Chinese tourists fuel Labuan Bajo boom

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During a visit to Beijing in November 2025, East Nusa Tenggara Governor Melki Laka Lena discussed the possibility of direct flights from China to Labuan Bajo and expressed hope that they would become a reality before long. He had also discussed the reopening of direct flights between Darwin, Australia, and Kupang, the provincial capital.

Heribertus Ajo, the Labuan Bajo manager of Floressa Bali Tours, said that it would not be long before the number of tourists from China was comparable to the number coming from other countries combined.

"Chinese tourists are quite adventurous and bold, and they are polite," Ajo said.

Ajo said more tourists are enjoying places other than Labuan Bajo and Komodo on Flores Island. It offers several overland destinations, including traditional villages, unique cultures, and three-colored volcanic lakes.

Wae Rebo, a traditional highland village about a six-hour drive from Labuan Bajo followed by a roughly three-hour trek, offers visitors a combination of lush green mountain scenery, Manggarai culture and a traditional way of life. Tourists can stay overnight in a traditional house, eat meals prepared by local residents and draw water from mountain springs.

Ajo said the number of tourists taking overland tours of Flores from Labuan Bajo was rising, including the number of Chinese visitors. "They are mostly from Europe, but more and more Chinese tourists are also doing the same," he said.

"Some tour operators from China have conducted surveys on overland travel in Flores, and it is not impossible that such tours could become a strong trend among Chinese visitors," Ajo said.

From Labuan Bajo and Wae Rebo, tourists can travel eastward to witness the beauty of Lake Kelimutu, a group of three volcanic crater lakes in Ende Regency, central Flores, about 14 hours by road from Labuan Bajo. The lakes in the three craters can unpredictably change color, ranging from blue, green, red, and brown to other hues, a phenomenon that NASA describes as unique to Kelimutu.

Nyoman Kirtya, founder of Grand Komodo Tours, said his company is looking to cater to more Chinese tours as "the Chinese market is becoming an important market for Labuan Bajo and Komodo".

Grand Komodo Tours offers liveaboard vessels equipped with cabins, bathrooms and diving facilities, accommodating up to 12 guests.

Prime Sarmiento in Hong Kong contributed to this story.

The writer is a freelance journalist for China Daily.