We use cookies to improve your website experience and provide more personalized services to you, both on this website and through other media. By continuing to use this website, you agree to our use of cookies as explained in our Cookie Policy. Please read our Cookie Policy for more information on how we use cookies and how you can disable them.
As you head east from Bali, you enter a region of hundreds of exotic islands, each unique in its offerings. The Nusa Tenggara archipelago has slowly been making its presence known on the tourists’ radar and is today, a very popular travel destination, this side of the globe.
Here, you can enjoy the same splendid beauty that you have come to expect of the islands of Indonesia. The picture-perfect beaches, the magnificent landscapes, exotic tribal traditions and a host of cultural attractions put these islands high on the serious traveller’s itinerary. The uniqueness of the islands is also the sheer diversity of experiences that you can get here. Multi-coloured crater lakes and simmering volcanic peaks compete with Komodo dragons, all vying for your attention.
Sumba Island sits closer to the south of the sweeping Nusa Tenggara archipelago. When you visit, you will be transported back into time, as you set your eyes on the myriad ancient traditions and historical landmarks that dot the place. The Bronze Age megalithic burial sites are fascinating and you can get a crash course in how people lived back then. The sometimes-dangerous spear-throwing war game of Pasola is fascinating to watch. And yes, don’t forget to pick up a fabric made in the famous, highly detailed ikat textiles. Sumba is like an island lost in time. But there are modern pleasures to enjoy as well. Book yourself in a bungalow resort and spend your day sunbathing on the white sandy beaches or participate in some exciting water sports.
Head west on the Nusa Tenggara archipelago and you will come to Lombok, often compared to its immediate neighbour, Bali. This island offers you the same gorgeous beaches, gushing waterfalls and volcanic scenery as Bali does. The only difference is that Lombok is less commercial and has fewer crowds. It is what many years ago Bali used to be, before it was taken over by tourists and commercialisation. The biggest natural attraction of the island lies in its northern area and it is the enormous volcano of GunungRinjani. For many tourists, trekking part of the way up is one of the most compelling reasons to visit. If you are looking for a relaxed beach holiday, head to the three Gili Islands, where you can laze by the pristine beach. For a more luxurious stay, book yourself at Senggigi resort and Kuta, where along with great beaches, you can also try your hand at surfing. Do visit Narmada Taman Temple that has beautiful architecture that combines Hindu, Islamic and native Sasak styles.
To the east of Lombok lies Sumbawa, with some excellent surfing opportunities. Be warned though, getting to the actual surfing spot can be a bit of a challenge as this island is raw in its beauty as well as tourist conveniences. If you are willing to rough it out a bit, you can enjoy the untouched mountainous beauty of this largely undeveloped island. If you’re interested in surfing, you can get a bus or hire a car at the main town of Sumbawa Besar and ask to be driven to the surfing spots at Maluk or Lakey beach. Moyo Island is a nature preserve that’s also quite a popular snorkelling destination.
If you wish to get away from the crowds, you must put Alor on your Nusa Tenggara itinerary. Sitting far-east on the archipelago, this is one of the least visited isles, giving you a chance to explore unspoiled and untouched island life. Inland travel is blocked by soaring volcanoes smack in the centre of Alor and the residents use wooden ferries to travel by sea when they wish to visit different parts of the island. You can spend your time diving and snorkelling at the beaches, while those of you looking to just relax, can head to Mali, Maimol and BatuPutih for sunbathing and swimming.
The long island of Flores offers you a wide variety of experiences, both natural and archaeological. You could enjoy its natural wonders that include the Kelimutu volcano caldera, with three large lakes making up its craters. The waters are fed by volcanic gas and they change colour depending on the amount of oxidation in the water. If archaeology is your thing, you will not be disappointed here. You can view the prehistoric bronze boat near the village of Maumere. Additionally, the villages of Bena and Luba have numerous Stone Age megaliths. Don’t miss a chance to go to the Liang Bua Cave in western Flores, where skeletons of a previously unknown human species were discovered in 2004.
West Timor is the Indonesian half of the island of Timor, while East Timor is an independent country. On this island, you can indulge in all the typical Indonesian activities, like lazing on the beach, participating in exciting water sports like snorkelling and diving, or going swimming. There is also an underground natural swimming pool at Crystal Cave that you can explore if you’re feeling more adventurous. Head over to the shopping district of Kupang and pick up a great bargain in authentic ikat textiles and hand-carved wood souvenirs.
The island needs no introduction. Komodo National Park is part of Flores and is well known across the world as the habitat of the Komodo Dragons, giant monitor lizards that can grow up to 10 feet in length. The reptiles roam around freely all over the islands, and you will need to rely on experienced tour guides to stay safe. The waters of the island are world-famous scuba diving destination. However, the waters are also inhabited by sharks, sea snakes and sea-wasp jellyfish, so it’s better suited for expert divers. You can head over to PantaiMerah for easier snorkelling explorations.
A trip to Indonesia cannot be complete without visiting the exotic islands of Nusa Tenggara. Pack your bags and get ready for an incredible adventure.
