Goa Rangko Cave, also known as Gua Rangko, is a secluded location nestled near the town of Labuan Bajo on the Indonesian island of Flores. It boasts a natural blue swimming pool that captivates visitors with its serene beauty.

Labuan Bajo has emerged as the gateway to Indonesia's renowned Komodo National Park. This unique cave, which can be easily reached by a short drive from the town followed by a quick boat ride along the coast, offers an unforgettable experience.

This travel guide will provide you with comprehensive information on how to reach Gua Rangko Cave from Labuan Bajo, along with all the essential details you need to know before embarking on your journey!

Goa Rangko Cave – A Place Worth Waiting For

Goa Rangko Cave, a limestone cavern, receives sunlight only once a day (I'll elaborate on this later). When illuminated by the sun's rays, the pool transforms into a stunning blue hue.

You can swim in the mineral-rich water, which makes it easy to float. You might even spot some small fish swimming around.

There are steps leading down to the water, but be cautious of the slippery rocks at the pool's edge.

Water shoes could be a prudent choice, especially before entering the water.

Best Time to Visit

Based on our experience, the cave starts to receive light around 2:00 PM, but the optimal lighting period is between 2:30 PM and 3:00 PM. By 3:30 PM, it's already quite dark inside, leaving limited time for photography.

We first arrived at the cave at 12:00 PM (as per a friend's advice), but it was still dark. Keep in mind that the timing may vary with the seasons; we visited in early March.

The best approach is to ask someone who has recently been there or inquire at the ticket booth. Clouds can also obscure the sunlight, but fortunately, Labuan Bajo's climate is generally sunny, so this is usually not an issue.

Entry Fees

• Boat ride: Approximately IDR 200,000 round trip (about $14 USD)

• Cave entry fee: IDR 50,000

These are the current fees for Gua Rangko as of 2024.

The boat can accommodate up to 5 people, so if you're traveling with friends, you can split the cost. Be prepared to negotiate with the driver, who may initially quote exorbitant prices.

How to Get There

To reach Goa Rangko Cave, you'll need to take a boat, but first, you must drive to the port, which is a 20-30-minute journey from Labuan Bajo town.

Most of the road is paved, with only a few steep hillsides. Overall, the drive is relatively easy, with light traffic and stunning coastal views.

Next, you'll board a boat to Goa Rangko Cave, located on a small, secluded beach surrounded by mountains. Boatmen will be waiting at the port, but remember to negotiate the price (as mentioned above). The boat ride takes just 15 minutes or less, and the driver will wait for you while you explore the cave.

Upon arriving on the island, you'll find a small ticket booth, followed by a path leading to the cave. Follow the path along the left side of the rocks, and within 5 minutes or less, you'll discover the cave.

At low tide, a crescent-shaped sandbar emerges. At high tide, it's just a small, tidy patch of sand. This location blends seamlessly with Gua Rangko Cave and is perfect for drone photography.

For an additional IDR 50,000 to 100,000, the boatmen will take you there (it's actually quite close and even visible from the harbor).