Hundreds of tourists cruise to Kupang

Hundreds of foreign tourists onboard the Seabourn Legend cruise ship visited Kupang, East Nusa Tenggara, on Monday after arriving at Nusa Lontar port, Tenau Kupang, on Sunday afternoon.
The Panama-flag carrier had previously visited the famous island of Komodo in West Manggarai regency.
While in Kupang, the tourists visited a number of tourist attractions and cultural sites, including a traditional market in Oeba sub district, a museum, Lasiana Beach, a village known for traditional Sasando musical instrument craftsmen in Oebelo sub district and a village famous for hand woven “ikat” textile craftsmen in Ina Ndao.
East Nusa Tenggara administration spokesman Ursula Dando said on Monday that it was the first time the province hosted such an immense number of tourists in 2012.
“It is hopefully a good sign for East Nusa Tenggara’s tourism in the lead up to Sail Komodo 2013,” she said in a press statement, adding the 135-meter cruise ship would leave Kupang for Singapore.
She said in addition to the National Park in Komodo, the tourists, who came from Asia and Europe, also visited East Flores regency’s Larantuka, which is famous for its traditional event “Semana Santanya” in celebration of Easter every year.