FLORES, INDONESIA (6 July 2026) — AYANA Komodo Waecicu Beach introduces KISIK Seafood & Grill: Living the Heritage, a weekly beachfront cultural dining experience celebrating the living traditions of Flores and the wider East Nusa Tenggara region. Set against the backdrop of Waecicu Bay at sunset, the experience combines a seafood barbecue with authentic music, dance, and storytelling, offering guests a deeper connection to the destination’s cultural identity.
Living the Heritage transforms KISIK into a cultural stage, where guests are welcomed through a ceremonial sunset procession inspired by Manggarai traditions. The experience unfolds as a powerful journey, blending the island’s abundant seafood and culinary traditions with performances passed down through generations.
While Labuan Bajo is widely known as the gateway to Komodo National Park, its cultural richness remains less visible. Opportunities to experience Manggarai performances in a cohesive and accessible format are still limited, often requiring independent arrangements through local communities and tours. Living the Heritage brings these traditions together in one setting, offering a rare and thoughtful introduction to the region’s cultural wonders.
The program features a series of traditional Manggarai performances, each expressing a distinct aspect of heritage and community. It begins with Tiba Meka, a ceremonial welcome grounded in ancestral custom, symbolizing respect and the honoring of guests. This is followed by Caci, a rhythmic and highly stylized display of strength and agility, where performers engage in a ceremonial duel using whips and shields to the resonant sounds of gongs and drums.
The energy builds with Rangku Alu, a vibrant bamboo dance that showcases precision, coordination, and collective rhythm, often inviting guest participation. Throughout the evening, the melodic tones of the sasando, a traditional string instrument from Rote Island, provide a continuous musical thread, adding atmosphere and cultural depth.
Culinary offerings are presented through curated set menus designed to highlight the richness of Flores’ coastal produce and the elemental character of open-fire cooking. Each menu begins with a fragrant seafood soup infused with lemongrass, before moving into freshly caught seafood coated in traditional spices and charred over a coal grill.
Guests can choose from combinations featuring fish, squid, clams, and prawns, as well as elevated options incorporating lobster and generous seafood platters. Desserts draw on both tradition and contemporary interpretation, from classic pisang goreng made with local bananas to moringa financier with raspberry mousse and lemon curd. Set menus start at IDR 800,000++ (USD 46++) per person.
Living the Heritage reflects AYANA Komodo’s ongoing commitment to responsible tourism, supporting local communities, preserving cultural traditions, and creating meaningful guest experiences rooted in place. Through partnerships with local performers and artisans, the program provides a platform for cultural expression while contributing to community livelihoods.
By integrating cuisine, performance, and its spectacular setting, KISIK Seafood & Grill offers a distinct perspective on Komodo—one that extends beyond its natural landscapes to embrace the beauty and complexity of its living heritage.
For more information and reservations, please visit AYANA Komodo Waecicu Beach’s official website.
About AYANA Komodo Waecicu Beach and AYANA Cruises
Located on a peninsula just north of the small town of Labuan Bajo on Flores Island in East Indonesia, AYANA Komodo Waecicu Beach is a five-star resort with 205 ocean-facing guest rooms and suites and seven distinct dining options. An ideal gateway to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Komodo National Park, the resort caters to all age groups and offers a diverse array of activities and experiences managed end-to-end by the property. Guests can engage in marine conservation activities, enjoy a romantic dinner on a private deck, practice yoga overlooking the water, and indulge in locally inspired spa treatments.
AYANA Cruises also invites guests to explore Komodo National Park aboard the star of its fleet, AYANA Lako di’a, a 54-meter luxury wooden yacht built in the tradition of Indonesia’s phinisi sailing vessels. Available for privately chartered or shared multi-day cruising adventures, the magnificent vessel features five-star accommodation and AYANA’s signature refined hospitality for up to 18 guests. Travelers can also immerse themselves in the region’s rich biodiversity aboard AYANA Cruise’s four other vessels: the AYANA Lako Sae, a stylish three-deck cruise boat; the AYANA Lako Cama, a 12-meter speed boat for intimate day trips; the AYANA Lako Lelo, a 12-meter boat for fishing trips; and the AYANA Lako Taka, a custom-made glass-bottom boat. The resort’s world class luxury and AYANA’s signature five-star hospitality make AYANA Komodo Waecicu Beach and AYANA Cruises the ideal choice for families, friends and romantic getaways, and the ultimate way to discover the natural wonders of Komodo National Park.
AYANA Komodo Waecicu Beach and AYANA Cruises are proud to collaborate in creating exceptional travel experiences. While working closely together, each operates independently and is solely responsible for its own services and operations.
Media Contacts
E pr.komodo@ayana.com