The hills above Labuan Bajo may soon offer a different kind of adventure. On 9 November 2026, the Labuan Bajo Flores Tourism Authority (BPOLBF) and JTB Indonesia signed a memorandum of understanding to explore developing a zipline attraction in Parapuar, Flores.
The proposal centres on two parallel zipline cables, each planned to run approximately 450 metres, with a hilltop café and supporting visitor facilities. The target opening is the first half of 2028, subject to planning, approvals and further development. The attraction is not yet open for bookings.
A new land-based experience in Parapuar
Labuan Bajo is widely known as a gateway to Komodo National Park and the islands of western Flores. The proposed Parapuar zipline is intended to add another option on land, giving visitors a reason to explore the hills and landscapes beyond the harbour.
Parapuar is a hillside destination being developed by BPOLBF, with broad views towards Labuan Bajo, surrounding islands and the Flores landscape. The authority describes its approach as one that balances tourism development with environmental, cultural and community considerations.
According to BPOLBF’s destination profile for Parapuar, the name combines local Manggarai words associated with a gateway and forest. The area’s natural setting is central to its development concept.
What the proposed zipline would include
The concept announced by BPOLBF includes two parallel cable routes of approximately 450 metres each, running between an upper station at Lot R and a lower station near Lot P. The facilities remain proposals rather than confirmed operational features.
- Upper station: planned registration pavilion, departure deck, parking area and hilltop café with around 50 seats.
- Lower station: planned arrival deck at the end of the zipline route.
- Visitor transport: a proposal for two buggy vehicles and improvements to internal access roads.
- Safety-related infrastructure: proposed inspection and rescue access alongside the route.
The project is being planned around the site’s topography, vegetation and water flows. BPOLBF says an aerial-route approach is intended to limit changes to the land, while environmental documentation is part of the preparation process. These are design intentions, not a completed assessment of the attraction’s environmental impact.
When is the Parapuar zipline expected to open?
The announced target is January–June 2028. This is a provisional development target, not a confirmed opening date. The memorandum of understanding is an early partnership milestone, and further preparations and required approvals remain outstanding.
As of the 9 November 2026 announcement, ticket prices, booking procedures, operating hours and visitor eligibility requirements had not been published. Travellers should not plan a trip around a guaranteed zipline ride until an official opening and operating information have been announced.
Why JTB Indonesia and BPOLBF are working together
The partnership brings together BPOLBF’s destination-development role and JTB Indonesia’s tourism experience. Discussions had been taking place since June 2026 before the memorandum was signed in Labuan Bajo on 9 November. A potential 15-year asset-utilisation cooperation framework was cited as the basis for further discussions; it should not be interpreted as a finalised operating agreement.
JTB’s experience with a zipline attraction in Okinawa, Japan, is one reference point for the Parapuar concept. The group’s wider involvement in Labuan Bajo also includes the Urban Discovery Tour, introduced in July 2026 to help visitors explore more of the destination on land.
What visitors can explore in Labuan Bajo today
While the Parapuar zipline remains a future project, travellers can already experience a different side of Labuan Bajo through local viewpoints, town landmarks and community-focused stops. These activities complement, rather than replace, time on the water.
The Labuan Bajo Urban Discovery Tour is one existing way to explore the town and its surrounding character. Its current itinerary, dates and conditions should be checked on the official booking page.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Parapuar zipline open now?
No. BPOLBF and JTB Indonesia announced a development partnership in November 2026. The zipline has not been announced as an operating visitor attraction.
How long is the planned zipline?
The concept includes two parallel cables, each approximately 450 metres long, between an upper and a lower station in Parapuar. The final design may change.
When can visitors buy tickets?
Ticket sales have not been announced. The current target is an opening in the first half of 2028, subject to the project’s development and approvals.
Where is Parapuar?
Parapuar is a developing hillside tourism area in Labuan Bajo, West Manggarai, East Nusa Tenggara, on the island of Flores, Indonesia.
Source: BPOLBF’s official announcement of the JTB Indonesia–Parapuar zipline partnership (9 November 2026). The published concept, facilities and opening target may be revised as planning progresses.
EXPLORE LABUAN BAJO
There is more to Labuan Bajo than a boat trip
Discover the town, local viewpoints and other experiences already available while the Parapuar zipline is being developed.
