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Jetstar Asia’s new Singapore-Labuan Bajo route expands access to Komodo National Park
Jetstar Asia launched its new direct route between Singapore and Labuan Bajo, Indonesia last 20th March. The twice-weekly service flies on Thursdays and Sundays, and offers travellers greater access to the UNESCO-listed natural wonderland that is the Komodo National Park. On the heels of AirAsia, Jetstar Asia is now the second international operator to serve the Komodo National Park and provides travellers with more access than ever to the region. Komodo National Park, known for its rugged landscapes, pristine beaches, world-class coral reefs, and famous Komodo dragons, has become a popular destination for visitors looking to explore nature's unspoiled beauty. Set sail to adventure To complement these new flights, Indonesian cruise operator SeaTrek Sailing Adventures invites passengers to enjoy its signature Whale Sharks, Corals and Dragons itinerary, without having to transit through the busy airports of Bali or Jakarta. Sailing aboard a choice of two traditional, UNESCO-heritage Indonesian wooden pinisi sailing ships, with either six or 12 cabins, guests can expect a series of unique wildlife opportunities from a ranger-led walk in search of Komodo Dragons on Rinca Island to snorkelling on some of the National Park’s best reefs among thousands of colourful fish and giant manta rays in addition to swimming with whale sharks Guests will see conservation in action at a coral restoration project and snorkel at a favourite hangout of sea turtles, swimming with huge numbers of these gentle reptiles as they cruise along the shallow water of the reef. Getting off the beaten track to sail in places visitors seldom see, additional experiences include swimming in a freshwater caldera, a swim in a jungle waterfall on the island of Moyo and relaxing on a picture-perfect pink sand beach on the desert island of Gili Banta. Back on the mainland of Flores guests will meet local people and witness a traditional Caci dance performance as local strongmen perform a ritual whip-fight each armed with a rattan shield and a whip, whilst moving to the rhythm of traditional acoustic instruments.
Singapore Tourism Board Oceania launches new marketing platform with Komodo
Singapore Tourism Board (STB)’s Oceania bureau has gone with international social media and influencer marketing agency Komodo to launch a new marketing platform called The Journey. The travel-centric platform aims to redefine tourism marketing in partnership with TikTok, Revolut, and luggage brand Samsonite. STB executive director for its international group and Oceania Oliver Chong said of the initiative: “We’re excited to partner with Komodo on the inaugural edition of The Journey, which is a novel and innovative way for us to connect with visitors and highlight the unexpected experiences Singapore has to offer. Showcasing what the destination has to offer through the lens of these six content creators is also a fantastic way for us to reach new audiences, and hopefully inspire them to come and experience Singapore for themselves.” What's The Journey all about? The campaign centres around a gamified TikTok mini-series featuring six Australian content creators with a combined global following of over 34 million. These creators will participate in audience-driven, location-based challenges designed to highlight Singapore as a premier travel destination. Through engaging storytelling, the series aims to build credibility while inspiring increased visitor interest. Aside from focussing on each creator’s activities in Singapore, the programme also features the TikTok LIVE Diary Room, a space that offers behind-the-scenes insights and personal reflections. By doing so, audiences are given an insiders’ look into the experiences and challenges the creators encountered throughout The Journey. A revolutionary concept The Journey’s creators feel that this unique concept is in keeping with the way social media has revolutionised marketing, particularly in the travel sector. For Komodo co-founder Nick Seymour, co-founder of Komodo, the debut of The Journey is timely, given how tourism boards and local tourism organisations have needed to undergo a paradigm shift where marketing, especially to younger audiences, is concerned. Seymour opines that many would-be-travellers base their decisions on social media posts or content featured by prominent creators or celebrities. In many cases, this has made traditional ad campaigns less visible and much less effective when it comes to capturing and sustaining the market’s interest. Seymour said: “With The Journey, we wanted to create a platform that could organically showcase a destination through gamified content while also integrating our brand partners, TikTok, Revolut ,and Samsonite together with their products and services in an engaging and entertaining way that doesn’t seem like an ad. As social media and influencer experts who’ve been planning travel activities since we launched eight years ago, we’ve seen first-hand the power that influencers, social media and particularly TikTok can have on a destination and how creator partnerships are revolutionising marketing strategies, breaking traditional rules and delivering superior results.”
Ayana Komodo Waecicu Beach is the most popular overseas hotel at Travel+Leisure China Travel Awards 2023
AYANA Komodo Waecicu Beach, nestled within harbour city Labuan Bajo, the gateway to UNESCO World Heritage-listed Komodo National Park, stands as a beacon of luxury and tranquillity, solidifying its status as a premier luxury destination with its recent triumph at the Travel + Leisure China Travel Awards 2023. The resort clinched the prestigious title of Most Popular Overseas Hotel, a testament to its unwavering dedication to providing unrivalled experiences to travellers from around the world. Travel+Leisure China Travel Awards 2023 is an annual awards programme that recognises excellence in the travel and hospitality industry across the world. In the Chinese edition of this authoritative awards programme, honourees comprise the most exceptional brands in the travel industry. To be recognised as the Most Popular Overseas Hotel holds significant importance among the travel industry, making this accolade highly respected and sought-after by hotels and resorts worldwide. Capturing the essence of Flores’s rich cultural heritage and natural splendour, AYANA Komodo Waecicu Beach offers a luxurious haven for discerning travellers. Boasting 13 Full Ocean View Suites and 192 Deluxe Full Ocean View Rooms, each elegantly appointed room provides breath-taking vistas of the Flores Sea, creating an unforgettable backdrop for relaxation and rejuvenation. The resort's pioneering design by world-renowned architectural firm WATG seamlessly blends with the lush surroundings, offering guests a seamless integration with nature. Committed to sustainability and environmental stewardship, AYANA Komodo Waecicu Beach actively supports marine conservation efforts and implements eco-friendly practices to protect the pristine environment surrounding the resort. From indulgent spa treatments to exhilarating excursions aboard AYANA Cruises, every aspect of the resort's offerings is designed to immerse guests in the unparalleled beauty of the Komodo Islands while leaving a positive impact on the planet. "Winning the Most Popular Overseas Hotel title at the Travel + Leisure China Travel Awards 2023 is an immense honour for all of us at AYANA Komodo Waecicu Beach," expressed Dermot Birchall, General Manager of AYANA Komodo Waecicu Beach. "This award bears testament to our unwavering commitment to providing exceptional experiences for our guests and showcases the dedication of our team in delivering personalised and memorable stays. We are truly grateful for the recognition and look forward to continuing to exceed the expectations of every guest who walks through our doors.”
Spot rare Dugong in Indonesia with SeaTrek in the remote Ring of Fire East of Komodo
Expedition cruise operator, SeaTrek Sailing Adventures, is offering guests a rare opportunity to glimpse elusive dugong and spend time with this endangered mammal in its natural seagrass habitat during a 10-day trip to the Remote Ring Of Fire: East Of Komodo Departing on either 3rd-12th June or 13th-22nd June, the trip aboard the 12-berth traditional, UNESCO-heritage Indonesian wooden pinisi sailing ship, Ombak Putih, will sail between Komodo and the remote island of Alor at the far eastern tip of Indonesia's southern archipelago. Alor's location at the intersection of seagrass beds, coral reefs, and an impressive mangrove ecosystem provides the perfect habitat for Dugong who primarily graze on a diet of healthy seagrass. It's also one of several stops on this island-hopping adventure which is ideal for those looking to get off the beaten path in search of exotic wildlife and cultural encounters in this vast volcanic island nation. With a maximum of only 24 guests aboard, the cruise will sail along the northern coast of Komodo and Flores, in the lee of the south-easterly trade winds all the way to Alor, stopping each day as it island hops through the remote volcanic islands of East Nusa Tenggara. Along the way guests can expect ranger-led walks through Komodo's dry, rugged landscape in search of dragons, snorkelling in gin clear water among thousands of colourful fish, sea turtles, and giant Manta rays as well as the chance to come face to face with endangered Dugong. Passing an area with several still active volcanos the cruise will arrive in Alor where they will meet Pak One, a remarkable local fisherman who has worked with WWF, the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, and the Marine Conservation Area to reduce coral abrasion and restore the underwater seagrass meadows and mangroves of Sikka Island and Mali Island. Through his work Pak One has been able to encourage a lone Dugong called ‘Mawar’ to make this underwater meadow his home. He will take the group on a small local boat to visit an area of sea grass where Mawar can often be spotted and might approach the boat for a rare brush with nature. Another highlight of visiting Alor is the opportunity to see prehistoric rock art and visit the island's capital, Kalabahi, where Moko, the island's traditional ceremonial bronze drums, can be heard in the Takpala market. More cultural experiences can be had while at anchor in Maumere Bay on Flores, where the group will go ashore for a scenic drive up into the Iwang Gete highlands to a traditional tribe known for their unique textiles, where they will demonstrate the ancient techniques they still use to spin, dye, and weave their intricate fabrics.
AYANA Komodo Waecicu beach announces shared cruises aboard Ayana Lako di’a
AYANA Komodo Waecicu Beach, Labuan Bajo’s award-winning five-star resort, is now inviting guests to share an unforgettable two days, one-night sailing adventure aboard its flagship luxury phinisi, AYANA Lako di’a. Guests are invited to reserve one cabin for a shared voyage of up to 14 guests through the ecological wonders of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Komodo National Park. The star of the resort's fleet of vessels, the AYANA Lako di'a is a modern phinisi, a wooden sailing ship that has been an integral part of seafaring cultures of South Sulawesi since the early 20th century and listed as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. An inspired blend of the art of boatbuilding technique in South Sulawesi with modern elegance, the Lako di’a is one of the largest luxury vessels in Western Flores, providing prestigious, ultra-modern suite accommodation in nine fully air-conditioned cabins with ensuites. With its design reflecting the charmingly rustic atmosphere of Flores Island, the ship also features a library, lounge, bar, an indoor dining area and daybeds on the main deck. Departing for the first time on Friday, April 12, 2024, this year the Lako di’a Shared Luxury Cruises will be conducted from Friday to Saturday during most weeks up until October 19. The voyage itinerary has been carefully designed to take in Komodo National Park’s most spectacular destinations and an exhilarating mix of marine and land excursions, with ample time to relax and rejuvenate on board. From marveling at the graceful movements of Komodo Dragon to admiring the radiant hues of spectacular sunset, the two-day voyage promises the best that this remarkable region has to offer. Depart at 04:00 pm, the first destination is Kalong Island, a tiny mangrove islet home to thousands of fruit bats, known locally as kalong. Guests will gaze in awe as the bats fly from their roosts and fill the golden sky at sunset. The night ends with a thoughtful dinner under the stars on the main deck of AYANA Lako di’a. On Day 2, the cruise will explore the three most renowned destinations of Komodo National Park. An essential experience while visiting the region, a 90-minute hike to the summit of Padar Island provides a panoramic view of four crescent-shaped, shimmering beaches below green-capped mountains. The following destination is a true ecological wonder. One of only seven beaches of its kind in the world, Pink Beach gets its unusual color from a microscopic creature that produces a red pigment on the fringing coral reefs, which combined with crushed red coral creates a dazzling dusky pink. The final destination is of course Komodo Island, home of the iconic Komodo dragon, the largest lizard on earth. Expert local rangers guide guests around the park for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to observe the dragons in their natural habitat, as well as other animals large and small that make up the island’s rich biodiversity. Explore Komodo National Park in unparalleled comfort and style The Shared Luxury Cruise includes full-board meals: breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner; free-flow mineral water and a refreshing range of other non-alcoholic beverages; water activities including snorkeling, kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding; leisure activities including karaoke, film screenings and yoga; Komodo National Park entrance fee; airport transfers; and digital documentation. Guests can choose from the Master Suite or one of six Luxury Suites. Featuring a king bed, private balcony, ocean view bathtub, walk-in wardrobe and VIP access to the stylish upper deck, the elegantly appointed 69 sqm Master Suite is the ultimate way to experience Komodo. For single occupancy it is priced at IDR 26,686,000++, or for double occupancy at IDR 19,982,000++ per person. Ideal for families or groups traveling together, the six Luxury Suites are all conveniently located on the protected middle deck and feature twin beds or a double bed depending on guest preferences and availability. The 20 sqm Luxury Suites feature a thoughtfully appointed bedroom, exquisite ocean views from the generous bathroom, and private balcony to breathe in the glorious surroundings. For single occupancy they are priced at IDR 18,000,000++ per person, or for double occupancy at IDR 14,146,000++ per person. "Lako di’a means ‘safe travel’ in the local Manggarai language,” explains Dermot Birchall, General Manager of AYANA Komodo Waecicu Beach. “Our floating sanctuary allows you to discover the most magical parts of Komodo National Park in unparalleled safety, comfort and style. We look forward to welcoming guests aboard for what we hope will be an experience they’ll never forget.”
Komodo Islands: “Where once dragons roamed, tourism is the new giant”
Still waters run deep and this certainly holds true for the infamous man-eating Komodo dragon. The prehistoric lizard dwells on an island with the same name in Indonesia--Komodo Islands aka Labuan Bajo. Labuan Bajo is witnessing a rising tide of travellers who are pushing beyond the Eat Pray Love script of culture club Bali and embracing the more adventurous call of the wild. In September, the AYANA Komodo Resort, Waecicu Beach -- the first and latest five-star offering in Komodo island opened its doors. Hospitality consulting group C9 Hotelworks conducted a research on this gateway to the UNESCO Heritage Site and sanctuary of the Komodo endangered species. "The echo of small scale of tourism is being amped up" Stepping back and examining the tourism journey of Labuan Bajo from a broad niche offering of nature lovers and divers into the harsh light of the mainstream, C9 Hotelworks managing director Bill Barnett is quick to point out “the destination is not alone in its somewhat accidental trajectory. One only has to look at the Maldives, Palawan and the islands off Cambodia where the echo of small scale of tourism is being amped up into an entirely new animal. Where once only dragons roamed, tourism is the new giant.” The study says... Keying into the all-important airlift metric, last year year-on-year passenger arrivals grew by 24% with nearly 218,000 arrivals. Currently, expansion of the airport is underway and international direct flights are in the planning stages. Crawling into the numbers, despite overseas visitors to the National Park accounted for 61% of traffic, domestic travellers have remarkably doubled over the past two years. The rapid growth in tourism, where there are just over 1,000 accommodation units in Labuan Bajo has spurred a hotel development groundswell, with more than 650 rooms in the pipeline. Setting the tone for a new marketplace, the recent entry of the first five-star luxury resort, the 205-room Ayana Komodo is a sign of international brands entering the fray for the first time, with a Marriott branded hotel, and properties under familiar names such as ACCOR and Alila coming. Despite the growth of impending entry of big box hotels, a growing number of tourists are seeking out non-traditional experiences. One case in point is the Le Pirate Group, who has received a wide degree of success with their waterborne Boatel offering and an "off the grid" Pirate Island getaway. Meanwhile, another upshot trend is modernised traditional Indonesian Phinisi sailing boats, which are capturing the imagination of upscale travellers.
AYANA Komodo Resort: Flores Island welcomes first five-star resort
WATG, an integrated design firm, has opened AYANA Komodo Resort, Waecicu Beach, the island’s first luxury offering. The AYANA Komodo Resort, Waecicu Beach in Labuan Bajo, Flores Island, will be the latest five-star offering in the Indonesian Archipelago. Featuring an intimate setting with 180-degree views of the Flores Sea, the resort is nestled on a 1.4-hectare site with 192 rooms and 13 suites. Located in a lagoon rich with marine life and pristine white beaches, its design aims to immerse guests in the lush natural surroundings. “A benchmark for future development” “The site’s amazing location on the edge of the sea forms a destination and gateway to the Sunda Islands archipelago,” said Bill Reed, vice president of architecture at WATG. “This is the first world-class destination in the area and it will serve as a benchmark for future development. We designed the AYANA Komodo Resort to reflect the relaxed aesthetic of the Komodo Islands, with a feeling of spontaneity and subtle sophistication.” One of AYANA Komodo Resort’s highlights is its location in paradise. The name Flores means ‘flowers’ in Portuguese, named for the abundance of flora and fauna on the island. In addition, the resort was named after the world’s largest species of lizard, the Komodo dragon. Komodo National Park, Indonesia’s renowned UNESCO World Heritage Site, is just a short journey by boat. While Labuan Bajo is best known as an ideal point for dragon-viewing expeditions, the island also features reefs along the coast, popular among seasoned divers and casual snorkelers alike. AYANA Komodo Resort allows guests to explore with the design of a 500-metre pier extending from the beach into the sea, featuring a dedicated dive centre. “The first premium five-star resort in Flores” Clive Edwards, the general manager of AYANA Resort and Spa, Bali, said: “Our passion for people, and our philosophy for understanding our guests, will be injected into our AYANA Komodo Resort, Waecicu Beach. We are excited about introducing the newest member of our resort family to the AYANA community, and look forward to launching the first premium five-star resort in Flores.”
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