9 The Best Spots for Open Trip Group Photos in Labuan Bajo

If you join an open trip to Labuan Bajo, the most anticipated moment, besides sailing and island hopping, is usually the group photo session at each destination. But have you ever felt that the group photos turned out less organized or that the background looked rather ordinary? Even though the moments you share over several days at sea cannot be repeated. That’s why it’s important to know the best spots for open trip group photos in Labuan Bajo so your documentation doesn’t look random. In this article, you’ll find recommendations for the best spots for open trip group photos in Labuan Bajo, along with tips to make sure the results are optimal and worthy of sharing on your social media.

Key Takeaways

• The best spot for open trip group photos in Labuan Bajo can be found on land, at sea, and even on a phinisi boat.
• Each location has a different character, so pose and angle approaches should be adjusted accordingly.
• Outfit coordination and group formation strongly influence the final documentation result.
• Using a professional Labuan Bajo open trip documentation service can help you achieve cleaner, more directed, and content-ready results, whether for social media or personal memories.

Where Are The Best Spot for Open Trip Group Photos in Labuan Bajo?

If you’re wondering where the best spot for open trip group photos in Labuan Bajo is, the answer isn’t limited to just one or two locations. Every destination included in an open trip itinerary actually has strong potential to become a solid group photo background. However, there are several spots that are visually and technically more ideal.

Here are the most recommended locations that consistently produce well-composed group travel photography in Labuan Bajo:

1. Padar Island Peak

At Padar Island, you can consider it one of the best spot for open trip group photos in Labuan Bajo because the hills and curved beaches are clearly visible from the top. The elevated position makes your group composition appear more proportional, with a wide landscape as the background. However, since this spot is quite crowded, you still need to manage timing and formation to keep the result neat and focused on your group. Here are several things to pay attention to when taking group photos at Padar Island Peak:

• Choose early morning so the light is softer and faces are not too dark.
• Use a semi-circle or tiered formation following the ground contour so everyone is visible.
• Avoid standing too spread out to keep the composition compact and not “broken.”
• Make sure one person coordinates the pose cues so expressions stay natural and synchronized.

2. Pink Beach

At Pink Beach, you can get group photos with a combination of pink sand and blue sea that instantly makes the frame look more vibrant. The beach area is wide enough to give you flexibility in arranging positions without looking overcrowded. However, because the sand reflects strong light, you need to pay attention to exposure so faces are not overly bright or overly contrasted. Here are several things you can do when taking group photos at Pink Beach:

• Wear neutral outfits such as white, blue, or earth tones to match the surroundings.
• Position yourselves with the sea behind you and light facing your faces for brighter results.
• Create a straight or semi-circle formation so all members are clearly visible.
• Take advantage of post-swim moments when the mood is more relaxed for natural expressions.

3. With Komodo Dragons on Komodo Island

On Komodo Island, one of the most sought-after moments is a group photo with a Komodo dragon in the background, taken at a safe distance and under ranger supervision. This kind of photo feels iconic because it clearly shows that you are on an open trip in the Komodo dragon’s natural habitat, not just ordinary trekking. However, since this involves wildlife, fast and orderly coordination is essential to keep the session safe and controlled. Here are important points when taking group photos with a Komodo dragon behind you:

• Make sure your position is approved by the ranger before starting.
• Stand close together and avoid sudden movements to keep the situation stable.
• Use a zoom lens so a safe distance is maintained while the Komodo dragon remains clear in the frame.
• Avoid taking too long so you do not disturb the animal’s movement.

4. Rinca Island 

On Rinca Island, you can also find one of the best spot for open trip group photos in Labuan Bajo with a wide, open savanna background. The area is relatively spacious, allowing more freedom to adjust distance between group members. However, since it is quite open, wind direction and sunlight need to be considered so the results remain clean and balanced. Here are several things you can apply:

• Choose a spot with hills in the background so the photo doesn’t look too flat.
• Adjust the distance between members to keep the composition balanced.
• Try a walking pose together to create a more natural impression.
• Use a drone if possible to capture the entire landscape.

Read more: Preparation for a Vacation to Labuan Bajo 2026: Check the Best Guide and Recommendations Here!

5. Kelor Island Peak

At Kelor Island, you can capture an open sea view with a phinisi boat as a contextual background. Since the trekking is relatively short, you don’t need much time to gather at the top and start the session. Still, proper formation is important so the results don’t look random even in a relaxed atmosphere. Here are some points to apply:

• Use a tight formation so you don’t spread out too much at the peak area.
• Take a wide-angle shot to capture the sea and the boat in the background.
• Create several pose variations, from formal to candid.
• Make sure your standing position is stable since the ground contour is not completely even.

6. Sundeck or Dining Area of a Labuan Bajo Phinisi Boat

On a phinisi boat, especially the sundeck area, you can get group photos with a clean, minimalist open-sea background. The atmosphere on board is usually more relaxed, making expressions feel more natural. However, since space is limited, you need to carefully arrange standing or sitting positions so everyone fits into one frame. Here are some tips for group photos on the boat:

• Take advantage of golden hour to get softer lighting.
• Use a seated-in-a-row formation or stand close together to keep the composition compact.
• Capture photos from several angles, including from the upper deck looking down.
• If possible, use a drone to get an overhead perspective of the boat.

7. Taka Makassar

At Taka Makassar, you get a curved sandbank background that looks clean and symmetrical. The open area keeps the group photo focused without too many visual distractions. However, since this spot depends on tides, timing is important so the sandbank is wide enough during the session. Here’s what you can do:

• Stand in the middle of the sand so the composition looks balanced.
• Use a drone to capture the island’s shape along with your group.
• Avoid standing too close to the water to keep your position stable.
• Create a formation that isn’t too spread out so the group still looks cohesive.

8. Gili Lawa

At Gili Lawa, you can capture wide hills with open sea lines on both sides. This area is perfect for sunrise or sunset sessions when the lighting is more dramatic and softer. However, since the trail is quite steep, ensure all members are ready before starting the photo session. Here are several things to apply:

• Use a tiered formation that follows the line of the hill.
• Choose sunrise or late afternoon so the lighting is softer.
• Take a slightly angled shot to capture the hill’s contours.
• Make sure all members are clearly visible and not covered by shadows.

9. Goa Rangko

At Goa Rangko, you can create a different atmosphere because the photo session takes place inside a cave with a clear water pool. Natural light entering from above creates unique highlights in certain areas. However, since lighting conditions are limited, exposure settings must be carefully adjusted so faces remain visible. Here are some applicable tips:

• Position yourself near the natural light source so faces appear brighter.
• Use a semi-circle formation so everyone fits clearly within one frame.
• Avoid standing too far from the light to prevent the photo from looking too dark.
• Use a device with manual settings for more optimal results.

Read more: What Are the Labuan Bajo Trip Documentation Package Types? Find Out Here!

Tips to Maximize Your Open Trip Group Photos

After knowing the best spot for open trip group photos in Labuan Bajo, the next step is ensuring proper execution. To achieve cleaner, more directed, and content-worthy results, here are practical tips you can apply:

• Assign One Pose Coordinator
  When the session begins, everyone often talks at once, making formation messy. Assign one person to coordinate pose cues so the group becomes synchronized more quickly without too many retakes.
• Adjust Formation to Group Size
  Avoid forcing a single row if the group is large. Use two rows, semi-circles, or tiered formations following ground contours so everyone remains visible. Proper formation makes your open trip photo session in Labuan Bajo look more solid and organized.
• Use Consistent Angles
  Avoid switching angles too quickly as it may result in inconsistent documentation. Choose one main angle, then take several pose variations from that perspective. This keeps composition cohesive and more professional.
• Don’t Spend Too Long at One Spot
  Even though you want the best result, sessions that take too long can make expressions stiff. Capture several directed frames quickly, then continue the itinerary. Photos taken in a relaxed atmosphere often look more natural.
• Consider Professional Documentation Services
  If you want results that are truly polished and ready for social media content, using a professional Labuan Bajo photography service such as Labuan Bajo Productions can be the right decision. An experienced team understands the character of each location and knows how to manage composition, exposure, and even drone shots. This way, you can fully enjoy your open trip without worrying about the technical side of capturing the perfect frame.
• Choose an Open Trip Labuan Bajo Package That Includes Documentation
  Besides considering the itinerary and boat facilities, you also need to make sure whether the open trip package you choose already includes professional documentation. For example, tour operators like IndonesiaJuara Trip provide packages that include documentation, allowing you to focus on enjoying the journey while still getting the best group photo results at every spot.

Let’s Capture Your Open Trip Holiday Group Photos with Labuan Bajo Productions!

The best spots for open trip group photos in Labuan Bajo are actually very complete, ranging from Padar Island Peak, Pink Beach, group photo moments with Komodo dragons on Komodo Island, the savanna of Rinca Island, Kelor Island Peak, the sundeck of a phinisi boat, Taka Makassar, Gili Lawa, to Goa Rangko. Each spot has a different visual character, so the approach to angles, formations, and shooting timing cannot be treated the same way. That’s why, even if the location is perfect, the final result still greatly depends on how the moment is executed and documented.

This is where the importance of using a local professional service experienced in handling trip documentation within Komodo National Park comes in, such as Labuan Bajo Productions. We understand the character of each spot, know when the best lighting appears, and are experienced in arranging group formations to stay neat even within an open trip setup. Supported by experienced photographers, videographers, and drone operators, we are ready to help you achieve more directed, consistent results that are ready to be used for content or personal memories.

So, if you want the best photo results without the hassle of managing technical details on-site, contact our team and book your Labuan Bajo trip documentation package with us today!