Alor & Lembata, NTT
Alor is one of the
biggest islands in Alor Archipelago; famous for its spectacular scenery above
and below the waterline. Alor has become one of Asia’s top 3 dive destinations
and is acknowledged as one of the best in the world. Alor is the most unspoiled
region of East Nusa Tenggara, with its smoldering volcanoes reaching down into crystal
clear waters fringed with pristine coral reef, coconut fringed pure white,
sandy beaches and traditional villages built half way up mountains.
If you are not a fan adventure
trips, you can also enjoy the traditional culture of Alor, with more than a
dozen traditional villages within one hour’s drive from the capital Kalabahi.
The traditional dances, the motif of the Ikat weavings and the architectural
style varies greatly from one area to another.
Alor is a cultural tourist heaven.
Another interesting
place in East Nusa Tenggara is Lembata regency bordering; the Flores sea, Savu
sea, Lamakera strait and Alor strait. This region offers you a breathtaking
destination. You can enjoy the natural attraction in Minggar with its white
beach, you can also experience being in a boat with local fisherman in Lamalera
for whale hunting or you can just wander in the ethnic village Jontona and see
many different ethnic houses.
As a ‘not so new’
tourist destination in Flores, this region grabs every tourist’s attention with
their traditional large sea animals hunting, such as whales, manta rays, and
sometimes dolphins in order to provide food and a living for the entire
village. The hunts usually take place between May-October. Once the whale hunt is
planned, a number of boats will set sail together to catch their harvest as the
entire village cheers. During one season islanders may catch between 15 to 20
whales.
East Nusa Tenggara is
truly an awe-inspiring destination for those who define adventure from different
points of view. You can find Bau Nyale, the sea worm catching festival, Pasola
the horse riding and javelin throwing festival, and the fascinating Caci, a
whip battle dance.
