The month of June can be considered the “Month of Pancasila” since every June 1 is celebrated as the "Birth Day of Pancasila". Interestingly, the birth of Pancasila as the fundamental principle of the Republic of Indonesia cannot be separated from the City of Ende. In fact, because of its attachment to Pancasila, Ende is nicknamed the "City of Pancasila".

The reason is that for 4 years Bung Karno (Soekarno, the first president of Indonesia) had been exiled to Ende by the colonial government at that time. It is said that Bung Karno got inspiration and ideas of nationality and diversity during his exile in Ende, especially in formulating Pancasila.

Not only the history of the birth of Pancasila, but Ende City is also famous for its charming tourist destinations, including museums, hills, beaches, and tourist villages that are very interesting to visit in commemorating the Birth of Pancasila in Pancasila City.

Here are some tourist destinations in Ende that Sobat Parekraf must visit:

Bung Karno's Exile House

A tourist destination in Ende that is closely related to history is the Rumah Pengasingan Bung Karno (Bung Karno's Exile House). In 1934-1938, Bung Karno was exiled by the Dutch government to Ende for his struggle to make Indonesia independent. This house became Bung Karno's residence while in Ende.

The exile house has a special meaning for Indonesia since in this house, Bung Karno explored the noble values of Pancasila. Having a strong historical value, the Soekarno Seclusion House was designated as a National Cultural Heritage Building, in accordance with Decree number 285/M/2014 on October 13, 2014.

Inside the house, Sobat Parekraf can still see some of Bung Karno's well-preserved remains on display, ranging from beds, cupboards, violins, oil lamps, to cooking utensils. Visiting Bung Karno's Exile House in Ende is one of the fun ways to commemorate the Birth of Pancasila, isn't it?

Lake Kelimutu

Often referred to as the Three-Colored Lake, Lake Kelimutu offers a uniqueness that is rarely owned by other lakes in Indonesia. As the name implies, this tourist destination in Ende has three large lakes of different colors, namely Tiwu Ata Mbupu (blue), Tiwu Ata Polo (red), and Tiwu Nuwa Muri Koo Fai (green).

Photo: A traditional houses in Wologai Traditional Village, Ende (Shutterstock/umikem)

Wologai Traditional Village

Tourism in Ende is rich with culture, and Sobat Parekraf can experience it at Wologai Traditional Village. The village is located at an altitude of 1,045 meters above sea level, and there are unique traditional houses. This house is shaped like stilts, with the roof rising above the stone foundation. It is said that this traditional village in Central Wologai, Detusoko, Ende is more than 800 years old.

When visiting the Wologai Traditional Village, Sobat Parekraf can see directly the local people's activities, starting from processing coffee, processing walnut seeds, gardening, to raising livestock. Most interestingly, Sobat Parekraf can see local people crafting small wooden dolls, which serve as typical souvenirs of the Wologai Traditional Village.

Liaga Hill

If Labuan Bajo has Padar Hill, Ende has Liaga Hill. This tourist destination is located in Kotabaru Village, about 100 km from the center of Ende City. Liaga Hill offers views of Bele Beach and Aewa Beach from the top of the hill. During the dry season, Sobat Parekraf will see a stretch of yellow grass that gives an exotic impression.

To enjoy the view of Liaga Hill, you have to climb for 15 minutes. Even though the terrain is quite tiring, upon arrival at the top everything will pay off with beautiful natural scenery.

Lake Tiwusora

Located at Tiwusora Village, Lepembusu Kelisoke, Ende, Lake Tiwusora offers views of green savanna. Its beauty is even more stunning with views of the clear green lake water. Lake Tiwusora is considered a sacred lake by the people of Ende. Local people believe that the spirits of people who have died will enter the lake, then transform into giant eels.

When visiting Tiwusora Lake, Sobat Parekraf will be greeted traditionally by traditional elders. Usually, tourists will get a necklace made of grass. Upon arriving at the lake, we have to throw this necklace into the water. This reception is a sign that the ancestors already know the guests or tourists who come.

Batu Biru Beach

As we know, the beauty of the beaches in eastern Indonesia need not be doubted, including this tourist destination in Ende. Batu Biru Beach is somewhat unique, because, in the coastal area, there are colorful rocks, from green, purple, yellow, red, blue, to layers of other colors.

Along Batu Biru Beach there are green limestone cliffs that add to the attractiveness of this beach. To enjoy this beach with its quite big waves, Batu Biru Beach is located at Penggajawa, Nangapanda, Ende Regency, East Nusa Tenggara.

So, are you ready to visit tourist destinations in Ende to commemorate the Birth of Pancasila?

Cover: Bung Karno's Exile House in Ende which has become a cultural heritage (Shutterstock/bram yura kucho aritonang)