Bright Future for Labuan Bajo as Airport Receives Investment

March 20, 2020

Home Sweet Komodo

We know that we are very lucky to live in paradise. Scallywags Divers Komodo have been happily living life here in Labuan Bajo for over a year and sharing our love of the ocean. Indonesia is forever in our hearts. It is an incredibly friendly nation with more than seventeen thousand islands!

Labuan Bajo: a Rising Star

If you aren’t familiar with the small town of Labuan Bajo, you are definitely about to be. With claims that it could become the next Bali, there are high hopes for our favourite fishing town. The government has declared that Labuan Bajo is a ‘super priority’. They are investing in it by granting a 25-year development scheme for the airport.

The Goal for Indonesia

The aim is to diversify the country’s top travel destinations beyond Bali. Bali is well known across the world as a top holiday location. Currently Labuan Bajo is not a global name, but with time it could be the next tourist haven. The aim is to create 10 new Balis across Indonesia!

Where is Labuan Bajo?

Labuan Bajo sits on the very west of the island of Flores, otherwise known as East Nusa Tenggara. Labuan Bajo is the best place to head to if you want to catch a glimpse of the infamous Komodo Dragon. So it’s no surprise that the government has seen the potential in what this part of the country has to offer.

What’s so Special about This Town?

Once only a small fishing village, it has become the gateway to Komodo National Park and Rinca Island. The lush landscapes provide wonderful sights for trekkers and photographers. It attracts not only fans of the dragons, but divers and dive shops like ourselves. The underwater world of Komodo National Park provides world class diving. The cool waters and strong currents bring with them manta rays, giant trevally, sharks to single out a few. Attracting scuba divers and snorkelers from around the globe.

Komodo’s First Impressions

Arriving at Komodo Labuan Bajo airport, images of Komodo Dragons are there to greet you. Inside, there is not very much decoration to show the character of Labuan Bajo itself. You do not receive the friendly exchange that has come to be expected from the Indonesian immigration as a domestic airport. It is clear from the small luggage room that there hasn’t been a whole lot of money invested in the guest’s first impression. There is a small cafe with plastic tables, clean toilets and a few souvenir shops.

Inspired by Singapore Changi Airport

If you have visited Singapore Changi International Airport, you were most likely amazed. If not, all you need to do is google “Rain Vortex”. The extraordinary 40-metre-high indoor waterfall that is Changi’s new attraction, Jewel Mall. It really is an impressive sight to witness. Real trees surround the waterfall for an authentic forest feel. You forget that you are inside an airport! Jewel Mall is home too many restaurants, shops and cinemas.

The Exciting News

Singapore has made it clear that Changi is one of the world’s most developed airports. It has become a firm favourite with travellers. So imagine our anticipation when we hear the news; the developers for Labuan Bajo Airport, are the same people behind Singapore Changi!

Show Me the Money: The Investment Details

So, how big are we talking? The association are about to invest an incredible IDR 1.2 trillion (that’s $86 million US Dollars!) into Labuan Bajo Airport. Work will include improving the runway and the main terminals. A further IDR 5.7 trillion will then be invested in running the airport’s daily operation.

Travellers from Singapore will now be able to take direct flights to Labuan Bajo. You will no longer have to stop in Bali to get to Komodo. Currently, 600,000 passengers per year arrive in Labuan Bajo. In ten years, the developers hope the number will reach around 4 million!

Is the Increase in Tourism Sustainable?

Four million tourists a year will no doubt bring in a lot of money. The increase in tourists will definitely help to develop the town and its businesses. But with that also comes an environmental debate. International flights produce a lot of CO2 which is a concern for climate change. Some people say we should reduce international tourism.

As Komodo is protected by the National Park, the area is largely unspoilt by tourism. The beautiful natural landscapes could be at risk if tourism booms. The investment will have to be used wisely and managed well for it to be a success.

Indonesia is Going in the Right Direction

Back in July, we had a visit from the President of Indonesia, Joko Widodo. He was elected in 2014 with policies on developing economic growth and human rights. Go Widodo! His vision for a global future for Indonesia was met with a lot of optimism. The news of the investment into Labuan Bajo Airport demonstrates the commitment to the promises made by President Widodo. And we couldn’t be more pleased!

For Labuan Bajo, we see this as a step in the right direction. The increase in tourism will help local businesses become more financially stable. We are hoping that this will contribute to decreasing poverty in Flores.

The Future of Becoming International

Our small domestic airport is going to become Labuan Bajo International Airport. Over time, this is going to bring big changes for the town and its people. We are excited to see the town develop for our Indonesian brothers and sisters. If you’d like to stay up to date with news of Komodo and Scallywags, please follow our Facebook page.