Labuan Bajo is one of the Super Priority Destinations (DSP) determined by the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy (Kemenparekraf). With the determination of Labuan Bajo into the DSP, this area can become an attraction for tourists both domestically and abroad, especially halal tourism with the availability of food and drinks that have halal certificates.
Labuan Bajo is famous for its stunning natural scenery. Its natural charm can amaze anyone. However, it will be difficult to enjoy comfortably without a choice of culinary that is guaranteed halal. Therefore, the Halal Journal Team in this edition will thoroughly explore the beauty of Labuan Bajo’s charm and halal culinary spots you may have never known.
Places You Must Visit
You must be familiar with Indonesia’s many areas that exude their charm. Labuan Bajo for this one place you need to try to visit at least once in your life. Why?
This area provides special memories for anyone who visits it. Its coastline, the Komodo dragon, the area’s icon, and its friendly people make tourists fall in love.
There are about four places that you must visit when you stop by Labuan Bajo, namely Padar Island, Komodo Island, Pink Beach and Manta Point. You have to travel for about 1 hour by ferry to get to that place. However, don’t worry, the trip will be paid off with the incredible natural charm.
• Padar Island
Does anyone have a Rp50,000.00 bill printed a few years ago? Well, the picture on the money shows a picture of Padar Island. Of course, it’s not without reason that Padar Island is used to illustrate the rupiah currency.
This island, located between Komodo Island and Rinca Island, offers a stunning panorama and a unique tourist experience. Its beautiful landscape and stunning views can be seen from the top of Padar Hill. There are three bays with different colored sand, namely white, black, and pink. This colorful combination makes Padar Island a very photogenic place and is often used as a photo background for visitors. The combination of clear blue waters, cliffs, and green landscapes creates a beautiful and stunning contrast.
• Komodo Island
If you are a lover of endemic animals, Central Indonesia is a paradise. And Komodo Island is a must-visit place. Komodo Island has attracted the attention of scientists and researchers since it was first discovered in the early 20th century. Komodo (Varanus komodoensis) is a large ancient lizard species found only on a few islands in Indonesia, with the largest population on Komodo Island.
One of the things you can enjoy here is taking selfies with animals that can grow up to 3 meters in size and weigh up to 70 kilograms. This will be an unforgettable experience of a lifetime, namely taking pictures with rare animals that only exist in Indonesia.
When visiting Komodo Island, our team saw at least 4 Komodo dragons roaming around the area in less than 1 hour. According to Rangers, the name for tour guides there, the findings are numerous.
• Pink Beach
This beach has reddish sand. This color results from a mixture of white sand with crushed red coral fragments and foraminifera, microscopic organisms that produce red pigments.
This phenomenon creates a stunning color gradation, especially when exposed to sunlight, and provides a wonderful view. In addition to the beach with unique sand, you can enjoy the beauty of coral reefs and fish under the sea by snorkeling.
• Manta Point
Manta Point is a famous diving spot because of its large population of manta rays. The ocean currents in these waters are rich in plankton, the main food for manta rays. This makes Manta Point a gathering place for manta rays all year round. Seeing manta rays in large numbers and up-close provides an unforgettable snorkeling/diving experience.
You must visit four places when you stop by Labuan Bajo. However, if you don’t have much time, exploring Labuan Bajo by car, motorbike, or on foot can be an enjoyable alternative. Some places you can visit in Labuan Bajo include the Waterfront, Puncak Waringin, Batu Cermin Cave, and Bukit Sylvia.
Kampung Ujung Culinary Centre Becomes a KHAS Zone
In addition to visiting exotic places, consuming halal products is one thing that must be considered when visiting Labuan Bajo. This area is in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), which has a minority Muslim population. It is no wonder that finding halal food in this area is more difficult than in Java.
To comfort tourists, especially Muslims, LPPOM through the 1445 H Syawal Festival, initiated the formation of the KHAS Zone (Halal, Safe, and Healthy Culinary) in Kampung Ujung, Labuan Bajo. The birth of the KHAS Zone was also thanks to the collaboration with the National Committee for Sharia Economics and Finance (KNEKS). Kampung Ujung was chosen because it is one of the culinary centers in Labuan Bajo.
Several things need to be considered to make an area part of the KHAS Zone criteria. First, the manager runs a business according to Sharia management principles. Second, have facilities and infrastructure in the same area. Third, have a minimum of 10 MSME actors for the general culinary area and 5 for the limited culinary area.
Fourth, as many as 75% of business actors in the KHAS Zone area have been certified halal and 90% have been stickered as safe and healthy by the local Health Office. Through the Syawal Festival program, LPPOM provides free halal certification facilities to 42 MSMEs in Labuan Bajo, 30 of which are located in the Kampung Ujung area. This figure already covers 75% of the requirements for the ratification of the Special Zone, namely from 40 MSMEs, 30 MSMEs have been halal certified in Kampung Ujung.
Now, Muslim tourists have an alternative halal-certified culinary in Labuan Bajo, especially in the Kampung Ujung area. LPPOM continues to be committed to making it easier for the public, both business actors and consumers, to consume halal products. You can check the validity of the halal product through the halal product check platform on the website www.halalmui.org or the Halal MUI application which can be downloaded on the Playstore. (YN/DIL)
Source: Halal Journal Edition 169 https://halalmui.org/jurnal-halal/169/
