A travel guide to visiting Batu Cermin Cave in Labuan Bajo, Flores (Indonesia).
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
There are two options to get to the cave. The first is to book a Labuan Bajo day tour that visits the cave and other locations around the town. The second option is to make your way here yourself, either by taxi, scooter, or car.
Option 1: On a Labuan Bajo Day Tour
For those in a large group, or if you'd prefer to visit the Batu Cermin cave along with the other must-see highlights, then you might want to consider this popular Labuan Bajo Day Tour.
This trip 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. This is great value for money and run by a local guide to get the most insights from your visit.
Option 2: Drive to the Cave
The best way to get to Batu Cermin Cave for independent travelers and those on a budget is to rent a motorbike in Labuan Bajo and ride there 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.
Once you have your wheels, you'll just need to follow Google Maps to the pin "Batu Cermin". You can expect around a 15-minute ride to reach Batu Cermin Cave from Labuan Bajo. Alternatively, you can find a taxi driver to take you.
Tip: Follow These Directions to the Cave to Avoid Getting Lost
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 leads to the entrance area of the Batu Cermin Cave.
What to Expect at Batu Cermin Cave
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.
Batu Cermin 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.
There's also an option to hire a local guide to show you around. This can be a good idea if you want to learn about the geology and history of the cave, as there were no signs that we could see explaining anything.
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.
Related:
Guide to Visiting Komodo National Park (Rinca & Komodo Islands)
What is the 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.
Unfortunately, there are no pools or little waterfalls that we could see. However, we visited in the dry season, so it could be different if you are visiting this cave after heavy rains.
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.
Related:
Visiting the Bat Cave on Lombok Island
Where to Stay in Labuan Bajo
There are plenty of great accommodation options in Labuan Bajo. A good tip is to pick a place close to the port, especially if you're planning on taking some boat trips out to Komodo National Park. Below are the three top picks for various budgets.
1. AYANA Komodo Waecicu Beach Luxury
If you want luxury go no further than Ayana. This 5-star resort has everything from a fitness center, a private dock, and a kids club. It boasts 6 on-site restaurants which serve a range of cuisines.
2. Le Pirate Island Unique-Stay
Experience Island life on the incredible Le Pirate Island just a short distance from Labuan Bajo. With glamping tents and incredible ocean views, this is one that shouldn’t be missed.
3. Seaesta Komodo Hostel & Hotel Budget
The best choice for backpackers wanting to watch the sunset whilst sipping a cocktail in the infinity pool. It has everything you would need for a great price.
More Indonesia Travel & Adventure Guides
If this travel guide has inspired you to visit the Mirror Cave in Labuan Bajo, Flores, make sure to check out some of my other related posts below.
If you're exploring Flores, make sure to visit Padar Island and the famous Pink Beach!
- Lombok Travel Guide - my popular & comprehensive guide to exploring the island of Lombok
- The Waterfalls of Lombok - a guide to the best waterfalls on Lombok Island
- Epic Lombok to Komodo Boat Trip - one of my personal favorite boat tours in Indonesia!
- Nusa Penida Travel Guide - an adventure guide to visiting the island of Nusa Penida off Bali
- Things to do on Gili Trawangan - discover Gili T in this epic adventure guide
- Accommodation guides: Discover epic Tree Houses in Bali, awesome accommodations on the Gili Islands, the best beach resorts in Bali & hotels in Bali with private pools
