The ships carrying foreign tourists from Switzerland, Australia and Canada were welcomed with traditional dance performances of Jai Laba Go and Caci.

“[The participants] have enjoyed the beauties of Wakatobi, Maumere, Buru Island and Ende; now they will explore the 17 islands of Riung,” said the event’s organizer, Raymond Lesmana.

“Some [of the participants] made a quick stop and continued their journey to Labuan Bajo. Each yacht carries at least 150 foreign tourists from different countries,” added Raymond.

In the midst of modernization, Ngada regency has been keeping its traditional values in tact as seen in the megalithic Bena traditional village located in Tiwuriwu, Aimere district, around 19 kilometers south of Bajawa.

Read also: Strolling through megalithic village of Bena

Bena sits at the mountain slope and only has one entrance gate. Until today, its residents still believe the mountains are where the gods live.

Those who arrive at the Riung Islands can opt to explore the nearby smaller islands, namely Kelelawar, Pasir, Kolong, Bangko, Pata, Wawi, Batu, Meja, Wire, Laingjawa, Wingkureo, Rutong, Bampa, Telu, Sua, Mborong, Ontoloe, Sui and Taor.

The most popular ones are Kelelawar and Pasir islands, with the former being home to thousands of bats.

“Yachters can explore these islands in just one day. They can enjoy the underwater beauty of these islands and take up snorkeling and diving,” said Ngada Regent Paulus Soliwoa.

One of the islands, named Mboa Island, is said to host Komodo dragons. However, unlike those found in Labuan Bajo, Komodos on this island still roam free therefore it takes effort to find one.

“We are still looking for a way to make these Komodos live in one place where they can be seen by tourists from a boat at the seafront,” Paulus added.

Read also: Tips for visiting Komodo National Park

Additionally outdoor enthusiasts can visit Wolobolo hill that offers the views of caldera and mountain.

Wonderful Sail 2 Indonesia 2017 participants previously departed from Opua in New Zealand in early July. After staying at Riung until Sept. 4, they are scheduled to visit Labuan Bajo (Sept. 4-7), North Lombok (Sept. 10-13), Lovina Bali (Sept. 16-19), Kumai in West Kotawaringin (Sept. 22-25), Belitung (Sept. 27-30), Parai Beach (Oct. 2-5), Penuba (Oct. 7-10), Benan (Oct. 11-14) and Tanjung Pinang (Oct. 16-20).

In order to ease foreign yachters in dealing with the immigration, the ministry has created a special website http://yachters-indonesia.id where they can register by simply filling an online form. (kes)

Popular

Volcano erupts in North Sulawesi, hundreds evacuated

Dubai roads, airport reel from floods after record rains

Ramadan boosts consumer confidence, retail sales