Goa Rangko Cave: An Undisclosed Gem near Labuan Bajo, Indonesia

Goa Rangko Cave, also known as Gua Rangko, is a secluded natural wonder located near the town of Labuan Bajo on the Indonesian island of Flores. It boasts a stunning natural blue swimming pool that attracts visitors from all over.

Labuan Bajo has emerged as the gateway to Indonesia's renowned Komodo National Park. A short drive from the town, followed by a quick boat ride along the coast, will take you to this unique cave.

This travel guide will provide you with all the necessary information about how to reach Gua Rangko Cave from Labuan Bajo and what you need to know before embarking on your journey!

Goa Rangko Cave - A Place Worth Waiting For

Goa Rangko Cave, also referred to as Gua Rangko, is a limestone cave that receives sunlight only once a day (I'll elaborate on this later). When illuminated by the sun, the pool inside the cave takes on a mesmerizing blue hue.

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

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

Water shoes could be a good idea, at least until you're ready to dive in.

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, so you won't have much time to snap photos.

We first arrived at the cave at 12:00 PM (according to a friend), but it was still dark inside. 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, the climate in Labuan Bajo is generally sunny, so this is usually not an issue.

Entry Fees

Boat ride: Approximately 200,000 Indonesian Rupiahs (around $14 USD) for a round trip
Cave entry fee: 50,000 Indonesian Rupiahs
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 haggle with the driver, who may initially quote an exorbitant price.

How to Get There

To reach Goa Rangko Cave by boat, you must first 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 hills. Overall, the drive is relatively easy, with light traffic and scenic coastal views.

Next, you must take a boat to Goa Rangko Cave, which is located on a small, secluded beach surrounded by mountains. Boatmen will be waiting at the port, but be prepared to haggle (as mentioned above). The boat ride takes only 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 reach the entrance of the cave.