Kupang, NTT. Several tourist destinations in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) remain temporarily closed following a magnitude 7.7 earthquake that struck the province on Aug. 15, while key attractions around Labuan Bajo and Komodo National Park have largely resumed operations.

The Tourism Ministry said the closures were precautionary measures aimed at protecting visitors while authorities assess damage and safety conditions.

The ministry is monitoring tourism facilities in affected areas through the Labuan Bajo Flores Tourism Authority (BPOLBF), including regular field checks of hotels, restaurants, and attractions.

For travelers planning trips to NTT in the coming days and weeks, authorities are urging visitors to check the status of individual destinations and transportation links before departure, as conditions remain uneven across the province.

Destinations that Remain Closed
Among the attractions still closed are Wae Rebo and Ruteng Pu'u in the Manggarai district.

Kelimutu National Park in the Ende district also remains closed after a landslide affected the crater wall. The park is home to Kelimutu's famous three-colored volcanic lakes, one of Flores' best-known tourist attractions.

The Maumere Bay Island Cluster Marine Tourism Park in the Sikka district, as well as several tourism areas in Ngada and Nagekeo, are also experiencing difficulties with telecommunications and electricity supplies.

Authorities have not provided a definitive reopening date for the affected sites, meaning travelers should avoid making non-refundable plans based on the assumption that they will reopen soon.

Flights Face Disruptions
The earthquake has also affected air travel in parts of NTT.

Ende Airport canceled all flights through Aug. 20, while Frans Sales Lega Airport in Ruteng canceled Wings Air services through Aug. 22.

Other airports remain operational, although schedules may be subject to changes. Komodo Airport in Labuan Bajo, Frans Seda Airport in Maumere, and Gewayantana Airport in Larantuka continue to operate with adjustments to flight schedules.

Travelers flying to Flores should therefore confirm their flight status directly with their airline before heading to the airport.

Labuan Bajo and Komodo Largely Reopen
The situation is more favorable in Labuan Bajo, one of Indonesia's most popular international tourism gateways.

The Marina Labuan Bajo port has resumed normal operations, while sailing access to Komodo National Park has reopened.

Tourism activities have resumed at Padar Island, Loh Liang on Komodo Island, Loh Buaya on Rinca Island, and Gili Lawa. More than 2,000 visitors were recorded in the area on Aug. 17, according to tourism authorities.

Other attractions, including Kelor Island and Todo Traditional Village in Manggarai, remain open. Batu Cermin Cave also reopened on Aug. 16.

The developments mean tourists with trips centered on Labuan Bajo and Komodo may still be able to travel, although they should continue monitoring official updates as aftershocks and local disruptions remain possible.

Hotels in Labuan Bajo Reported Safe
Most major hotels in West Manggarai, including Ayana, Crowne Plaza, Sudamala, Ta'aktana Marriott, and Meruorah, were reported to be safe, although some sustained minor damage.

Electricity and internet services in the area have also returned to normal. Tourism authorities said there had been no reports of hotel guests cutting their stays short because of the earthquake.

Check before you travel
The Tourism Ministry is continuing to monitor affected tourism areas, while BPOLBF has established a tourism information hotline for visitors and tourism businesses.

Travelers can contact the BPOLBF hotline at +62 811-3879-4555 for updates on destination conditions, transportation access and accommodation.

The earthquake struck Flores and surrounding areas on Aug. 15, causing 71 deaths and damage across parts of NTT. Authorities have warned that aftershocks could continue, making destination-specific safety checks particularly important for visitors planning trips to affected areas.

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