The Charm of Kukusan Island, a Potential New Destination Outside Komodo National Park

The Ministry of Tourism (Kemenpar) and the West Manggarai Government (Pemkab) have prepared Kukusan Island as one of the leading destinations outside the Komodo National Park (TN) area. This island is located in Pasir Panjang Village, Komodo District, Labuan Bajo, West Manggarai, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT). The location is close to Kelor Island.

Latest Situation & Advisory Details

Acting Main Director (Plt) of the Labuan Bajo Flores Authority Implementing Agency (BPOLBF), Andhy Marpaung, said that the small island offers a marine tourism attraction like Kelor Island. There is a snorkeling spot with white sand on the beach.

"The attraction is the same as on Kelor Island. The mainstay is the white sand beach. There are also snorkeling spots," said Andhy, Sunday (6/9/2026).

Kukusan Island is one of the buffer islands of the Komodo National Park area. Kukusan Island is about 30 minutes by sea by speedboat from Labuan Bajo Marina Harbor.

Affected Corridors & Port/Flight Status

There are 85 heads of families (KK) with a total of 300 people living on Kukusan Island. The livelihood of most local residents is fishing. There is Madrasah Ibtidaiyah Al-Hidayah, an elementary school (SD) level educational institution, on Kukusan Island.

regional observers had the opportunity to visit Kukusan Island on September 1 2026. The island offers beautiful natural views. White sand combined with snorkeling spots. The sea water is calm with a bluish color that is pleasing to the eye.

Around the snorkeling spot there are a number of fishing boats anchored. The existence of this bagang ship adds to the beautiful view of Kelor Island.

Safety Restrictions & Operational Directives

If you want to enjoy wider natural views, visitors can trek up the hill. The trekking route is only available up to Madrasah Ibtidaiyah Al-Hidayah, around 20 meters above sea level. From behind the school, a beautiful view opens up around Kukusan Island. There is a beautiful expanse of sea, small islands in the middle of the sea and mountains in the distance.

The Ministry of Tourism together with the West Manggarai Regency Government, said Andy, will build a number of supporting facilities in planning Kukusan Island into a tourist destination. Various facilities such as docks, toilets, kiosks, and so on. "We are still waiting for the proposed design from the West Manggarai Tourism Office," he explained.

The plan to develop Kukusan Island into a new destination outside Komodo National Park was confirmed by the Minister of Tourism (Menpar) Widiyanti Putri Wardhana after chairing a coordination meeting for tourism recovery after the earthquake disaster in Labuan Bajo, Friday (28/8/2026).

What Travelers Should Do

Maritime and atmospheric weather patterns can affect inter-island boat crossings to Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan, and Lombok. When swell or weather warnings are active, travelers should confirm departure schedules directly with licensed harbor operators and maintain flexible itinerary timing. For live harbor advisories, wave heights, and marine condition reports across Badung Strait, refer to our Island Travel Safety Radar.