Mirror stone
Noon light on the walls.
A group of caves in a limestone hill near Labuan Bajo whose name means mirror stone, because around midday sunlight enters through a hole in the roof and reflects off wet, shiny walls, making the rock gleam like a lit mirror. Its walls hold fossil traces of sea creatures, evidence that the place was once under the sea. Visitors walk with a local guide through narrow, low passages, sometimes bending or crawling a little, with a helmet and torch handed out at the entrance. Around the cave are gardens and a wooden walkway among the trees. Entry is modest and higher for foreigners, usually including the helmet, with the guide for a token fee. Come around noon to see the light reflect, the only time it appears. It suits the day of arrival or departure, being close to town and the airport.
Noon light on the walls.
Once under the sea.
A helmet adventure.
About 4 km east of central Labuan Bajo
Some passages are low and tight, so it may not suit them; you can stay in the first chamber and the gardens.