Flores quake: Labuan Bajo tourism rebounds as wider assessments continue

Labuan Bajo — Indonesian authorities are continuing to assess tourism sites across Flores following the magnitude-7.7 earthquake that struck off the island’s northern coast on 15 August 2026, while key destinations in Labuan Bajo and Komodo National Park have largely resumed operations according to the Tourism Ministry and the Labuan Bajo Flores Tourism Authority (BPOLBF).

The United States Geological Survey recorded a M7.7 earthquake at 21:58 UTC on 14 August, equivalent to 05:58 WITA on 15 August, with an epicentre about 68 kilometres north-northwest of Ende and a depth of 10 kilometres. Indonesia’s Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) reported the quake at 5:58 a.m. local time with a depth of 15 kilometres in the Flores region and initially issued a tsunami warning that was later lifted.

Casualty estimates varied as assessments progressed. International and Indonesian media citing officials and the national disaster agency BNPB reported death tolls ranging from at least 20 to more than 50, with thousands displaced across Flores. BMKG and foreign monitoring agencies documented hundreds of aftershocks in the days following the main event.

Tourism impact beyond Labuan Bajo

Regional coverage and official statements described significant damage to housing and public infrastructure in parts of Flores, particularly around Maumere, Sikka, and nearby districts, with thousands of residents sheltering away from damaged homes. However, detailed, source-based information on the operational status of specific attractions such as Wae Rebo, Ruteng Pu’u, Kelimutu National Park, Gugus Pulau Maumere Marine Tourism Nature Park, and individual sites in Ngada and Nagekeo was not available in the public updates reviewed.

Reports from national and international outlets emphasized ongoing safety assessments and the priority placed on visitor protection, but did not list comprehensive closure dates or reopening schedules for those inland destinations. As a result, the extent and duration of any temporary closures at those sites cannot be independently confirmed from current sources.

Labuan Bajo and Komodo National Park

By 16–17 August, the Tourism Ministry and BPOLBF were reporting that tourism activity in Labuan Bajo had generally returned to normal. According to an update cited by BPOLBF, tourism activities at Marina Labuan Bajo Port were operating smoothly and in a stable condition as of the evening of 16 August.

A BPOLBF release dated 17 August stated that tourism in Labuan Bajo was running “normal, smooth and conducive,” including marine access, and recorded 308 tourist vessels departing that day with 3,651 passengers, comprising 2,840 foreign tourists and 811 domestic visitors. The same statement noted that Komodo National Park and several attractions in West Manggarai, such as Goa Rangko, Compang Liang Ndara, Puncak Waringin, Agrowisata Ngalor Kalo and Batu Cermin, had resumed normal operations.

Subsequent reporting by a tourism news outlet, citing ministry monitoring through BPOLBF as of 22 August, reiterated that Komodo National Park remained open with normal activities and that Komodo International Airport in Labuan Bajo was operating according to the flight schedule. The article also noted that cave and village tourism sites around Labuan Bajo had reopened with facilities declared safe, while officials continued to prioritise safety and data collection on impacts in other parts of Flores.

Information for travellers

BPOLBF encouraged travellers and tourism stakeholders to seek current information on destination conditions and tourism activities in the broader Floratama area directly via its WhatsApp-based hotline. The authority stated that the contact number provides updates on destination status, tourism activities and the evolving situation across Labuan Bajo and Flores.

Given the ongoing aftershocks recorded in the region and continuing recovery efforts in several districts, travellers planning visits beyond Labuan Bajo and Komodo National Park were advised in official and media reports to monitor updates from Indonesian government agencies and local authorities, particularly regarding road access, accommodation conditions and any safety-related restrictions.

Sources

• USGS Executive Summary: M 7.7 - 68 km NNW of Ende, Indonesia
• Al Jazeera: Magnitude 7.7 quake hits Indonesia, killing at least 47
• The Guardian: Powerful earthquake kills dozens in eastern Indonesia
• CGTN: At least 20 dead after M7.7 quake hits off Indonesia's Flores
• The Daily Star: Nearly 13000 displaced after deadly Indonesian quake
• Vatican News: Earthquake in Indonesia kills 38; Catholic festival cancelled
• Phys.org: Magnitude 7.7 earthquake strikes off coast of Indonesia
• The Watchers: Major M7.7 earthquake hits Flores region, Indonesia
• RRI: Labuan Bajo Tourism Activities Resume After Flores Earthquake
• BPOLBF: Aktivitas Pariwisata Flores Berangsur Pulih Pascagempa
• Traveltext: Labuan Bajo Remains Open, Tourism Activities Continue with Safety Prioritized