EAST NUSA TENGGARA PROMOTES WORLD WONDER TOURIST ICONS

Kupang, E.Nusa Tenggara, June 29 (Antara) - The East Nusa Tenggara provincial administration is promoting world wonder tourist icons such as Komodo and Lake Kelimutu along with other nautical and natural tourist sites. "Since these two famous tourist icons are set as The New Seven Wonders Of Nature, East Nusa Tenggara has become the tourist gateway of Indonesia besides Bali," Head of Tourism and Creative Economy Office of East Nusa Tenggara Marius Ardu Jelamu stated here, Monday. He said komodo, scientifically known as Varanus komodoensis, living in Komodo National Park, which includes three islands: Rica, Padar and Komodo, has attracted worldwide attention as an ancient species that still exist today. This ancient reptile has been highlighted by the government while organizing national and international events in its efforts to make East Nusa Tenggara a leading tourist site in Indonesia. Sail Indonesia, which has been held since 2009, was organized by the name of Sail Komodo in 2013. According to Jelamu, the Komodo National Park has beautiful underwater flora and fauna, small islands with attractive beaches, and biodiversity. "Komodo National Park was designated as a Biosphere Reserve in 1986 and a World Heritage Site in 1991," he remarked. Besides Komodo, Lake Kelimutu, which is also famous as the Lake of Three Colors, is one of the natural wonders located approximately 66 kilometers from Ende City. Located in the National Park, Kelimutu National Park lies at a height ranging between 1,500 and 1731 meters above sea level. This lake has three colors: red, blue, and white that constantly change to green, light green, and black, among others. The color change is caused by iron and sulfur salts and minerals contained in the water of the lake as well as volcanic gas activity and sun exposure. With regard to the cultural attractions being promoted by the administration are the graves of the Kings located in East Sumba and in some villages such as Prailiu, Pau-Desa Watu, Hadang, Praiyawang, and Rambangaru, among others. The graves, which are usually situated in front of the king's house, are made of megalithic stones, covered by a rectangular stone with four poles measuring approximately 1.5 meters in height. "The traditional house in East Sumba is also interesting to visit," Jelamu said. He explained that this house has a high tapering roof with heirlooms stored within it. This custom home is divided into two separate sections for males and females. "The traditional house is surrounded by interesting megalithic graves," he added.