Cruise Ship Docks in Kupang, 400 Foreign Tourists Enjoy Lasiana Beach to Se'i Baun.

Monday, 20 April 2026 | 11:47

Author: Arif S

Kapal wisata Oceania Vista berlabuh di Pelabuhan Tenau Kupang, Kota Kupang, NTT.
Source: Antara Foto/Kornelis Kah

Summary

1. 400 foreign tourists aboard the Oceania Vista cruise ship arrived at Tenau Port in Kupang.

2. Tourists experienced local culture at the historic Raja Koroh house, a symbol of Timorese heritage, alongside culinary offerings.

3. The East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) Provincial Government expressed hope that visitors exploring Kupang City and Kupang Regency would take home memorable experiences.

Tourist Ship Oceania Vista docked at Tenau Kupang Port on Monday, April 20. A total of 400 out of 1,600 Foreign Tourists disembarked from the Cruise Ship to begin a short journey exploring Kupang City and Kupang Regency, East Nusa Tenggara.

Their arrival was warmly welcomed with the Hegong dance from Sikka Regency. Several tourists joined in the dancing, enjoying the energetic and typical Flores welcome.

East Nusa Tenggara is not only known through Komodo or Labuan Bajo, but also boasts natural landscapes, culture, and culinary delights on Timor Island.

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The East Nusa Tenggara Provincial Government prepared approximately 12 tourist buses and Travel vehicles to take tourists on two routes.

"There are 400 tourists out of approximately 1,600 on board that ship who will tour Kupang City and Kupang Regency," said the Head of the East Nusa Tenggara Provincial Tourism and Creative Economy Office, Doris Rihi.

One group was directed towards Kupang Regency, an area that offers rural landscapes, traditions, and local flavors.

There, tourists were invited to taste Se'i meat in Baun Village, a smoked dish typical of East Nusa Tenggara that is rich in aroma and spices.

Besides culinary, they were also introduced to the culture of Raja Koroh's house, a symbol of local heritage that records the historical traces of the Timorese community.

In places like this, the journey becomes more than just sightseeing.

The other group toured Kupang City. They stopped at the NTT Kitchen at the NTT Dekranasda, a space that brings together traditional culinary and typical regional woven crafts.

From there, the journey continued to Lasiana Beach, a serene coastline with lontar palm trees lining the seashore.

Several other tourist spots in the city were also on the visit agenda, showcasing the relaxed rhythm of this provincial capital.

Doris said the presence of the tourist ship carrying a number of foreign tourists indicates that the tourism sector in East Nusa Tenggara, particularly on Timor Island, is increasingly recognized.

She explained that their presence has a positive impact on the economy in East Nusa Tenggara, especially in Kupang City.

Doris hopes that the tourists touring Kupang City and Kupang Regency can take away memorable experiences.

Source: ANTARA

Quick Answer

Oceania Vista Cruise Docks in Kupang, 400 Tourists Experience Timor Culture & Cuisine

The Oceania Vista cruise ship docked at Tenau Port in Kupang on April 20, with 400 passengers exploring East Nusa Tenggara. Tourists experienced Sikka's Hegong dance, visited historic Raja Koroh house, tasted smoked Se'i meat in Baun Village, and toured Lasiana Beach alongside Kupang City's culinary and craft centers.

400 tourists from Oceania Vista toured Kupang City and Kupang Regency
Cultural activities included Sikka's Hegong dance and Raja Koroh heritage house
Culinary highlight featured smoked Se'i meat in Baun Village
Kupang City route covered NTT Kitchen craft center and Lasiana Beach
Visit signals growing tourism recognition for Timor Island

When the Oceania Vista cruise ship docked at Tenau Port in Kupang on April 20, 400 passengers embarked on a cultural journey through East Nusa Tenggara. Greeted by the energetic Hegong dance from Sikka Regency, visitors immediately immersed in local traditions before exploring two distinct tour routes curated by the provincial government.

Kupang Regency's Cultural Treasures

The first group ventured into Kupang Regency's rural landscapes, where they encountered Timor Island's heritage at Raja Koroh's historic house. This cultural experience was complemented by culinary discovery in Baun Village, where tourists savored aromatic smoked Se'i meat—a signature dish rich in local spices.

Urban Exploration in Kupang City

Meanwhile, another group explored Kupang City's vibrant offerings, starting at NTT Kitchen. This cultural hub showcased regional crafts alongside traditional cuisine. The tour proceeded to Lasiana Beach, where visitors relaxed under lontar palms along serene coastlines, experiencing the city's coastal charm.

Doris Rihi, Head of NTT's Tourism Office, noted the visit signals growing international recognition for Timor Island's tourism beyond Komodo. With 12 buses facilitating the excursions, the province aims to create memorable experiences that boost local economies while sharing NTT's diverse cultural and natural assets.