labuan Bajo, making you want to return for another visit.
1. Manggarai Coffee
Coffee is a must-try drink for visitors in Labuan Bajo. The best coffee here is Manggarai Coffee, made from beans sourced from East Manggarai. Two types of coffee are cultivated here: Arabica and Robusta. However, Manggarai Arabica is the preferred choice. You can easily find Manggarai Coffee at souvenir shops or restaurants around Labuan Bajo.
2. Rebok
Rebok is not a brand of sports shoes but a traditional snack from Labuan Bajo made of shredded coconut and rice flour. It is toasted without oil and packaged as a powder. Its unique flavor is a sweet and savory combination. The people of West Manggarai often use Rebok as a topping for milk, bread, or avocado. It’s definitely worth trying!
3. Jintan
Jintan here isn’t a spice, but a snack made from cumin. These small, soft bread bites are sweet in flavor. They are made with butter, eggs, flour, and cumin. Jintan is a perfect companion for your coffee or tea while enjoying the gentle breeze by the beach in Labuan Bajo.
4. Cara Fish
Cara Fish is usually dried, so you just need to prepare it into various dishes. It’s similar to salted fish. Since it’s salted, the fish lasts longer, especially when stored in a dry room with warm temperatures. You can find Cara Fish at the local markets in Labuan Bajo. Try frying it and adding some sambal terasi for extra flavor. It’s sure to go perfectly with rice!
5. Kompiang Bread
Kompiang Bread resembles a toasted bread roll but is more elongated and topped with sesame seeds. Made from the same ingredients as regular bread, its small size makes it a great snack with coffee. Despite its small size, eating several Kompiang Bread will leave you feeling full. If you’re not in the mood for rice during your holiday, Kompiang Bread is a perfect Labuan Bajo souvenir alternative.
6. Bepalaya
Bepalaya, or sometimes spelled Bapalaya, is a traditional Bugis cake. It’s easily found in Labuan Bajo due to the presence of many Bugis people who have lived here for years. The main ingredients are brown sugar, glutinous rice, rice flour, and sesame seeds. It has a sweet flavor and can last for seven days at room temperature. Bepalaya is perfect with tea or coffee and can be found at the Wae Kesambi vegetable market or the Fish Auction Place (TPI) in Labuan Bajo.
7. Songke Fabric
Every region in Indonesia has its own unique traditional textiles, and Flores is no exception. The Songke fabric from Flores is beautifully woven with distinct motifs that carry cultural significance. The patterns and colors represent values and traditions preserved in Manggarai. One of the most iconic motifs is Mata Manuk, the symbol of religious and social life in West Manggarai. Even in modern times, Songke is still woven using simple tools, making the process time-consuming and requiring skilled craftsmanship, which makes the fabric relatively expensive. However, for lovers of traditional textiles, Songke is a must-buy. These are the 7 must-buy souvenirs from Labuan Bajo. These gifts will always remind you of the beauty and hospitality of Labuan Bajo, making you want to return for another visit.
