Mausui savanna in East Manggarai, NTT, might not just be about its vast and incredibly beautiful untamed grasslands. The allure of Mausui savanna may lie in its ability to purify the mind and offer an escape from monotony, rejuvenating dried-up hopes. One of the main benefits of a picnic is to alleviate stress, and the solitary trees standing amidst the grassy plains remain resilient even under the scorching sun, adding an exotic touch to the serene savanna on the shores of the Sawu Sea.
The Mausui savanna, with its thin golden grass stretching as far as the eye can see, presents an extraordinary spectacle. Located in the Watunggene Village, Kota Komba District, East Manggarai Regency, Flores, East Nusa Tenggara, Mausui extends from the hills to the sea, spanning from east to west. The sight of Mount Komba towering over the landscape adds a touch of paradise to the Mausui savanna, resembling a heavenly tapestry woven onto the earth.
Initially used solely for livestock grazing, including buffaloes, horses, and cows, Mausui has evolved over time to become a favored tourist spot in East Manggarai. Accessible via a 20-minute drive from the Trans Flores road in Wae Lengga, passing through the last village of Lekonembo, inhabited by many descendants of the Rongga tribe. The journey from Borong, the capital of East Manggarai, to the Mausui savanna takes about 1.5 hours by motorcycle and car.
While Mausui is a popular destination in the Flores tourism package, the site remains unmanaged, with inadequate road access. The only well-paved road is from the Wae Lengga intersection to the Wae Wole Pier branch, less than 1 km in length. The road, constructed by former Regent Yoseph Tote in 2012, has experienced significant damage with loose gravel in some areas.
Visitors to Mausui savanna can engage in various activities such as photography, camping, trekking, wildlife observation, and horseback riding. Moreover, Mausui is also known for being a place where high-alcohol liquor known as Sopi Kobok is produced locally. The best time to visit the Mausui savanna is during the dry season from April to September when the weather is clear and the views are more dramatic. Remember to bring essentials like a hat, sunblock, and drinking water due to the intense savanna heat.
