As Many as 400 Cruise Passengers Explore Tourism Destinations in Kupang

RRI.CO.ID, Kupang - The tourism landscape of Timor Island received a significant boost on Monday, April 20, 2026, as the luxury cruise ship Oceania Vista docked at Tenau Kupang Port. Out of the 1,600 passengers on board, approximately 400 foreign tourists disembarked to explore the natural beauty, cultural heritage, and unique culinary offerings of Kupang City and Kupang Regency, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT).

Upon arrival, the visitors were greeted with the vibrant Hegong dance from Sikka Regency, with several tourists joining the performers in a display of local hospitality. To facilitate the excursions, the Provincial Administration of East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) deployed a fleet of 12 tourism buses and various travel vehicles.

Head of the NTT Tourism and Creative Economy Agency, Doris Rihi, highlighted that this visit proves NTT’s appeal extends far beyond its famous western gate. "The presence of this cruise ship shows that the tourism sector in NTT, particularly on Timor Island, is becoming increasingly well-known," Doris said, as quoted by Antara.

To maximize their time ashore, the tourists were divided into two specialized groups targeting different regional attractions. The Kupang Regency Group was treated to the authentic flavors of Se’i (smoked meat) in Baun Village and visited the historic Raja Koroh House to immerse themselves in local royal heritage.

Meanwhile, the Kupang City Group explored Dapur NTT at the Dekranasda office, a prominent hub for culinary delights and traditional weaving (Tenun), alongside visits to the iconic Lasiana Beach and other scenic landmarks.

The arrival of the Oceania Vista is seen as a vital economic catalyst for the region. "There are 400 tourists out of a total of 1,600 on that ship who will travel in Kupang City and Kupang Regency," Doris confirmed.

The docking of a vessel like the Oceania Vista represents a maturing of Timor's infrastructure. While Labuan Bajo remains the "crown jewel" of NTT, the island of Timor offers something qualitatively different: a deeper, perhaps more grounded look at the social fabric of the province, from the weavers in Kupang City to the traditional authorities in Baun. ***