Labuan Bajo Begins Returning to Normal, Several Tourist Destinations Remain Closed Following the 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. This closure of affected areas is implemented as a precautionary measure to ensure visitor 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 sites, alongside operating an information service for both 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.

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

Flights To Several Flores Regions Remain Adjusted

The earthquake also impacted air connectivity. Ende Airport has cancelled all scheduled 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 adjusted flight schedules.

Travellers planning trips to Flores are advised to check the latest official updates prior to departure. Authorities remind prospective visitors not only to verify destination status, but also confirm 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 following 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 once again. As of 17 August 2026, daily visitor numbers to these areas were recorded at over 2,000 people per day.

Other destinations such as Kelor Island and Todo Traditional Village in Manggarai remain fully operational and continue to receive high visitor numbers. Batu Cermin tourist site was reopened on 16 August 2026.

These developments confirm that tourism recovery is not uniform across the region. Some areas have already resumed welcoming visitors, while other locations require additional time to fully confirm environmental and infrastructure safety.

Major Hotels Confirmed Safe

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

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

The Ministry of Tourism alongside BPOLBF will continue conducting assessments and on-site verification of hotels, tourist destinations, and all supporting tourism facilities across affected regencies.

Coordination is also underway 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 urge all travellers planning trips to Flores to prioritise personal safety. Official information regarding destination conditions, transport services, and road access should be checked regularly.

This advisory remains critical as aftershocks are still occurring across parts of East Nusa Tenggara.

The main 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck NTT on Saturday 15 August at 05:58 WITA / 04:58 WIB. The epicentre was located approximately 30 kilometres offshore from Mbay, Nagekeo, at a depth of 15 kilometres.

As of 18 August 2026 09:00 WITA, data from the NTT Regional Disaster Mitigation Agency (BPBD) records 69 fatalities, 331 injured persons, and 34,689 displaced residents as a result of the disaster.

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

Indonesia's Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) recorded 2,403 aftershocks as of 17:00 WIB 18 August 2026, including 24 events measuring above magnitude 5.

The highest casualty tolls were recorded in Manggarai Regency with 26 deaths, East Manggarai with 25 deaths, and Nagekeo with 8 fatalities.

Disaster emergency alert status has been declared for a number of regions, including northern Manggarai, northern Ngada, Ende, and East Flores.