Explore 7 Tourist Destinations on Flores Mainland, from Wae Rebo to Coastal Warloka

Labuan Bajo, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) offers far more than just marine tourism and the natural beauty of Komodo National Park. This region also serves as the gateway to explore the cultural heritage, history, culinary offerings, and community life across the Flores mainland.

This potential has driven the Ministry of Tourism to expand Labuan Bajo tourism promotion through a Familiarization Trip scheduled for 12–16 October 2026. This program will involve six participants representing travel agencies, tour operators, mass media representatives, as well as social media influencers and content creators.

Throughout the trip, participants will visit a series of destinations including Parapuar, Wae Rebo Tourism Village, Todo Tourism Village, Lingko Cara Cancar, De Lawa Coffee, Wae Lolos Tourism Village, and Warloka Pesisir Tourism Village.

This initiative also aims to introduce the Flores overland Tourism Route developed by the Labuan Bajo Flores Authority Implementing Agency (BPOLBF).

During this journey, participants will not only experience the natural landscapes, but also engage directly with destination managers, small business owners, local communities, and tourism industry stakeholders.

It is expected that this experience will assist them in designing travel packages that connect marine tourism destinations with the unique attractions found on the Flores mainland.

Exploring Traditional Villages and Flores Natural Vistas

One of the destinations featured on this trip is Parapuar. This area offers sweeping natural views of Flores, alongside dedicated spaces for fitness activities and sunset yoga sessions.

The journey continues to Wae Rebo Tourism Village, a traditional settlement located in the Manggarai highlands. Here, visitors can learn about the traditional Mbaru Niang stilt houses, view distinctive Manggarai woven textiles, and experience the trek up to this isolated traditional community.

Wae Rebo also offers overnight stargazing experiences and unobstructed sunrise views.

The combination of traditional architecture, mountain atmosphere, and authentic local community life makes this village an ideal choice for travellers seeking an in-depth introduction to Flores culture.

From Wae Rebo, participants will travel to Todo Tourism Village to trace the historical legacy of the Manggarai Kingdom.

This segment of the trip enriches the travel experience with local historical narratives and traditions, rather than being limited purely to scenic sightseeing.

The next stop is Lingko Cara Cancar, an area recognised for its iconic spider-web shaped rice terraces. This unique agricultural landscape is a distinct cultural marker of the Manggarai people, as well as a remarkable visual attraction for travellers looking to discover lesser-known sides of Flores.

Coffee Journey Experiences and Coastal Ecotourism

Mainland Flores tourism experiences also include Culinary Tourism and agricultural plantation visits. At De Lawa Coffee, participants will be guided through the full Flores coffee journey, from on-farm cultivation through to post-harvest processing.

This activity provides insight into the potential of local coffee production, while creating opportunities for visitors to learn about regional flagship products through hands-on experience.

Local product-focused tourism carries significant potential to extend the economic benefits of visitor arrivals to local small businesses.

The trip proceeds to Wae Lolos Tourism Village and Warloka Pesisir Tourism Village. At Warloka Pesisir, participants will take part in coastal ecotourism activities and mangrove planting programs, which combine recreational travel with Environmental Conservation efforts.

This series of visits demonstrates the wide range of activities available across Flores. Travellers are able to combine marine excursions, trekking, traditional village immersion, historical tourism, culinary experiences, and conservation activities within a single holiday itinerary.

Ministry of Tourism Targets Extended Visitor Length of Stay

Ni Made Ayu Marthini, Deputy for Marketing at the Ministry of Tourism, stated that Labuan Bajo boasts natural, marine, cultural, historical and culinary tourism potential unique to Flores. Development of mainland tourism attractions is seen as a way to expand activity options for visitors.

"Developing mainland tourism creates opportunities for travellers to get to know Flores more intimately, through its traditions, local flavours, and everyday community life," she stated.

According to Marthini, integrating marine and mainland tourism offerings will deliver a more holistic experience for visitors.

With a wider variety of activities available, visitors will have reason to extend their stay in Labuan Bajo and explore more destinations across the Flores island.

"When marine and mainland experiences are connected within a single itinerary, travellers gain a more complete, meaningful experience, gain access to more activity options, and are encouraged to stay for longer periods," she explained.

This tourism promotion program will also include business matching sessions, bringing trip participants together with local tourism industry operators.

These meetings will create collaboration opportunities to develop travel packages that fully integrate both marine and mainland Flores tourism experiences.

Outcomes from this familiarization trip will include recommendations for alternative travel packages to destinations outside the Komodo National Park area.

Development of these new travel packages is expected to encourage longer visitor stays, as well as increase visitor spending within local destination communities.