Australian Tourists Encouraged to Explore Bali and Beyond as 2026 Approaches
As 2026 draws near, Indonesian tourism authorities are actively encouraging Australian travelers to broaden their horizons and discover destinations beyond the renowned island of Bali. Tourism leaders in Indonesia are focusing efforts on promoting alternative locations across the archipelago, with a special emphasis on engaging the Australian market and highlighting lesser-known yet exceptional spots.
Labuan Bajo: The Rising Star of Indonesian Tourism
One of the primary destinations receiving attention is Labuan Bajo, located in East Nusa Tenggara. Known as the gateway to Komodo National Park, Labuan Bajo is part of Indonesia’s “super five” priority destinations—an initiative identifying regions destined to become the next major tourist hubs alongside Bali. The other destinations in this elite group include Lake Toba in Sumatra, Borobudur in Java, Mandalika in Lombok, and Likupang in North Sulawesi.
Dwi Marhen Yono, Director of Domestic Tourism Marketing at Indonesia’s Ministry of Tourism, noted that the Austrian tourist market is growing, but his sights are firmly set on increasing tourism from Australia. “We hope more airlines will open direct flight routes between Australia and Labuan Bajo,” Yono said. Currently, travelers must connect through Bali or Jakarta to reach Labuan Bajo, a process that benefits Bali’s tourism industry by making it a launchpad for exploring the Indonesian archipelago.
Improved Connectivity and Infrastructure
At present, only a handful of airlines—including Batik Air, Indonesia AirAsia, and Garuda Indonesia—operate flights between Bali and Labuan Bajo. The roughly 1 hour 20-minute journey serves as a vital link, but authorities aim to simplify access with direct international flights in the future. The plan is to have Labuan Bajo emerge as a central travel hub within East Nusa Tenggara, inspiring tourists to also explore nearby cities such as Kupanh, Ende, Maumere, and Ruteng.
Infrastructure development has been a priority, with Yono stating that by the end of 2024, Labuan Bajo is expected to welcome approximately 411,000 visitors. The region’s natural beauty has earned it the nickname “Land of a Thousand Sunsets” thanks to its spectacular coastal viewpoints.
Diversified Attractions and Sustainable Tourism
Beyond the famed Komodo National Park, Labuan Bajo offers a variety of attractions, including the scenic Natas Parapuar. The Labuan Bajo Flores Authority Implementation Agency (BPOLBF) is actively developing new tourism offerings, from cultural events such as weekly arts and culture showcases to aquatic activities. Notably, there are 42 official diving sites around Komodo National Park, catering to both experienced divers and snorkelers.
While workforce optimism runs high, sustainability is at the forefront of tourism development plans. Yono emphasized the desire to cultivate quality, exclusive tourism rather than mass tourism, preserving the region’s unique natural and cultural heritage. “Labuan Bajo is exclusive, with extraordinary natural and cultural attractions. We don’t want mass tourism, but quality tourism,” he explained.
Support from Airlines and Tourism Campaigns
Efforts to boost Labuan Bajo’s appeal have garnered support from major players in the aviation sector. Indonesia AirAsia, which currently operates eight domestic and twenty-five international routes, is collaborating with BPOLBF on promotional initiatives. Akhmad Sadikin, Acting President Director of Indonesia AirAsia, expressed optimism about the destination’s potential and the possibility of future direct flights boosting accessibility.
As Indonesian tourism prepares for increased visitor numbers in 2026 and beyond, the call to Australian tourists is clear: take advantage of the opportunity to explore not only Bali but also the diverse and captivating destinations waiting across the Indonesian archipelago. With expanding infrastructure, enriched cultural offerings, and a commitment to sustainable development, places like Labuan Bajo promise a rich travel experience for those ready to venture beyond the familiar.
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