KOMODO & EAST NUSA TENGGARA
East Nusa Tenggara Islands have been shaped by the power and force of an enormous chain of mountains and volcanoes, which begins from 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 eastern 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 worshipped. 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 spreads 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 traditional houses and burials when sometimes hundreds of pigs, water buffaloes, horses, and dogs are scarified. Other ceremonies include 'Pajura' or traditional boxing, festivals for the Lunar New Year in October and November, horse races and ritual dances.
GEOGRAPHICALLY
East Nusa Tenggara is one of the four provinces in the Nusa Tenggara (Southeast Islands). Starting from Bali, West Nusa Tenggara, East Nusa Tenggara, and east Timor. It stretch is between 118° and 125° east longitude, and between 1 18° and 125°southern latitude lines, and between 8° and 12 ° southern latitude lines. The territory of East Nusa Tenggara Province comprises 566 islands. The three main islands are Flores, Sumba, and Timor from which come the term FLOBAMOR, which has been familiar as one of the names of East Nusa Tenggara.
Flores is the main volcanic island and has many unique and spectacular attractions, one of these is Mount Kelimutu with its lakes of distinct color variation, has become one of the fabled destinations travelers.
Sumba is the island famous for its arts, handicrafts, particularly the textile weaving, and cultural assets. The other name given to East Nusa Tenggara is "Nusa Cendana" the Sandalwood Island.
GEOLOGICALLY
Geologically, East Nusa Tenggara can be regarded as being divided into two zones: first, the volcanic inner curve formed by the islands Rinca, Komodo, Flores, Alor, Pantar, Adonara, Lembata and Solor, which have fertile soils and second, the out curve with limestone and rock formation, made up of the island Sumba, Sabu, Rote, Semau, and Timor.
DEMOGRAPHY
The total number of NTT inhabitants in 2001 was 3,888.735 - 1,919.644 (49.36%) men and 1,969.091 (50.64%) women. The most populated is Manggarai regency (621,989 people) and Kupang city is the most densely populated (1,517.30 people per square kilometer).
CLIMATE
Due to central highlands and their closeness to Australia, the seasons are irregular. Generally the islands are semi-arid, with a longer dry season lasting from March to November. The wet season lasts from December to March, but can be considerably shorter and small island of Savu. The average rainfall of this region is between 36 - 4,127 mm/year. The temperature is range from 20.3 C to 31.7 C.
TOPOGRAPHY
East Nusa Tenggara is mountainous, and very steep slopes are everywhere besides some not too wide plateaus or uplands. The lowlands are a long the coastal areas only. Despite of the situation, most part of this region is not fertile, since the rainfall varies between 500 mm and 2000 mm a year.
East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) is includes 566 islands. In addition, there are 524 uninhabited islands. It covers an area of about 47,349.9 square kilometers, including 200,000 square kilometers of maritime territory. Roughly 57 percent of the territory is hilly, with cliffs. The lowlands lay generally around the beaches and river mouths.
WIDE AREA
The area of East Nusa Tenggara occupies an area of 49,879.98 square kilometers, and has a population of more than 3,500.000. It is divided into 12 regencies and one municipality. Kupang regency is the largest region (7,178.26 square kilometers) and the smallest region is Kupang city (160.34 km2).
LANGUAGES
There are a lot of languages spoken in East Nusa Tenggara coming from as many different which groups of the population. Bahasa Indonesia is the national language in Malay, written in Roman script and based in European orthography. In all tourist destination areas English is the number one foreign language fairly spoken and written.
4 DAYS SUMBA ISLAND
(Code: ITP-KE-03)
Duration : 4 Days 3 Nights
Day 1 – Denpasar – Tambulaka – Waikabubak (West Sumba)
Greeting at Tambulaka airport then transfer to your hotel. In the afternoon, visit of Waikabubak, its traditional market and the surrounding villages: Prai Ijing, Tarung, Waitabar. Tarung is regarded as an important spiritual center by the followers of Marapu religion. It is where we find the most impressive megalithic tombs of the region. On the hill, in the middle of the bustling modern town, a group of traditional houses still stands, in spite of government’s hopes to relocate its inhabitants toward other districts. During your visit, please feel free to ask for Pak Dani Ratu Langgu, spiritual leader of Marapu, and add your name to their list of guests in support for their struggle to protect the village from destruction. Back to hotel in late afternoon. Night at the hotel.
Day 2 – Waikabubak – Lamboya – Waikabubak
We depart early morning (around 4-5am) towards Lamboya to reach the site where the Pasola takes place. Descent to the beach to see the Rato (great priest) harvest the sacred worms ‘Nyale’ then the ritual call to the Pasola. This ceremony is dedicated to the arrival to the goddess Ina Nale “the mother of the sea-worms” and marks the beginning of the rice transplanting season, a new cycle of fertility. Two groups of horsemen armed with spears (not as sharp as during the ancient tribal wars) will oppose each other in the most exciting ritual of Sumba.
Lunch on the site of the Pasola. Back to hotel in the afternoon.
Day 3 – Waikabukak – Region of Kodi – Waikabubak
After breakfast, we head toward the region of Kodi, located on the western part of Sumba. Reputed as a stronghold of Marapu culture, Kodi and its surroundings offer a remarkable landscape of traditional houses with amazingly high roofs. We stop in many villages: Tosi, Parona Baroro where are found the highest roofs of the island, Rotenggaro with unusual stone graves scattered in its surroundings, then the village of Ranggabaki. Picnic, probably on a beach. In the afternoon, we stop in Waitabula and Waijewa to admire the coffee plantations on the way back to our hotel.
Day 4 – Waikabubak – Tambulaka – Denpasar
Transfer to Tambulaka airport after eating breakfast.
4 DAYS SUMBA ISLAND
(Code: ITP-KE-03)
Duration : 4 Days 3 Nights
Day 1 – Denpasar – Tambulaka – Waikabubak (West Sumba)
Greeting at Tambulaka airport then transfer to your hotel. In the afternoon, visit of Waikabubak, its traditional market and the surrounding villages: Prai Ijing, Tarung, Waitabar. Tarung is regarded as an important spiritual center by the followers of Marapu religion. It is where we find the most impressive megalithic tombs of the region. On the hill, in the middle of the bustling modern town, a group of traditional houses still stands, in spite of government’s hopes to relocate its inhabitants toward other districts. During your visit, please feel free to ask for Pak Dani Ratu Langgu, spiritual leader of Marapu, and add your name to their list of guests in support for their struggle to protect the village from destruction. Back to hotel in late afternoon. Night at the hotel.
Day 2 – Waikabubak – Lamboya – Waikabubak
We depart early morning (around 4-5am) towards Lamboya to reach the site where the Pasola takes place. Descent to the beach to see the Rato (great priest) harvest the sacred worms ‘Nyale’ then the ritual call to the Pasola. This ceremony is dedicated to the arrival to the goddess Ina Nale “the mother of the sea-worms” and marks the beginning of the rice transplanting season, a new cycle of fertility. Two groups of horsemen armed with spears (not as sharp as during the ancient tribal wars) will oppose each other in the most exciting ritual of Sumba.
Lunch on the site of the Pasola. Back to hotel in the afternoon.
Day 3 – Waikabukak – Region of Kodi – Waikabubak
After breakfast, we head toward the region of Kodi, located on the western part of Sumba. Reputed as a stronghold of Marapu culture, Kodi and its surroundings offer a remarkable landscape of traditional houses with amazingly high roofs. We stop in many villages: Tosi, Parona Baroro where are found the highest roofs of the island, Rotenggaro with unusual stone graves scattered in its surroundings, then the village of Ranggabaki. Picnic, probably on a beach. In the afternoon, we stop in Waitabula and Waijewa to admire the coffee plantations on the way back to our hotel.
Day 4 – Waikabubak – Tambulaka – Denpasar
Transfer to Tambulaka airport after eating breakfast.
8 DAYS FLORES & KELIMUTU
(Code: ITP-KE-02)
Duration : 8 Days 7 Nights
Day 1 Ngurah Rai Bali – Labuhan Bajo ( Flores ).
Upon arrival at Labuhan Bajo airport Flores, transfer direct to the hotel. After lunch in a local restaurant, spend the afternoon Tour Labuhan Bajo city by local “Benhur” pony cart. Stay overnight in Labuhan Bajo Flores.
Day 2 Labuhan Bajo – Komodo Island
After breakfast, transferred to Labuhan Bajo harbour to Cross the Sape strait by open fishing boat to Komodo Island (approx. 4 hours). Having Lunch on boat. Arrival late afternoon at Loh Liang, then set out on foot for a 30 minutes walk to the feeding ground of the komodo, in a small valley which ensures safe observation as the huge reptiles attack their captive prey, their tails lashing as they view for the right to an easy dinner. Return to the Boat for Dinner and overnight on the Boat.
Day 3 Komodo – Rinca – Labuhan Bajo
Continue to red beach, the beach with pink color sand, snorkeling and waiting for breakfast. After breakfast continue to Rinca island and explore the other habitat of the dragon, here the komodo more wild then in komodo island, beware your legs. then sail back to L. Bajo, arrive in labuhan Bajo around 4 o’clock then check in to hotel for overnight.
Day 4 Labuhan Bajo – Ruteng
After breakfast we set out towards Ruteng. On the way we visit Pan Village, Old Cathedral and Golo Curu hill top. Stay for dinner and overnight in hotel.
Day 5 Ruteng – Bejawa
After breakfast on the way to Bajawa we visit Bena, Lang and Wage Villages, So a hot spring. Lunch box will be provided. Stay for dinner and overnight in hotel.
Day 6 Bejawa – Ende – Moni
After breakfast departure for Ende. On the way we visit Non Bose hilltop, and Ndona village famous for its hand weavings. Late afternoon arrive in Ende. Stay for dinner and overnight in hotel.
Day 7 Explore the Kalimutu Lake
After breakfast transfer you to Moni, a small village at the foot of Kelimutu lake . Start the 2-hour hike to the lake. Return for dinner and overnight in hotel.
Day 8 Moni – Maumere
After breakfast we set out towards Maumere. On the way we visit Leonardo Museum, Nita village famous for hand weaving, and finally Bola fishing village. Stay for dinner and overnight in hotel.
10 DAYS FLORES RINCA TREKKING
(Code: ITP-KE-01)
Duration : 10 Days 9 Nights
Day 1 Denpasar – Maumere
Arrival at Wai Oti Airport Maumere, meeting with our guide and transfer to Sea World Club Hotel. Afternoon; free program.
Day 2 Maumere- Moni
Morning after breakfast departure from your hotel, first visit Ledalero Museum,on the outskirts of Maumere. This museum has an interesting collection of ethnological objects from the region. Ledalero is also the name of a major Catholic Seminary which forms many Florinese priests. Continue your Trip to Sikka Village,very famous for its traditional ikat weaving,then to Paga to enjoy the peacefuls beach. Afternoon; soft trekking to Jopu and Ranggase villages. Dinner and overnight at Flores Sare hotel or Wisma Fransiskus Detusoko.
Day 3 Moni-Kelimutu-Ende-Bajawa
It is worth to experience the sunrise at Kelimutu;the three colored crater lakes, one of the most specular and mysterious sight indonesian. You will begin your day early in the morning (start at about 4 am). After admiring this wonder of natur,the drive to Ende will take you pass beautiful ravines and villages. There are occasions for photo stops, such as at Nduaria Fruit market. Lunch in Ende. Afternoon; drive to Bajawa. En route stop at Penggajawa – the blue pebbles beach.Dinner at Camelia Restaurant,overnight at Bintang Wisata.
Day 4 Bajawa and surrounding
Early morning at 5 am drive up to Wawomuda vulcano,after one hour’s drive,start your trekking through the coffee plantation and you will enjoy the panorama of Bajawa city, and Inerie volcano as well as the sunrise from behind mount Ebulobo. Wawomuda has three red-coloured.The last erruption was in 2001. Back to your hotel for breakfast. Afternoon; visit Bena village ,the prototype of an ancient Ngada village ,located about 21 km south part of Bajawa. Back to Bajawa and visit Soa hot springs. Dinner at Camelia Restaurant,overnight at Bintang Wisata hotel.
Day 5 Bajawa-Ruteng
It is another beautiful driving day; you will pass beautiful villages and rainforest. To stretch your legs stop at Aimere, famous for its “Arak” distillation and palm wine fresh used tapp ,and at lake Ranamese to follow the trail in the cloud forest.Lunch in Ruteng. Afternoon;visit the local market and Ruteng Puu,a traditional Manggarai village. Dinner and Overnight at MBC guest house or Dahlia Hotel.
Day 6 Ruteng-Todo-Narang-Denge village
On this day you go by truck to explore the western part of Flores,you first visit Cara village,from where you can see the unique lingko rice fields, circular terraces arranged like a spider web.
Todo traditional village,then continue to Denge village, overnight there at family houses and dinner with local people.
Day 7 Denge village-Wae Rebo village
After a light breakfast start your trekking to Wae Rebo village, through the untouched rainforest, and coffee plantation. It takes 4 hours.
Wae Rebo is an old original village,little changed by time,the houses and way of life here reflect ancient traditions. People are very friendly; here you have time to experience their way of life by eating with them,trying their original food and learning their traditions. Stay overnight at local family houses.
Day 8 Wae Rebo village-Denge-Dintor-Labuan Bajo
Morning trekking back to Denge village and by truck to Labuan Bajo with a stop at Dintor beach to swimm and relax. Dinner at Gardena Restaurant in Labuan Bajo, overnight at New Bajo beach hotel or similar.
Day 9 Labuan Bajo-Rinca-Labuan Bajo
Morning transfer to the pier of Labuan bajo to visit the island of Komodo Dragons, Rinca. After 2 hours sailing, start your trekking through the typical dry forest to explore the Island of Komodo dragon, you will find not just the Dragons but also many wild animals like; deers,wildbuffalos,long-tailed macaque and wild pig and also numerous birds. Don’t forget to look up as sometimes you will find the young Komodo dragons on the trees.Return to your boat and proceed to Bidadari island for swimming ,snorkling and relaxing. Afternoon back to Labuan Bajo.Dinner at Gardena Restaurant in Labuan Bajo,overnight at Bajo komodo eco lodge or puri sari hotel or similar.
Day 10 Labuan bajo-Denpasar
After breakfast, a morning visit to the Batu Cermin cave before taking you to the airport for flight to Denpasar
8 DAYS FLORES & KELIMUTU
(Code: ITP-KE-02)
Duration : 8 Days 7 Nights
Day 1 Ngurah Rai Bali – Labuhan Bajo ( Flores ).
Upon arrival at Labuhan Bajo airport Flores, transfer direct to the hotel. After lunch in a local restaurant, spend the afternoon Tour Labuhan Bajo city by local “Benhur” pony cart. Stay overnight in Labuhan Bajo Flores.
Day 2 Labuhan Bajo – Komodo Island
After breakfast, transferred to Labuhan Bajo harbour to Cross the Sape strait by open fishing boat to Komodo Island (approx. 4 hours). Having Lunch on boat. Arrival late afternoon at Loh Liang, then set out on foot for a 30 minutes walk to the feeding ground of the komodo, in a small valley which ensures safe observation as the huge reptiles attack their captive prey, their tails lashing as they view for the right to an easy dinner. Return to the Boat for Dinner and overnight on the Boat.
Day 3 Komodo – Rinca – Labuhan Bajo
Continue to red beach, the beach with pink color sand, snorkeling and waiting for breakfast. After breakfast continue to Rinca island and explore the other habitat of the dragon, here the komodo more wild then in komodo island, beware your legs. then sail back to L. Bajo, arrive in labuhan Bajo around 4 o’clock then check in to hotel for overnight.
Day 4 Labuhan Bajo – Ruteng
After breakfast we set out towards Ruteng. On the way we visit Pan Village, Old Cathedral and Golo Curu hill top. Stay for dinner and overnight in hotel.
Day 5 Ruteng – Bejawa
After breakfast on the way to Bajawa we visit Bena, Lang and Wage Villages, So a hot spring. Lunch box will be provided. Stay for dinner and overnight in hotel.
Day 6 Bejawa – Ende – Moni
After breakfast departure for Ende. On the way we visit Non Bose hilltop, and Ndona village famous for its hand weavings. Late afternoon arrive in Ende. Stay for dinner and overnight in hotel.
Day 7 Explore the Kalimutu Lake
After breakfast transfer you to Moni, a small village at the foot of Kelimutu lake . Start the 2-hour hike to the lake. Return for dinner and overnight in hotel.
Day 8 Moni – Maumere
After breakfast we set out towards Maumere. On the way we visit Leonardo Museum, Nita village famous for hand weaving, and finally Bola fishing village. Stay for dinner and overnight in hotel.