Rote is the southernmost island of Indonesia; it lies at west coast of Kupang regency, East Nusa Tenggara province. The untouched beauty has spectacular nature with transparent water, rugged rock formations, and offshore islands fringed with white beaches.

Based on the legend, the name Rote Island was created by accident, when a lost Portuguese sailor arrived and asked a farmer where he was. The surprised farmer, who could not speak Portuguese, introduced himself, "Rote".

Nemberala is a village with the most beautiful beach in this area. It offers challenging waves for surfers. That’s why, each year those sea riders flock to this site to enjoy the near perfect tubes formed by the shallow reefs and off-shore winds. How about diving? In the area diving is also exceptional due to the large numbers of Manta rays and Dugong seen there.

Rote consists of rolling hills, terraced plantations, acacia palms, savanna and some forests. The Rotinese depend on lontar palm for basic survival, such as food, logding and entertainment. As the supplements, they do fishing and jewelry making.

Moreover, there are some worth heritages to see here, the unique architecture of Rote, their exquisite ikat weaving and the music instrument Sasando—a kind of guitar, which is made of palm leaves. Their traditional lifestyle remains unchanged for centuries.

There still exist two domains of Rote kingdoms in following of the ancient tradition, one known as Sunrise and one as Sunset. A male Lord, a female Lord and several advisers, represent the clans. Each clan possesses ceremonial rights performs its own rituals during their traditional New Year Festival, named HUS. At the celebration, Rotenese men wearing their unique hats make offerings to the clan ancestors and the women dance accompanied by sasando.

How to get there

Fly to Kupang, and land on El Tari Airport. From there, better stay around in the city to relax for a while and compile some energy, then go to Tenau Port of Kupang to get a high speed ferry which takes two hours to Ba’a, the city center of Rote Island.  To go to the Nemberala Village, continue the trip for another two hours by public transportation. More info about the island please click here click and for the flight schedules please click here

Happy Traveling!

Photo credits:

• Mapala.net
  
• Rotendaokab.go.id