Labuan Bajo is Starting to Return to Normal, Several Tourist Destinations Remain Closed Following the East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) Earthquake.

A number of tourist destinations in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) remain temporarily closed following the 7.7 magnitude earthquake on 15 August 2026. These area closures are implemented as a precautionary measure to ensure tourist safety amid ongoing aftershock activity.

The Ministry of Tourism is monitoring destination conditions through the Labuan Bajo Flores Authority Implementing Agency (BPOLBF).

Monitoring is carried out via regular on-site verification of hotels, restaurants, and tourist attractions, alongside running information services for visitors and tourism business operators.

Destinations that remain closed include Wae Rebo and Ruteng Pu'u in Manggarai, Kelimutu National Park in Ende, Maumere Bay Islands Marine Nature Tourism Park in Sikka, as well as several tourist areas in Ngada and Nagekeo.

Kelimutu National Park was closed after landslides occurred on the crater walls. Meanwhile, tourist sites in Ngada and Nagekeo are still facing disruptions to communication networks and electricity supply.

Flight Schedules Across Flores Regions Remain Adjusted

The earthquake has also impacted air connectivity. Ende Airport has cancelled all flights until 20 August 2026, while Frans Sales Lega Ruteng Airport has suspended Wings Air services until 22 August.

Komodo Labuan Bajo Airport, Frans Seda Maumere Airport, and Gewayantana Larantuka Airport remain operational with revised flight schedules.

Travellers planning trips to Flores are advised to check the latest updates prior to departure. Authorities urge prospective visitors not only to confirm destination status, but also verify that their chosen transport and accommodation are operating safely.

To assist travellers, BPOLBF has activated a tourism information hotline at 0811-3879-4555. This service provides updates on destination conditions, accessibility, and accommodation status in the aftermath of the earthquake.

Labuan Bajo and Komodo National Park Gradually Returning to Normal Operations

While many sites remain closed, tourism operations in Labuan Bajo and Komodo National Park are steadily recovering.

Labuan Bajo Marina Port has resumed full normal operations, and sea access routes to Komodo National Park have also been reopened.

Tourist sites including Padar Island, Loh Liang on Komodo Island, Loh Buaya on Rinca Island, and Gili Lawa have started accepting visitors again. As of 17 August 2026, daily visitor numbers to these areas were recorded at over 2,000 people per day.

Other sites such as Kelor Island and Todo Traditional Village in Manggarai remain fully operational and continue to receive visitors, while Batu Cermin was reopened on 16 August.

This development shows uneven recovery progress across the region. Some areas have already resumed welcoming tourists, while other locations require additional time to fully confirm the safety of the local environment and infrastructure.

Hotel Facilities Confirmed Safe

For the accommodation sector in West Manggarai, most large hotels are reported to be in safe condition with only minor damage recorded. Properties including Ayana, Crowne Plaza, Sudamala, Ta'aktana Marriott, and Meruorah remain operational.

Electricity supply and internet connectivity have been restored to normal. No reports have been received of hotel guests being required to cut short their stays.

The Ministry of Tourism together with BPOLBF will continue conducting data collection and on-site verification for hotels, tourist destinations, and all supporting tourism facilities across affected regencies.

Coordination is also ongoing with the Ministry of Transportation and AirNav to support airport operational recovery under the Get Airport Ready for Disaster (GARD) framework.

Travellers Advised to Verify Updates Before Departure

Authorities remind all travellers planning trips to Flores to prioritise safety at all times. Updates from official sources, particularly regarding destination conditions, transport services, and road access, should be checked regularly.

This advisory is critical as aftershocks continue to occur across parts of East Nusa Tenggara.

The main 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck East Nusa Tenggara on Saturday 15 August at 05.58 WITA / 04.58 WIB. The epicentre was located approximately 30 kilometres from Mbay, Nagekeo, at a depth of 15 kilometres.

As of 09.00 WITA 18 August 2026, NTT Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) data records the earthquake has caused 69 fatalities, 331 injuries, and displaced 34,689 people.

A total of 19,297 residential buildings were damaged: 6,463 severely damaged, 2,481 moderately damaged, and 12,006 with minor damage.

Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysical Agency (BMKG) recorded 2,403 aftershocks as of 17.00 WIB 18 August 2026, including 24 events measuring over magnitude 5.

The heaviest casualties were recorded in Manggarai Regency with 26 deaths, followed by East Manggarai with 25 fatalities, and Nagekeo with 8 deaths.

Disaster alert status has been declared for multiple areas, including northern Manggarai, northern Ngada, Ende, and East Flores.