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19th Edition - July 2011
"Padar Island, West Manggarai"
Dear Reader,
Welcome to the Flores Update Newsletter (FUN)
Edition 19 - July 2011.
IN THIS ISSUE
Enjoy the spirit of summer as you sunbathe and relax at
the unspoiled beauty of Padar Island in West Manggarai
district, Flores. We welcome those who want to explore
this extraordinary island! So what are you waiting for,
pack your bags and travel to Fantastic Flores.
Amazing Flores Tourist Attractions
This month's edition features how you can explore the
island of Flores in nine days through the Transflores
Highway. Also, details about the Sagi , the little-known
but fascinating Soanese Traditional Boxing. Read on
how Yayasan Ayo Mandiri , a local foundation is
empowering the Florinese through their capacity building
programs. Thinking about munching on delicious fresh
bread? Bajo Bakery is the place to enjoy it.
Latest Tourism developments
Flores will soon have its own Destination Management
Organization. There is news of Komodo Rockin' Kuta,
a musical concert successfully held at Kuta Beach in
Bali promoting awareness of Flores Island. And
two newly published books about Flores have just
launched and will be available in selected stores.
The aim of the Flores Update Newsletter is to promote
Flores as a destination to the international tourism
industry, with valuable and up to date information on
attractions, infrastructure development related to tourism
and to provide an insight on the ongoing regional
tourism development project WISATA, funded by the
Swiss Government State Secretariat of Economic Affairs
and implemented by Swisscontact.
We hope you enjoy the articles and we are looking
forward to your feedback.
Your
Swisscontact WISATA Team
newsletter@florestourism.com
Exploring Flores in 9 Days
Sagi, Soanese Traditional Boxing
Ayo Mandiri, Flores' Healing Touch
Finding Delicious Bread at Bajo Bakery
Destination Management Activities
A First Step to form the Flores DMO
Komodo Rockin' Kuta
Ayo Mandiri, Flores' Healing Touch
After a day of trekking or diving, who could say no to a relaxing moment at a spa? Labuan Bajo
does cater for the leisure lovers at a massage centre initially named after a well known flower
from Bali, Frangipani (bunga Kamboja or plumeria). The flower does not commonly grow on the
island of Flores; and a dainty originality as such is mirrored in the clinic staffs as well, as all of
them are either visually or hearing impaired...
Read more
Finding Delicious Bread at Bajo Bakery
Stephanie Heighes first came to Flores 11 years ago, as a student of social anthropology
conducting research in Moni/ Lio. She fell in love with the island and its wonderful people. When
she came back in 2007, she also discovered the beauty of diving Komodo and more importantly
the man she would marry 2 years later. The idea of establishing her own business slowly became
real...
Read more
A First Step to form the Flores DMO
During the first Semester 2011, amongst eight districts in Flores, seven local Tourism
Management Organizations (TMO) were formed. These local organizations represent the private
tourism sectors and will be in charge to further develop the region. To serve this purpose, an
overarching body representing all TMO is needed to coordinate the tourism sector for the whole
island and promote Flores as tourism destination globally...
Read more
Komodo Rockin' Kuta
On July 30th 2011, Bali’s famous Kuta Beach staged a special concert
dedicated to Komodo, the living legend of Flores. The music performance was
an important part of the “Komodo : The Real Wonder of the...
Read more
Sagi, Soanese Traditional Boxing
One of the most fascinating events a visitor to Flores can experience is to
observe the Sagi ; a Soanese traditional boxing event. It is held in Loa
village, Soa, sub-district of Ngada during the harvest time....
Read more
Exploring Flores in 9 Days
Swisscontact WISATA Project has been busy preparing tour & travel programs
to inaugurate tourism destination projects in all districts in Flores. Recently,
one successful test trip was held in July. Additionally, there will be two new
Fam trips scheduled,...
Read more
Exploring Flores in 9 Days
Swisscontact WISATA Project has been busy
preparing tour & travel programs to inaugurate
tourism destination projects in all districts in Flores.
Recently, one successful test trip was held in July.
Additionally, there will be two new Fam trips
scheduled, the first on 30 September to 8 October
2011, aimed at tour operators nationwide who are
already acquainted with Flores. The second will be
held in conjunction with ITB Asia in Singapore from
24 October to 2 November 2011. For national and
international tour operators who wish to participate
in the next Fam trip, please contact Christian Fritz
by 15th August 2011 .
For those wanting to explore Flores, one of the
options is t hrough the Trans Flores Highway, linking
the island all the way from from the city of Maumere
in Eastern Flores or Labuan Bajo in the western tip
of Flores Island. Visitors can travel from East to
West, or vice-versa.
If the tour starts from Maumere in the East, visitors
can go to Larantuka to visit Oa beach and the
traditional village of Lewokluo . On the way to go to
Moni on the next morning you can stopover at Kokka
Beach or see the processes of making coffee and
cashew nuts in Wolowaru.
One of the most spectacular sights in Flores is the
majestic sunrise at the lakes of Mount Kelimutu. The
fourth day in Bajawa , then snorkeling at Tonggo
beach, Wajo village and Mangeruda hot spring. The
next stop is Belaraghi , a village with stunning
untouched natural beauty and cultural, and then
stay overnight in Borong .
The town of Ruteng is where you can find Cunca
Rede waterfall and the famous spider web-shaped
rice field in Cancar . The last day of your trip you
can spend in Labuan Bajo visiting Komodo & Rinca,
the national park, or enjoying the beautiful scenery.
To find out more about the attractions in Flores
please check our archives and contact your travel
agent.
Article by Christian Fitz & Bagus Ferriyanto. Images
by YosephusAntonius
Sagi, Soanese Traditional Boxing
One of the most fascinating events a visitor to
Flores can experience is to observe the Sagi; a
Soanese traditional boxing event. It is held in Loa
village, Soa, sub-district of Ngada during the
harvest time. This is a part of traditional practices
in agricultural societies, where people may require
sacrificial rituals. Here, blood which is spilled on the
ground is c onsidered as a blessing and brings honor
to the village. Despite the nature of the event, no
thoughts of revenge or animosity are allowed.
After a traditional dinner in the evening, people
gather in massive bonfire circles where cheering
crowds of elders and youngsters jointly sing
accapella songs, dancing hand in hand, circling the
bonfire until the morning, as the part of Sagi Kobhe .
Several ceremonies and boxing fights are held
during the two weeks long celebration, until the final
Sagi Kobhe night called Dhero, for the real day of
Sagi (Boxing Day).
In the morning, local villagers await the ancient
harvest celebration. In the middle of the village, two
village elders sit under the Peo. This is a fork
shaped branch from the Cassia tree, representing
the unity of the community’s customs and the place
for sacrificial ceremonies, where they place the Kolo
(woven tusk or horns with palm fibers as the
weapon).
The boxing is joined by several young rookie
fighters, as well as more celebrated vetera ns. Each
fighter wears their traditional boxing glove called
Kolo, on their fist, ready to strike the opponent,
while their respective Sike directing their movements
from behind by holding the boxer’s sarong.
The fighters are divided in two sides, the host on
the west, and the challenger on the east. Male
elders use sticks to hit bamboo instruments, while
other male elders dance and sing, lighthea rtedly
mocking their opponents.
It is an experience visitors will never forge t.
Article and images by Annaas Firmanto
Ayo Mandiri, Flores' Healing Touch
After a day of trekking or diving, who could say no
to a relaxing moment at a spa? Labuan Bajo does
cater for the leisure lovers at a massage centre
initially named after a well known flower from Bali,
Frangipani ( bunga Kamboja or plumeria ). The flower
does not commonly grow on the island of Flores;
and a dainty originality as such is mirrored in the
clinic staffs as well, as all of them are either
visually or hearing impaired. It makes Frangipani
equal to none for not only are the six male/female
PWD (persons with disabilities) highly skill ful spa
therapists trained to pamper guests with carefully
designed-healing treatments of massage and
reflexology, but above all, they are also certified.
Frangipani was then transformed into Yayasan Ayo
Mandiri (meaning ‘let’s stand on our feet’)
established in 2008 with a mission to support the
PWD to be self-supporting and aid them with access
to earn their living as well as to encourage more
respect towards PWD in the society as one of the
foundation’s long term goals. A training centre was
founded where seniors accommodate the n ewly
arrived therapists with trainings and to empower the
PWDs in the villages nearby.
Residing at an easy to reach site of Jalan Soekarno
Hatta in the direction of Ruteng , near Pasar Baru
Labuan Bajo, approximately 8 minutes from the
harbor by motorbike or taxi, Frangipani in its clean
homey setting offers Balinese massage, acupressure
and foot reflexology combined with aromatherapy oil
that contributes to stimulating blood circulation,
relaxing tension and eventually has healing effects.
A warm stone massage and facial therapy is also
available to complete the spa indulgence. With a
record of around 725 international and 1,132
domestic clients who have experienced its beautiful
spa therapy in 2010, Frangipani also accommodates
special requests of clients who prefer to ei ther have
the treatment by the swimming pool of the hotel, or
at the comfort of the clients’ home residence.
More information on the treatments and bo oking,
please contact:
Yayasan Ayo Mandiri
Opening hours: Monday to Saturday 09.00-12.30
15.00-20.00
Jalan Labuan Bajo-Ruteng ( Kompleks PLN )
PO BOX 10, 86554, Labuan Bajo , Flores, NTT
Tel/Fax: +62 385 42318
Email: YayasanAyo Mandiri
Article and images by Annaas Firmanto
Finding Delicious Bread at Bajo Bakery
Stephanie Heighes first came to Flores 11 years
ago, as a student of social anthropology conducting
research in Moni/ Lio. She fell in love with the
island and its wonderful people. When she came
back in 2007, she also discovered the beauty of
diving Komodo and more importantly the man she
would marry 2 years later. The idea of establishing
her own business slowly became real.
Stephanie realized that she missed the Sw iss Alps
and the wonderful European breads of her
homeland. Although moving the mountains is
impossible, she could still make her own tasty bread
here in Labuan Bajo .
So, she started baking for herself and some friends;
then a few restaurants, and soon hotels and boats
lined up in front of her door and became her regular
customers. That’s how Bajo Bakery started in June
of 2011. It’s a small, air-conditioned bakery and café
where her loyal customers enjoy good bread,
muffins or cakes while reading their choice of
magazines and newspapers.
More and more people step into the Bajo Bakery to
escape the noisy dusty roads of Labuan Bajo to
enjoy their food with a refreshing beverage. The
multigrain bread is the most popular amongst the
costumers. The healthy ingredients make it easy to
keep for up to 3 days without losing its taste or
freshness.
When gues ts order sandwiches, they can choose
between the Foccacia with olive oil, Rosemary or
Baguette and another favorite is the burger bun. For
those who like it sweet, Bajo Bakery’s best sellers
are the rich chocolate brownies and a selection of
muffins and cakes.
For coffee, Flores café is served in a plunger while
other Indonesian cafe, is freshly ground and brewed
with an espresso machine. Cold drinks like the
home made iced-tea, iced-café or one of their fresh
juices are highly recommended.
Bajo Bakery opens Mondays-Saturdays from 7am
until 5pm. If you’re short on time, the friendly staff
are happy to have the order ready for take-away.
Bajo Bakery
Jl. Soekarno Hatta, Kampung Tengah, Labuan Bajo
Email. Bajo Bakery
Tel. Ibu Rosni +6281337259720 or Stephanie
+6282147277071
Article by Stephanie Heighes . Images by Annaas
Firmanto & Samantha Strauss
A First Step to form the Flores DMO
During the first Semester 2011, amongst eight
districts in Flores, seven local Tourism Management
Organizations ( TMO) were formed. These local
organizations represent the private tourism sectors
and will be in charge to further develop the region.
To serve this purpose, an overarching body
representing all TMO is needed to coordinate the
tourism sector for the whole island and promote
Flores as tourism destination globally.
On July 14 -15, 2011 a first workshop was held to
form this regional Flores Destination Management
Organization ( DMO). The workshop was attended by
board members of each TMO, representatives of the
tourism department from all eight districts in Flores
as well as representatives from Swisscontact.
This workshop was held in Bajawa, district of Ngada
which is famous for its cool weather and fresh
atmosphere, due to the high elevation.
The event was officially opened by Ngada’s district
secretary, followed by a presentation about the
project’s focus on DMO development by the
Swisscontact Project Manager.
The objective of the workshop was to clarify and
formulate the relation between TMOs and the
regional DMO , defining structure, management and
main functions of the new organization as well as
finding an ideal location for the secretariat.
The participants found consensus on partnerships
between DMO and TMO, DMO's role and function,
possible institutional form and organizational
structure. The participants agreed also about the
vision and mission, objectives and main task of the
DMO.
The participants went through a remarkable process
leaving their local focus behind and replacing it with
regional priorities to create a Flores DMO. All
tourism departments from the local governments
underlined their committed to support the
establishment of the regional DMO.
To keep up the momentum, the next workshop is
scheduled 3-5 August 2011 in Ende to define
structure, legal body and instruments and formally
establish the Flores DMO.
Article by Ruedi Nuetzi and images by Su mandar
Situmorang
Komodo Rockin' Kuta
On July 30th 2011, Bali’s famous Kuta Be ach staged
a special concert dedicated to Komodo , the living
legend of Flores. The music performance was an
important part of the “Komodo : The Real Wonder of
the World” campaign. The campaign is aimed to
raise global public awareness and participation in
the conservation and preservation of the Komodo
dragon and its natural habitat, found solely in
Indonesia on the western islands of Flores.
Bali was selected to be the venue of the concert
because of its strategic location, the main hub
connecting travelers from around the globe to the
beautiful island.
The shoreline of Kuta beach were jam pac ked with
multi nationals crowd cheering and applauding
Indonesia’s most wellknown musicians Dwiki
Dharmawan, Dira Sugandi , Marcell , Sandhy Sondoro
, Ivan Nestorman and East Nusa Tenggara ethnical
music performed.
The concert that lasted for about three hours with
great lighting, sounds, stage layout impres sively
entertained all visitors that night. During the concert
people obtained information about Flores through
visitor’s booths. Several travel agents such as:
Sunda Trails, Manumade , GTB Tours, IDF Tour and
Incito Prima were participated in.
Funded by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism in
partnership with Marketeers and Kompas TV, the
concert is scheduled to be aired on local TV
stations on August 6th.
Earlier that day, Swisscontact promoted two pocketsized books on Flores Destination at a press
conference especially held for the event. The book
Flores: A Glimpse of the People & Culture takes you
into a journey to explore Flores, an island in the
eastern part of Indonesia blessed with beautiful
natural surroundings, fascinating people and
amazing cultures and traditions. Another, Flores:
Diving around Komodo is a diving guide th at is
irresistibly fascinating with pages filled with
adorable colorful images picturing the ama zing
underwater world of Komodo National Park. The
books soon will be available on selected stores.
Article by Bagus Ferriyanto and images by Herawaty
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