Spectacular People’s Celebration: Komodo Waterfront Festival 2025 Lights Up Labuan Bajo

Labuan Bajo came alive in November 2025 with the Komodo Waterfront Festival, a week-long public celebration of culture and community hosted by Meruorah Komodo Labuan Bajo.

A Festival of Heritage, Flavor & Rhythm

Under the theme “Bajo Heritage – Threads, Flavors & Rhythm”, this year’s festival transformed the waterfront and plaza areas around Meruorah into a vibrant tapestry of traditional songke weaving, culinary creativity, and rhythmic performances.

• Threads symbolized by the iconic Manggarai songke textiles,

• Flavors through rich, local cuisine,

• Rhythm via dance, music, and cultural shows.

Grand Opening & Cultural Spectacle

The festival kicked off on 15 November with a grand cultural parade and the symbolic unfurling of a thousand traditional songke cloths — a breathtaking cultural display that moved from waterfront promenades to the front of Meruorah.

This opening moment was steeped in symbolism, celebrating not just the beauty of traditional weaving but also Manggarai’s deep cultural roots.

A Festival for Everyone

More than just a stage for performance, KWF 2025 aimed to unite everyone — from local residents to visitors — in a shared celebration:

• Local artisans and SMEs (UMKM) got their spotlight through interactive bazaars. 

• Culinary enthusiasts were treated to Manggarai Gastronomy, spotlighting native ingredients in creative cooking sessions and competitions.

• Culture-lovers enjoyed art exhibitions, fashion shows, and the grand finale featuring modern and traditional dance, music, and theater.

A Platform for Local Identity & Economic Growth

For Meruorah, the Komodo Waterfront Festival is more than entertainment — it’s a meaningful platform to:

• Celebrate and preserve the rich heritage of Flores

• Empower local creative talent and small businesses

• Strengthen Labuan Bajo’s image as a world-class, culturally rich destination