Earthquake Aftermath: Tourists Banned from Lighthouse Summit at Nuca Molas
Tourists visiting Nuca Molas, located on Mules Island in the West Satarmese District, Manggarai, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), are currently unable to ascend to the top of the lighthouse to view the destination’s scenic vistas. The lighthouse sustained damage following a magnitude 7.7 earthquake on 15 August.
Prior to the earthquake that shook Flores, the approximately 35-metre-tall lighthouse served as the premier spot for tourists to enjoy the beautiful natural scenery of Nuca Molas. “The lighthouse has been closed since the first earthquake on 15 August,” said Sahrul Salam, chairman of the Nuca Molas Tourism Awareness Group (Pokdarwis), on Sunday (20/9/2026).
Sharul stated that numerous cracks have appeared in the structure. For the safety of tourists, the lighthouse has been permanently closed. “We have taken this step considering the lighthouse is an old building. The recent earthquake was quite large, and upon inspection, many parts of the building were found to be cracked. We do not want to take greater risks, which is why we have closed it permanently. I do not yet know when it will be rebuilt,” said Sahrul.
He explained that the lighthouse’s primary function is to serve as a landmark for Mules Island. It is used not only by large ships passing through the surrounding waters but also by local fishermen venturing out at night. “It serves as a reference point; if the lighthouse light is no longer visible, it means our fishermen have sailed far into the open sea and must find the light to navigate their way back to the island,” Sahrul explained.
As visitor numbers to Nuca Molas have increased, the lighthouse had become a favourite spot for tourists to enjoy the destination’s beauty, requiring an ascent to the summit to view the landscape. Nuca Molas offers enchanting natural tourism, featuring rolling green hills and a small, towering mountain at its centre, surrounded by the lush green savannah of Mules Island.
The beauty of Nuca Molas is further enhanced by the surrounding blue sea. The combination of white sand and the crystal-clear waters of the Sawu Sea provides a stunning experience for visitors. The landscape, blending high hills with panoramic blue ocean views on a small island, has led many to compare the site to Isla Nublar, the fictional island from the Jurassic Park film.
Visitors can experience sunrises, sunsets, and marine tourism activities, including beautiful underwater scenery, or embark on trekking adventures to the mountains of Mules Island. Nuca Molas is approximately a four-hour land journey from Labuan Bajo, followed by a boat trip to Mules Island. Tourists planning to visit Nuca Molates are advised to coordinate with the local Pokdarwis regarding weather conditions, as snorkelling is only permitted in good weather. Safety considerations are also paramount when crossing to Mules Island, which is currently served by local fishing boats. During bad weather, the Nuca Molas Pokdarwis typically advises boat owners to suspend tourist trips to the island.