The Wae Lolos Thousand Waterfalls Tourism Village, located in the\nSano Nggoang District, West Manggarai Regency, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT),\ncontinues to demonstrate positive momentum as a leading ecotourism\ndestination in Flores. Between January and May 2026, the destination,\nsituated on the slopes of Mount Mbeliling, successfully attracted 6,738\ntourists, with international visitors dominating the figures at 63.4 per\ncent.<\/p>\n
Robert Perkasa, Chairman of the Cunca Plias Tourism Awareness Group\n(Pokdarwis), stated that this achievement proves that the\ncommunity-based tourism concept implemented by the Wae Lolos community\nis capable of attracting global attention while providing economic\nbenefits to local villagers. \u201cThe visitation data for the first five\nmonths of this year shows that Wae Lolos is increasingly recognised as\nan ecotourism destination offering an authentic natural experience. It\nis a point of pride that the majority of visitors are international\ntourists seeking pristine destinations managed directly by local\ncommunities,\u201d said Robert.<\/p>\n
According to Pokdarwis Cunca Plias data, 4,270 of the total 6,738\nvisitors were international tourists, while local and domestic tourists\nrecorded 1,620 and 848 visitors, respectively.<\/p>\n
Regarding its attractions, Robert noted that the high interest from\nforeign tourists is inseparable from the well-preserved natural beauty\nof Wae Lolos. The moniker \u201cThousand Waterfalls\u201d is not merely a\npromotional slogan but a true reflection of the village\u2019s natural\nwealth, featuring tropical forests, natural trekking paths, cool\nmountain air, and hidden waterfalls that act as a magnet for nature and\nadventure enthusiasts.<\/p>\n
Monthly data shows that January started strongly with 1,945 visitors.\nWhile numbers dipped to 705 in February due to the rainy season, the\ntrend rebounded in March and April with 1,091 and 1,102 visitors,\nrespectively. A peak surge occurred in May 2026, when visitor numbers\nreached 1,884, including 1,386 international tourists, marking the\nhighest record for foreign arrivals during the first five months of the\nyear.<\/p>\n
Robert stated that this success extends beyond the tourism sector,\nstimulating the village economy. The presence of tourists has opened\nbusiness opportunities for residents, ranging from tour guiding and\nhomestays to canteens and the sale of agricultural products and local\ngoods. \u201cTourists do not only enjoy the natural beauty; they also\npurchase coffee, vanilla, cinnamon, candlenut, cloves, and fresh fruit,\nas well as staying in local homes. The economic circulation is felt\ndirectly by the community,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n
He emphasised that Community-Based Tourism serves as the fundamental\npillar for development in Wae Lolos. Under this concept, the community\nacts as the primary driver in the entire tourism economic chain. \u201cWe\nbelieve the strength of Wae Lolos lies not just in its many waterfalls,\nbut in the community\u2019s involvement in preserving and managing them.\nTourism here grows from the community, by the community, and its\nbenefits return to the community,\u201d Robert asserted.<\/p>\n
He further noted that the success of Wae Lolos proves that\nenvironmental preservation and community welfare can progress hand in\nhand, as all tourism activities prioritise the principles of\nsustainability and conservation.<\/p>\n
Despite the encouraging results, Robert acknowledged challenges in\nmaintaining stable visitation throughout the year. Consequently,\nPokdarwis, alongside the village government, is preparing various\ninnovations based on education, agriculture, and culture. \u201cWe want Wae\nLolos to remain active even outside the dry season. Moving forward, we\nwill strengthen educational tourism, cultural attractions, and immersive\ncommunity experiences to ensure tourists have reasons to visit\nyear-round,\u201d he concluded.<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/wae-lolos-ecotourism-flourishes-ntt-gains-global-recognition-as-international-tourists-dominate-1780905765", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }