Batu Cermin, Cave in a Dark Stone Hills of Labuan Bajo

Batu Cermin, or Mirror Rock, is actually a tunnel or cave in a dark stone hills of Labuan Bajo, West Manggarai, Flores, East Nusa Tenggara. Sunshine comes in through a hole in the tunnel and then bounces on the stone walls that again reflect small lights to other areas inside the cave like a mirror. That’s why this site is called mirror rock.

The cave is located east of Labuan Bajo harbor some four kilometers from the town’s center. The cave has forests surrounding it where you can find long-tailed monkeys and wild boar. Travel agencies sell tour packages to Batu Cermin as part of a city tour program from Labuan Bajo.

Nearly all interesting sites in Labuan Bajo are located on islands facing this harbor. Most are unoccupied and you can go there for sunbathing, diving or snorkeling. Bidadari Island has a beautiful beach for sunbathing. Its seas are good for snorkeling and diving. Kanawa and Kukusan Kecil Islands are also good for snorkeling and diving. In addition, Serayu island has white sand and beautiful corals.

Make sure that you bring along anti-mosquito lotions and anti-malaria medicines, since Labuan Bajo is a malaria endemic area. Bring along also sunblock lotions, a hat, and sunglasses, as it can be very hot here during the dry season. You can buy these at the supermarket in town or from your hotel shop.

Get Around
You can take a rented car or travel by car from the Labuan Bajo airport to any place on the Flores mainland. The rate depends on your negotiation. Hotels can help you find a rented car. For your mobility within the city, bemo’s (traditional public transportation) and motor taxis are available, but they only operate until 09:00 pm. If you want to visit the nearby islands, such as to Komodo or Rinca, rented motorboats and speed boats are available at the port.

Get There
Every day, there are two to three flights from Bali to Labuan Bajo by Transnusa and IAT (Indonesia Air Transport). In addition, there is a twice a week flight from Kupang. Inter-island motorboats from Sape in West Nusa Tenggara are also available everyday (when the weather permits), and the Pelni ship from Bali and Lombok makes a stop over here every two weeks.