The Batu Cermin Cave in Labuan Bajo is a limestone tunnel and cave system translated in Indonesian as “Mirror Cave” or “Mirror Rock”. Located not more than 4 kilometers from the town center, the Batu Cermin cave makes a perfect stop on a day trip from Labuan Bajo.
This cave has been made popular by the mirroring light, which seeps through the cave roof and reflects off the several “mirror rock” surfaces, in turn lighting up whole sections of the cave.
How to Get to Batu Cermin Cave Labuan Bajo
The best way to get to Batu Cermin Cave is to rent a motorbike in Labuan Bajo and ride yourself. You can pick up a motorbike along the main strip between 65 000 Rupiah and 75 000 Rupiah. This is a little more expensive than what we typically found in Indonesia. However, after wasting too much time trying to get what we considered a “fair price”, we gave in and accepted the inflated Labuan Bajo rental price (thanks, rich diving tourists).
Once you have your wheels, you’ll just need to follow Google Maps to the pin embedded below. You can expect around a 15-minute ride to reach Batu Cermin Cave from Labuan Bajo.
While the pin is accurate, Google tends to try and navigate you down a dirt road, which as we found out, leads to a dead-end. Instead of turning right onto a dirt road located on the bend of the main road (Jl Bukit Cinta), follow the curve around and continue for another 100 meters. Then, turn right onto a sealed road that eventually leading to the Batu Cermin Cave.
Getting to Labuan Bajo – You can grab a cheap domestic flight to Labuan Bajo (also known as Komodo airport – LBJ) with daily connecting flights to Denpasar in Bali for $50-$80. You can compare cheap flights to Komodo airport here.
Guided Tour Option
For those in a large group, or if you’d prefer to visit the Batu Cermin cave along with some other highlights, then you might want to consider this Full Labuan Bajo Day Tour.
Although I didn’t book this tour, it includes a boat trip to another blue-water swimming cave known as Ranko Cave, the Amelia Sea View sunset viewpoint, and of course, the Batu Cermin Mirror Cave.
If you do end up booking, please let me know how it was!
MORE FLORES: PADAR ISLAND HIKE – BEST SUNRISE VIEWPOINT IN INDONESIA?
What to Expect at Batu Cermin Cave Labuan Bajo
Upon arrival, it’s immediately clear that this cave is well set up for tourism, with information boards, a sign-in desk and even some small stalls waiting for you at the entrance.
However, when we visited at around midday, the place was almost deserted. We did eventually run into a couple of small tour groups, but it definitely didn’t leave us with a sour taste of the familiar tourist trap
What’s more, is that you won’t need a guide to explore the cave. That said, I’d anticipate that if you’re in a large group, you will be offered to hire one.
Cave Entry Price
The Batu Cermin Cave entry price is 50 000 Rupiah per person. This is a little steep, considering they don’t supply any torches or a helmet. However, after exploring the cave and snapping some shots for over an hour, I’d say that it’s worth the price tag.
After paying, you’ll follow a marked trail to the cave system. There is a small cave entrance on the left inside the main cavern where you’ll have to squeeze through to gain access to the Mirror Rock Cave.
Being a cave, it’s completely dark and you’ll need to bring a light source. We forgot our head torches to just used our phones to light the way.
Batu Cermin Mirror Cave?
Following the tunnels, you’ll eventually reach the last room, which is known as the Baru Cermin Mirror Rock. This narrow tunnel is lit up by the mirroring reflections and sparkles due to the salt deposits in the rocks.
Tips for Visiting Batu Cermin
Here are some quick tips for visiting the Labuan Bajo Batu Cermin Cave.
- Depending on the time of year, you’ll want to visit the cave between 9 AM and noon. Since the hole in the roof is quite small, the sun needs to be in the perfect place for the mirroring effect.
- Bring a head torch if you have one. Unless you hire a private guide, you won’t be offered to rent one.
- Be considerate of the bats. Avoid any flash photography of the bats, who are extremely sensitive to light.
GOING TO LOMBOK? READ ABOUT THE KUTA LOMBOK BAT CAVE HERE
WHERE TO STAY IN LABUAN BAJO – ACCOMMODATION GUIDE
WHERE I STAYED: CIAO HOSTEL
In terms of hostels, this is one of the best that I’ve found in Indonesia. Everything is clean and accommodation includes free transport to the airport or into town. The hostel sits on the hill above Labuan Bajo, offering some of the best views in town. This is also one of the closest hostels to the Batu Cermin Cave in Labuan Bajo.
BEST HOSTEL IN INDONESIA – SEAESTA HOSTEL
Even if you’re not staying here, visiting Seaesta Hostel is a must in Labuan Bajo. This place is insane! It has an incredible rooftop bar and pool, a fully airconditioned gym and super comfortable bunks with thick mattresses. Although we didn’t stay here, we chose to spend a lot of time here chilling by the pool and working.
CHEAP DOUBLE BUNK – SIOLA HOTEL
My second accommodation in Labuan Bajo was the Siola Hotel. This one is super basic and caters more for budget travelers. If you’re a couple, this is the cheapest double bed you can find in Labuan Bajo. For $9, you’ll get a double bed right next to the night market and harbor, free breakfast and a private bunk with a bamboo door.
EXPLORE ALL ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS IN LABUAN BAJO (KOMODO ISLANDS)
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