Boosting West Manggarai Tourism Development

The government of Indonesia now is pushing the development of tourism beyond Java and Bali. This development is expected to create more jobs and suppress immigration to Java and Bali, the most concentrated inhabitant in Indonesian archipelago. One destination which is considered prosperous to develop its tourism activities is West Manggarai Regency in the West Tip of Flores Island. This is related to the fact that this regency has many tourist attractions, such as a unique flora & fauna, as well as interesting wildlife. The Icon of the wildlife in this area, which is used for its promotion as well, is the famous Komodo Dragon. This Komodo dragon, Varanus comodoensis, is considered to be one of the biggest endemic reptiles that still exist on earth.

T. Binakarya Daya-kusuma Jakarta, as a partner of The Ministry of Culture and Tourism, has run a survey on the tourism potentials of this regency and expects to be able to provide recommendations for boosting tourism development in this area. Field workers from the local community have also been spread to distribute questionnaires for data collection. It is expected that by the end of this year a recommendation can be issued to support tourism development of this regency. So far, some tourist attractions have been identified around the regency, including nice coral reefs, fishes, dolphins, whales, and the mangroves around the Komodo National Parks on the west part of West Manggarai Regency. This is potential for snorkeling, diving, sailing while seeing the dolphins and doing mangrove tour. Visitors can hire a speed boat or yacht in Philemon harbour (Labuan Bajo) to take them around the dispersed islands while snorkeling and diving around the Komodo National Parks during a full day tour.
The existence of caves, traditional dances, and beautiful white sand on the beaches can also be interesting to see. Batu Cermin Cave can be reached in about 20 minutes by car from Labuan Bajo, the busiest area on the western tip of Flores mainland. Nice beach view is available at Pede Beach which is can be reached in 5 minutes only from the city center. In the picture you’ll see researchers taking photos near the Komodo dragon, close to the guest house in Loh Liang, Komodo Island. Do you want to visit West Manggarai?
There are direct flights from Bali to the Komodo every day. It will take you around 1 hour and fifteen minutes to the Komodo airport of Labuan Bajo. From the airport you can get public transport which will take you about 10 minutes to the Philemon harbour where you can take boats to the Komodo National Park. The shortest distance to see the Komodo’s is to Loh Buaya, Rinca Island, a travel of which will take you around 30-45 minutes to the destination. Please enjoy your travel beyond Bali! See one of the biggest protected reptiles still exist on earth! Visit the Komodo National Park of West Manggarai, Flores Island, Indonesia! (BTN/Raka Dalem)