24 cruise ships have been confirmed to visit Lombok via Lembar Port during 2017. The passengers are expected to enjoy a one-day trip in several Lombok destinations, NTB Tourism Agency head Lalu Mohammad Faizal told The Jakarta Post on Friday in Mataram.
Date: February 11, 2017
Source: Jakarta Post
At least 24 cruise ships to visit Lombok’s Lembar Port in West Nusa Tenggara (NTB), throughout 2017 – a 25% increase over last year’s 18 ships.
“24 cruise ships have been confirmed to visit Lombok via Lembar Port. The passengers are expected to enjoy a one-day trip in several Lombok destinations,” NTB Tourism Agency head Lalu Mohammad Faizal told The Jakarta Post on Friday in Mataram.
Lalu said the ships that largely originated from European countries and Singapore generally accommodated 3000 to 5000 passengers, which would mean the potential number of foreign tourist arrivals could reach more than 50,000 visitors.
Art and cultural performances have will entertain the tourists while visiting the destination. “Visitors will be greeted with traditional musical dances that we provide at the NTB National Museum and NTB Cultural Park in Mataram,” said Lalu.
State port operator PT Pelabuhan Indonesia (Pelindo) II’s Lembar Port general manager Baharuddin said that Volendam cruise ship from the Netherlands had arrived at the port on Tuesday carrying a total of 1,968 passengers and crew.
“The ship docked in Lembar Port from Tuesday morning until night,” he said, adding that the company had welcomed the visitors with Gendang Beleg traditional music performances and local dances.
“Some visitors joined tours provided by travel agents, some others shopped on their own by taxi or charter vehicles,” said Baharuddin. Some of the popular routes visited by the tourists include Sekotong, Kuta Beach in Central Lombok, Mataram Mall, Senggigi, Sukarare weaving art center, Gili Nangu, Gili Kedis and Gili Sudak.
Baharuddin added that cruise ships that visited Lombok usually passed through Komodo Island, Flores, Lombok and then headed to Bali. (kes)
