Cruise Call in Ende Puts Focus on Access to Kelimutu and Wologai

Ende — A cruise ship called at Ende on Monday, 14 September 2026, bringing foreign tourists for a one-day visit to Kelimutu National Park and Wologai Traditional Village, according to local broadcast media.

Radio Republik Indonesia’s Ende station reported that the vessel’s passengers disembarked at around 07:00 WITA and continued their shore programme until about 17:00 WITA, travelling inland to several tourism sites before returning to the port.

According to that report, the group visited Kelimutu, Wologai Traditional Village and stopped briefly at the Detusoko convent area for toilet facilities, then had lunch at a lodge in Moni before continuing their journey.

The RRI coverage did not identify the cruise ship by name or state the number of passengers on board, and it did not specify the vessel’s next port of call.

Short Shore Window for Inland Excursions

Local guides said the main excursions were focused on Kelimutu and Wologai, two destinations that routinely attract international visitors travelling overland or by sea.

Tour guide Ferdinand Radawara, a member of the Ende chapter of the Indonesian Tour Guides Association, told RRI that cruise visits to Ende have been taking place for years.

He said that since around 2010, cruise ships have been calling at Ende with an average frequency of about two visits per year, organised through different travel agencies.

Radawara identified Cruise Asia and Signature Papua among the agencies involved in handling cruise tourists visiting Ende.

He added that most visitors have come from Australia, with others from the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Germany and several other countries, reflecting a predominantly international guest profile.

The RRI report summarised several key points from the latest call:

• Approximate arrival and departure window: 07:00–17:00 WITA
• Main destinations: Kelimutu National Park and Wologai Traditional Village
• Reported cruise-call frequency: about two visits a year since around 2010
• Number of cruise passengers: not disclosed

Access and Facilities Seen as Priorities for Ende

Radawara told RRI that the limited time available to cruise passengers makes destination readiness and transport efficiency particularly important.

He said improving accessibility and supporting amenities such as rest stops, toilets and food services would help make visits more comfortable and allow tourists to experience Ende and its surroundings more effectively within a single day.

Local tourism stakeholders cited in the RRI report framed the call as part of a broader discussion on how Ende can serve not only as a port of arrival but also as a practical entry point to other destinations in Flores, especially for international cruise itineraries in East Nusa Tenggara.

The same report noted that with only one day ashore, road conditions, travel times and the availability of services along inland routes directly shape which destinations can be included in shore excursions and how long visitors can spend at each site.

While the September 14 visit underlined Ende’s potential role on cruise routes, no cruise operator was quoted in the coverage outlining a formal strategy to develop Ende as a gateway port. The discussion of future opportunities came mainly from local guides and tourism representatives, who argued that strengthening access and visitor facilities would be essential if the region is to capture more value from cruise tourism.

Sources

• RRI Ende – Kapal Pesiar Singgah di Ende, Akses Wisata Perlu Diperkuat
• Pos Kupang – Jadwal Kapal Pelni Waikelo-Ende September 2026, Tarif KM Wilis Rp113.000