Travel Destination

East Nusa Tenggara

The islands of East Nusa Tenggara have been Shaped by the power and force of an enormous chain of mountains and volcanoes which begins in the north of Sumatra and stretches east across Java. The province consists of over 550 islands, but is dominated by the three main islands of Flores, Sumba, and Timor. Occupying a unique position at the junction of Australian and Asian submarine ridges marked by the Wallace Line, it is one the world's most dynamic and exotic marine environments with nearly every species of coral and tropical fish represented. The arid landscape of eastern and southeastern Nusa Tenggara is the result of hot, dry winds blasting in from the Australian continent. In fact, in many coastal areas not a drop of rain falls during most of the year.

Flores is a Portuguese name which means "flower" and ideally describes the beauty to be found here. This long island between Sumbawa and Timor is crowded with volcanoes and mountains dividing it into several distinct regions with individual languages and traditions. Predominantly Catholic and heavily influenced by the Portuguese, there are many examples of a strong European cultural heritage like Easter procession held in Larantuka, and the royal regalia of the former king in Maumere.

Formerly known as the Sandalwood Island, Sumba is now famous for its horses and an excellent style of ikat cloth. Spirits, both ancestral and natural are worshiped. Although some exist in East Sumba, it is in West Sumba that there are a number of enormous megalithic tombs and traditional thatched and peaked huts raised on stilts. It is here where incredible rituals take place, such as "Pasola" where hundreds of horsemen fling spears at each other in an annual ritual. Many traditional ceremonies, all with a component paying homage to the spirits, take place from July to October including the building of adat or traditional houses and burials when sometimes hundreds of pigs, water buffaloes, horses, and dogs are sacrified. Other ceremonies include "Pajura" or traditional boxing, festivals for the Lunar New Year in October and November, horse races and ritual! dances.

Timor is the principal island in the province in terms of population and it is here that the provincial capital of Kupang is located. Timor is rich in culture, beautiful scenery, and magnificent wildlife. Composed of mainly dry, rocky land, sheltering isolated communities, a variety of architectural styles has developed. Unlike other parts of East Nusa Tenggara, the roads in Timor are generally good and public transportation is relatively well developed. Kupang, in fact, is being developed as the Gateway to Nusa Tenggara with regular, direct flights to and from Darwin in Australia as well as with the rest of the archipelago.

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Komodo Island
A small island of 280 square km, Komodo is located between the islands of Sumbawa and Flores. The island is almost all hill and barren except for palm trees and some wood but it is famous for its giant lizards which are considered the last of their kind remaining in the world today. To many modern naturalists, East Nusa Tenggara is so particularly interesting, because of this unique species, called the Komodo Dragon.

Called "ora" by the local people, Komodo dragon (Varnus Komodoensis) is actually a giant monitor lizard. Growing up to 3 to 4 meters in length, its ancestors roamed the earth up to about half a million years ago. Komodo lives on carrions of goats, deer, and even the carcasses of its own kind. The only human population on the island is at the fishing village called Komodo who supplement their income breeding goats which are used to feed the lizards.

The Komodo is protected by law and though they are considered harmless, it is advisable to keep them at a distance. Komodo is now a nature reserve being part of a national park. It is home to a number of rare bird species, deer, and wild pigs, which are prey to the lizards as well. To see the lizards in the day time, baits have to be set in the hinterland where local guides are necessary.

The sea surrounding the island offers vistas of sea life, crystal clear waters, and white sandy beaches. The only accommodation available is in simple guest houses in the fishing village. lt is advisable to carry food supplies. The best time to visit the island is between March and June, and between October and December. Komodo is accessible from the sea only. Fly to Labuan Bajo, from where it is about 3-4 hours by boat to the island.

Kupang
The provincial capital of East Nusa Tenggara in western Tim with approximately 522 944 inhabitants makes it the large urban center of the province. It is the centre of governmen business, trade, and education. The only sandalwood oil factor in Indonesia is located in this town. Here one can see the distillation of sandalwood oil which is famous in East Nusa Tenggara.

The Museum in Kupang has on display items of historical and cultural value.

Lasiana Beach
An ideal tourist recreation spot, where the beach faces westward to watch beautiful sunsets.

Camplong
A lovely community about 45 km from Kupang with regular market days and a natural swimming pool, where traditionally people bathe, do their laundry, and sosialize. Camplong is also c forest reserve where some scarce animals, such as deer (Cervus Timorensis), parrots, monkeys, etc. in the reservation, are protected.

Semau Island
Thirty minutes by boat from Kupang and is certainly worth it to stay there one whole day. No noise and uncrowded is what this island place stands for. lt is a holiday village for everyone and a good place to relax as it offers a haven for those from the city. The surrounding waters is a paradise for snorkeling swimming, and other water sports. Barbeque on the beach is desirable, Bamboo cottages are available right on the white sandy beaches.

Maumere
A port town on the northeastern coast of Flores and a stopover on the way to Ende or to Larantuka.
It is well connected by air with Kupang, Denpasar, and Ujung Pandang, and noted for its good beaches. The bay of Maumere is considered the best diving spot (Floras-Marine Resort ) as it promises extremely rich marine life. The resort- is a paradise for all divers, underwater photographers, and for everyone interested in marine biology.

Ledalero museum at the outskirts of Maumere has an interesting collection of ethnological objects from the region. Visitors are welcome but advance arrangements should be made. Ledalero is also a name of a major catholic Seminary from where many of Florinese priests originated.

Ende
This town contains the home in-exile of former and first Indonesian president, Soekarno, while in banishment during the early period of nationalist movements in 1936. The house has been repaired and is today a museum.

Kelimutu Lake (Three-colors-lake)
East Nusa Tenggara's natural wonder and one of Indonesia'a most mysterious and dramatic sights that can be found on top of this mountain, some 66 km from Ende, or 83 km from Maumere. It has a unique and spectacular view on its three crater lakes with their respective colours. The colours, however, have changed continually since the eruption of Mount Iya in Ende in 1969.

The surrounding villages are good places serving as bases for visits to Kelimutu, particularly those who wish to have a more leisurely pace and en joy the views along the road between Ende and Maumere, or spend more time in Kelimutu. Those little villages are also known for their excellent weaving-all hand-made, still using natural dyes.

Labuanbajo
A lime town inhabited by fishermen, lies at the extreme western part of Flores. The town serves as a jumping-off point for the trip to Komodo Island. lt is a beautiful area for water skiing, wind surfing, fishing, and many other marine activities. Pede Beach is an ideal place to do all this and from where sunsets are beautifully visible.

Larantuka
A little port nestled at the base of a tall hill at the eastern end of Flores, from where Solor, Adonara, and Lembata island ( the small islands near by) are visible across the narrow strait. An old Portuguese cultural heritage like the Easter Procession is held in this town, and worth seeing.

Waikabubak
A neat little town in Western Sumba, full of old graves carved in motifs of buffalo- horns, man-heads, horses, nude men or women symbolising social status or the wealth of the people.
Right in the capital city of Waikabubak, you can see the following tombs: Kadung Tana, Watu Karagata, and Bulu Peka Mila. Tarung village, an important ceremonial centre, is located on top of a hill, just a half kilometre to the west of Waikabubak.

There are several megalithic tombs. The front of many traditional houses are decorated with huge water buffalo horns from the animals sacrificed during rituals of years gone by.

Pasola
The most exciting ritual western of Sumba is to be witnessed right here. Where else in the world can you see colourful horsemen trying to kill each other.
The ceremony is in February in Lamboya and Kodi, and in March in Gaura and Wanukaka. The main activities start several days after the fullmoon and coincide with the yearly arrival to shore of strange, multihued seaworms.

East Sumba
Although perharps 40% population of East Sumba follows the "merapu" religion as their brothers in the western part the out ward manifestations are not nearly as spectacular of frequent.
This region 14 better known for its "ikat" weaving. Near Waingapu, Kuta Beach is a Good. place to relax, and further down coast, near Baing (125 km from Waingapu), there is great surfing at Kalala Beach. The waves are best from December to May.

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