The Fascinating ALOR Islands at the east-most end of Flores

Overview Despite its short name, the Alor islands hide a long list of splendors, from fascinating underwater wonders up to the unique culture of the highland people. Here, one will be indulged with spectacles ranging from spellbinding marine life, the unique Moko kettledrums, the oldest Al Qur’an in Southeast Asia, and the traditional villages of the highlands. Extending at the east- most tip of Flores Island, still in the...

Diving and Snorkeling , East Nusa Tenggara

Sumba: Powerful Surf, Living Megalithic Culture and Fine Ikat Cloths

Overview Facing the wide Indian Ocean, the island of Sumba in the province of East Nusatenggara is a surfer’s paradise. The large rolling Sumba barrels usually appear between May through October when waves can be either very high and strong or very flat as breaks are directly exposed to wide open ocean swells. This kind of powerful surf, however, though very challenging, should only be ventured by professionals. However, throughout the...

Adventure , East Nusa Tenggara , Traditional Villages

LARANTUKA of ‘Semana Santa’ fame

Overview The town of Larantuka, capital of the District of East Flores, lies on the very eastern edge of this long island of Flores in the East Nusatenggara province. Although now quite a sleepy town, in its heydays Larantuka was a hive of activities when in the 16th century, Portuguese traders came here to load their vessels with precious sandalwood. Not much is left today of this lucrative aromatic wood except for one...

East Nusa Tenggara , Heritage Sites

Kanawa: Best Satellite Island to enjoy the Komodo National Park

Overview The island of Kanawa, only some 15 kilometers from the growing fishermen’s town of Labuan Bajo on Flores, is fringed with a bed of coral reefs teeming with colorful fish all around. Its turquoise water is exceptionally calm and clear. Swimming and snorkeling are most poular family activities here. Dive down the sea from the jetty, and meet schools of fish that cloud the stilts. Hours would pass so quietly as you are busy with all of these beach activities. The island of Kanawa has two bulging hills with fantastic panorama from its hilltop. Covering only 32-hectare or less than 80-acre land, the island is a hideout from the hidden, yet so close to the burgeoning harbor...

Diving and Snorkeling , East Nusa Tenggara

Ruteng: Capital of Manggarai, hub to fascinating Flores Attractions

Overview Ruteng, capital of the district of Manggarai, in the western part of the island of Flores, is a pleasant, busy town backed by a range of mountains. Located some 1,200 meters above sea level the air is cool. Surrounding the town are green rice fields that provide the staple for the population on this predominantly dry island. Coffee grown around here is also most invigorating. Ruteng is some 4 hours drive from Labuan...

Adventure , East Nusa Tenggara , Traditional Villages

Maumere, City to embark on your Flores adventure

Overview Capital of the district of Sikka on the eastern coast of Flores Island, Maumere is the perfect staging place to embark on an unforgettable adventure to unveil the beauty of Flores. The town itself is blessed with a beautiful landscape of hills and mountains complemented with clear green and blue ocean. Maumere is the biggest city in Flores, larger than Labuan Bajo at the west end of the island. The town...

Adventure , East Nusa Tenggara

The Traditional Whale Hunt of LAMALERA on FLORES

Overview Around the world, the village of Lamalera on the island of Lembata  on Flores is known as the home of traditional whale hunting. Portuguese documents dating back to 1643 already mention that these heroic hunts were sighted then. In Lamalera, villagers hunt large sea animals, like whales, manta rays and sometimes dolphins to provide food and a living for the entire village, which they undertake on simple sailboats and...

East Nusa Tenggara , Traditional Villages

Kupang on Timor: Most South-Eastern Gateway to The Indonesian Archipelago

Overview During World War II, the city of Kupang , formerly known as Koepang,  on the island of Timor,  was the hub for refueling and landing for long-haul flights from Europe to Australia. The historical El Tari airstrip that was first landed by an American pilot, Lamij Johnson, in 1928 holds many stories,  more than being a mere transit lounge and fuel depot for the few fliersback then. Today, when...

East Nusa Tenggara , Sightseeing , Water Sport