A short while ago, a new travel site called Flamingo was launched. I commented earlier that it has an interesting look about it and I can’t help but keep thinking what is so different about this site compared to other travel sites. As it turns out I discovered that Flamingo brings together people with similar interests and to find what we are looking for, we need to travel to the location.
Initially, Flamingo focuses on the experience when traveling rather than the travel and mere merriment. Pempek connoisseur, for example, who has tasted every pempek vendors in Jakarta, will be moved to taste the real pempek in Palembang. Other than pempek, Palembang certainly has many culinary varieties worth tasting.
Another example is Raja Ampat. This tourist attraction that’s already well known overseas has a rich land and sea biodiversity. The main attraction is diving, but not everyone wants to or is willing to dive. So, these people may want to visit Raja Ampat, not to dive, but to go on expeditions to look for the rare Cendrawasih birds. This the kind of market that Flamingo aims to serve.
Flamingo does not provide plane tickets because ticket reservation is very easy nowadays. It focuses more on providing transportation and lodgings at the location as well as meals and things related to the core of the travel, i.e. museum entrance fee.
To provide the best experience, Flamingo hires local guides because according to Flamingo’s CEO, Bernardus Sumartok, locals tend have more knowledge on their own culture and attraction. The most complete experience certainly isn’t cheap and that’s why Flamingo does not claim to provide cheapest holiday package.
For the launch, Flamingo is having a T-shirt design competition in cooperation with Gantibaju under the theme “Pengalaman Seru si Kotamu – Exciting Experience in Your City”. The winners will get a chance to travel for free to Sabang, Aceh. This is to introduce Sabang as marine tourism location that offers no less value compared to other destinations.
