East Flores regency hopes to exploit tourism potential
Text and photos by Yacob Herin
LARANTUKA, Flores (JP): Tourism in East Flores is marked by a wealth of natural and cultural attractions.
Many sites in the mountainous and coastal areas have great potential. The tradition of catching whales has existed for centuries at Lamalera village on Lembata island. Catholics from around the world join in the yearly procession on Good Friday, carrying a statue of the Virgin Mary through the town of Larantuka. The procession tradition has been kept alive since the 16th century when the Portuguese first came to Flores.
East Flores with its many small islands has an abundance of panoramic views. A beautiful sea garden with multicolored fish and enchanting views from the hills and mountains allow for spiritual relaxation and physical rejuvenation.
Tourists can witness tenun ikat being made from hand-spun yarn, traditional ceremonies, historical Portuguese, Dutch and English remains like cannons and statues, as well as antique ivory tusks from elephants which never lived in Flores or its surrounding areas.
The regency of East Flores has a surface area of 10,163 square kilometers, including Adonara Island, Solor Island and Lembata Island. It has a total of 260,471 inhabitants. The town of Larantuka preserves numerous religious mysteries and a unique culture.
The influences of ethnic cultures from the Roman Empire, the Portuguese, the Malay and Lamaholot are integrated into the Christianity of the area, both in daily activities and in relation to God. The Virgin Mary is a strong force and protectress of the town of Larantuka. She is also the mother of all mothers who cares for and protects her people with compassionate love.
East Flores regent Hendrikus Hengki Mukin told The Jakarta Post that the government was aware of the limited funds from regional revenues. The Rp 1.5 billion gathered, he said, is insufficient to develop infrastructure in the territory.
He looks forward to cooperating with domestic and foreign investors. At the moment the regional government is planning to build a tourism center around a hot water source some 16 kilometers east of Larantuka. A control station for the hot water source, a reservoir, filter and channel for the source as well as a fence surrounding the area will cost around Rp 600 million.
Other facilities planned include a bar, a restaurant/night club, an open performance stage, cold and hot water swimming pools, saunas, a mini Flores pool, a recreational park for children, a canteen and restaurant, a guard house, an artificial lake, a pedestrian bridge and bathrooms and rest rooms. Water sports, speed boats, water skiing, scuba diving and other recreational activities will be available.
East Flores is accessible by air from Australia and New Zealand via Darwin and Kupang. A ferry service from Kupang to Larantuka leaves twice a week, while ferries from the small islands of Alor, Lembata, Adonara and Solor can also be caught. A ferry service takes passengers from Balawuring on Lembata island to Baranusa on Alor island twice a week, while a domestic flight serving Kupang, Lewoleba on Lembata island and Larantuka flys twice a week.