Labuan Bajo Tourist Ship Routes Temporarily Closed, The Reason

The blue sky and calm seas have long shaped the image of Labuan Bajo as the gateway to adventure towards Komodo National Park. However, beyond this charm, nature holds its own rhythm. In the coming days, the pulse of Maritime Tourism activities in Labuan Bajo must slow down temporarily.

The Labuan Bajo Class III Port Authority and Harbormaster Office (KSOP) in West Manggarai Regency, East Nusa Tenggara, has temporarily closed shipping routes for Tourist Vessels due to Extreme Weather hitting local waters. 

This closure applies to all waters of West Manggarai, the region that forms the backbone of Labuan Bajo's marine Tourism.

Head of Labuan Bajo Class III KSOP, Stephanus Risdiyanto, stated this policy was implemented for the safety of shipping and tourists.

“Temporarily closed starting from January 27 to 29, 2026, until the weather improves based on information from BMKG,” he said.

This decision directly impacts tourist vessels that usually take tourists through exotic islands, coral waters, and Komodo habitats. 

KSOP urges captains not to force voyages and to ensure all vessels are in seaworthy condition.

“The ship's engine must also be on standby,” he added.

Furthermore, captains are requested to share information if they become aware of potential weather hazards at sea. 

Vessels already in West Manggarai waters are asked to adjust sailing plans, anchor, or perform mooring in areas protected from high waves and strong currents.

KSOP also emphasized the importance of coordination between vessel owners, Basarnas (National Search and Rescue Agency), and the Harbormaster if weather conditions worsen, as an anticipatory step against unwanted risks.

This shipping route closure aligns with warnings from the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) Tenau Maritime Meteorology Station. 

BMKG recorded a low-pressure system around the Gulf of Carpentaria in northern Australia, triggering wind convergence and deceleration, increasing the potential for Rain in the NTT region.

The wind pattern in this area generally moves from southwest to northwest with speeds of 10–40 knots. These conditions have the potential to trigger waves of 1.25 to 2.5 meters high, especially in the northern Sape Strait, northern Flores waters, and the Flores Strait.

For tourists, this temporary closure serves as a reminder that Travel in tropical island regions is not just about beauty, but also about respecting the dynamics of nature. Labuan Bajo may be pausing briefly, but safety remains the most crucial part of every adventure.