The Bali Observer

Sunday, 8 November 2026

Mawatu Opens First Phase in Labuan Bajo

Mawatu began its first operating phase in Batu Cermin, Labuan Bajo, on Oct. 16, 2026. The complex includes dining, retail, entertainment and free shuttle links.

By

Editor: Mursyid Sonsang

· Event date: · 2 min read

Open the larger photo. Illustration: People stroll and fish along a wide modern seaside promenade with distant coastal hills.
Illustration: People stroll and fish along a wide modern seaside promenade with distant coastal hills. · Photo: Doğan Alpaslan Demir / Pexels

Labuan Bajo — Mawatu began operating its first phase in Batu Cermin, Labuan Bajo, on Oct. 16, 2026, introducing a mixed-use area with culinary and retail tenants, entertainment and public facilities. The soft opening was conducted by Manggarai Barat Deputy Regent Yulianus Weng.

The development is being built by PT Pakuan Tbk through Vasanta Group. Its initial Commercial Village covers 5 hectares and includes more than 50 culinary and retail tenants, while the wider development is described as a commercial, hospitality, lifestyle and community area. Cinema XXI is scheduled to operate there as the first cinema on Flores.

Mawatu is located on Jalan Ketentang in Batu Cermin, Komodo district, Manggarai Barat regency, East Nusa Tenggara. The complex operates from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. local time, while its Visitor Centre is open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. local time. The reports do not state that the site opened on Nov. 6, 2026; they identify Nov. 6 as the publication date of one access report and Oct. 16 as the soft-opening date.

Why it matters to Labuan Bajo visitors

The opening gives residents and visitors an additional place for dining, shopping, entertainment and leisure beyond Labuan Bajo’s marine excursions. Mawatu also provides free shuttle services linking the area with selected hotels and strategic points, including the marina and Komodo International Airport, making the new destination accessible without relying solely on private transport.

The development forms part of Labuan Bajo’s expansion as a tourism destination with facilities for both visitors and local residents. Its first phase includes public beach amenities, sanitation facilities and a prayer room, while the jetty is being prepared for full operation. Further tenant and facility additions are planned as the area develops.

Sources

Read next

  1. More on this story

  2. Most read in East Indonesia Desk

  3. Today’s top story

Related

‹ Back to the home page

Share this story

Share as an image

For an Instagram Story, a WhatsApp Status or TikTok. The story link is copied too, ready to paste into the Link sticker.

Preview of the Story / Status card for this story
Story / Status · 9:16
Save image
Preview of the Feed card for this story
Feed · 4:5
Save image

Reading tools

Normal

A sample of the body text size. Your choice is kept on this device.