Indonesia’s Labuan Bajo offers free entry to tourist sites to lure visitors amid pandemic

Two male Komodo dragons fight over a female dragon during courtship on Komodo island in the Komodo National Park on December 17, 2010. Komodo National Park/AFP/Ande Kefi via The Jakarta Post/Asia News Network

JAKARTA — With the pandemic continuing to deter people from leaving the safety of their homes, tourist attractions in Labuan Bajo and other areas outside Komodo National Park in West Manggarai regency in East Nusa Tenggara will offer free entry until July 31.

Additionally, the administration implemented on Monday an online registration system for tourists seeking to visit the “premium” national park, which can be accessed here.

In a statement, Flores Labuan Bajo Tourism Authority Agency (BOPLBF) president director Shana Fatina said the system was intended to limit the number of visitors to ensure the park’s preservation, which is also in line with the “new normal” health protocols on physical distancing.

In addition to filling out the registration form, travelers will be required to prepare several documents, such as an electronic health alert card (e-HAC), proof of insurance and an identity card or document. They also have to submit their itinerary for their trip to Labuan Bajo. If approved, the agency will send a notification of validity via email.

“All printed travel documents, including proof of online booking, must be presented when they arrive at Komodo Airport,” said Shana as quoted by tempo.co.

According to Shana, discussions over the annual membership plan for visitors to Komodo National Park, which under current proposal would cost US$1,000 per person, were still ongoing between the administration and the Environment and Forestry Ministry.

Labuan Bajo serves as the entrance gate for tourists seeking to marvel at the famous Komodo dragons. The fishing town is also home to nearby diving and snorkeling spots, flying foxes, trekking sites, waterfalls and serene beaches.