ASEAN Summit in Labuan Bajo; Here's Tourist Destinations to Visit

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Labuan Bajo, a small town located on the western tip of the island of Flores in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), Indonesia, hosts the 2023 ASEAN Summit on May 8-11.

The town presents breathtaking scenic beauty and landscapes and is the gateway to the Komodo National Park which is renowned for the existence of ancient animals, Komodo dragons, which can only be found in Indonesia.

Besides Labuan Bajo, a number of regions around the province also offer remarkable destinations as reported by Indonesia Travel. Here are tourist destinations worth visiting in Flores:

Mules Island

Located in the south of Flores, Mules Island is administered in the Satar Mese Barat District of Manggarai Regency. The island is among the favorite choice of tourist sites in the province.

Mules Island has only one village named Nuca Molas with three small villages, namely Labuan Taur, Peji, and Konggang. Each presents different stunning natural scenery.

When visiting Labuan Taur, tourists will be spoiled by a heavenly beach of fine white sand combined with Tosca-colored seawater, as well as a majestic forest inhabited by monkeys and rocky hills.

Unlike Labuan Taur, Kampung Peji offers gorgeous views of hills and meadows where residents herd cows and other livestock. Meanwhile, in Konggang, visitors can catch views of rocks along the coast. When the sea water recedes, marine animals such as sea urchins, sea slugs, and starfish are visible.

Access to Mules Island is quite easy using land transportation from Ruteng City to Dintor for approximately 1 to 2 hours, then crossing to the island using small boats and speedboats.

Waerebo Village

This traditional village is nicknamed "paradise above the clouds" for its outstanding beauty. This is a suitable destination for those willing to find peace and get away from crowds. Visitors can participate in the local’s daily activities.

Waerebo Village still maintains traditions and culture passed down from generation to generation, namely weaving and coffee gardening, one of the attractions most sought after by tourists. 

The unique house of Waerebo Village is called Mbaru Niang where tourists can stay and experience their traditional life. Surrounded by panoramic mountains, this tourist village in Labuan Bajo has also succeeded in opening new jobs for the creative industry supported by Tourism and Creative Economy Minister Sandiaga Uno.

YOLANDA AGNE

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