Garuda Indonesia Colours Magazine May 2018 | Page 112

Travel | Labuan Bajo
Back on the mainland, new places are slowly
developing to tempt travellers to this part of
the world. Rangko Cave is a good example.
Although access isn’t yet perfect, lots of visitors
are determined enough to force their vehicles
along the rocky road and then take a boat to
visit the cave, which features stalactites and a
brackish turquoise pool. Another attraction is
Batu Cermin Cave, a few kilometres away.
Previously abandoned, this cave has now
been set up to cater to visitors, so the
stalactites can be explored by anybody.
1
At the foot of the Mbeliling hills, the Cunca
Wulang waterfall is an equally interesting
place to stop. Travellers can get there on foot,
and then plunge into the river from the
crevices in the rocky cliffs. Another option
is to visit the neighbouring Cunca Rami
waterfall, which is surrounded by lush fields.
Labuan Bajo’s quiet hills
have also begun to be
treated as an attraction,
due to the beautiful
views out to sea...
Labuan Bajo sunset seen from a resort’s
private infinity pool on Sebayur Island.
Labuan Bajo’s quiet hills have also begun
to be treated as an attraction, due to the
beautiful views out to sea: Cinta, Sylvia
and Amelia hills are among those worth
exploring. I am sure that in the future more
of the hills will become known to tourists as
Labuan Bajo grows and continues to change.
Developers of luxury hotels naturally search
for the best spots, as do restaurant owners
savvy about location as well as serving food.
Young locals have begun to respond
to the wider impact of tourism. An
acquaintance of mine, Boe Muhammad,
a youth from the Naga-Matawe
neighbourhood, has set up a reading garden
and teaches foreign languages to local
children. His ambition is to help his
neighbourhood to develop because he can
see the natural potential there. “Near us is
Mbeliling Mountain, which is good for
trekking while watching the endemic birds,”
he explains. A different example is young
artist Mart Sakeus, who creates Flores-
themed paintings depicting people,
nature and aspects of indigenous culture.
I realise that, though I have visited often,
there is much I have yet to discover about
Labuan Bajo, from its landscapes to its
characters. I have yet to reach the southern
coastal region, areas such as Macang Tanggar,
Warloka and Golo Mori. I don’t know the
nameless islands behind Rinca, which seem
to be so near. Of course, I will have to return
to Labuan Bajo and get to know those parts
that are still foreign to me, a return to the
blue sky and the stinging air.
1 Relaxing in a hammock on Kelor Island while enjoying
the view of Kukusan Island across the ocean.
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