Rinca Island, A Living Place for Komodo

Rinca Island is one of islands in East Nusa Tenggara. The island becomes a place for komodo. Besides that, you also can do many things any time you visit the island. If you love doing outdoor activities, you will love to come here because you can explore stunning areas. But first, you have to recharge your energy because you will get around to finding komodo. Yes, komodo. Who doesn’t know komodo? Well, this is one of incredible reptile that lives on Rinca Island. But, you still have the chance to see the komodo in Padar Island and Komodo Island which are located in Komodo National Park. Rinca Island lies at the west of Flores Island and separated by Molo Strait.

It is no wonder when tourists from around the world come here to meet the wild animal. Rinca Island has amazing natural life. Once you come here, you will see the statue of komodo with three meters height. The scenery around the island just like savannah because it is dry and barren. The savannah will end once you arrive at the mangrove forest. Most favorite activity in Rinca Island is trekking. You can choose the short trek or the long one. The distance is about 2 - 8 km. If you are a real adventurer, you may choose the longest trek because you will have more chance to enjoy the beauty of the island and you may meet komodo with gigantic size.

Picture Liburanlokal

Along the trail, you can explore the dense forests and hills. When the day is friendly to you, it will be more interesting and exhausting. Thus, bring your water while enjoying the trek. In some spots, you will see monkeys hanging on the trees, groups of deer or buffaloes enjoying their lunch. The government has been trying to create the condition of Komodo National Park as natural as possible. Even, the animals like deer and buffalo must be available to keep the stocks of food for komodo. Once you meet komodo, you are not allowed to make a noise or disturb them. Although they walk so slow, but komodo is still a dangerous animal. 

The saliva of komodo consists of deadly bacteria. Even, a woman who is getting menstruation isn’t allowed to trek here because komodo has a ingsensitive sense of smell, especially to smell blood. In order to see the habitat of komodo, you will be brought to see the nest to lay eggs by the guide. After trekking to see komodo in savannah, don’t miss to climb the hills. From there, you can see many islands that adjacent to Rinca Island such as Bidadari Island in West Manggarai. The island has been popular for the diversity of fish and the green turtle with a beautiful panorama.

Calm and blue water will please you any time you visit Bidadari Island. Coming to Rinca Island and continued to Bidadari Island will give you unforgettable experiences. It is a perfect island to relax and close to nature.

Wae Rebo Village, Visiting a Custom Village in Flores

Wae Rebo Village is a custom village in Flores, East Nusa Tenggara. Precisely, it located  at Satar Lenda, Satamese Barat Sub-district, Manggarai Barat Regency. The resident in Wae Rebo comes from Modo Tribe. Then, what makes the village becomes so special? The reason is because its village ever got a reward from UNESCO for the conservation of culture heritage. The local residents still defend the tradition and culture from generation to generation.

Wae Rebo itself has meaning as a spring and physically Wae Rebo consist of 7 custom house named as Mbaru Niang. It has cone shape with diameter around 12 – 15 meters and 8 – 10 meters height. Path of the roof is dangle and almost covering all of the house. The house itself is made from certain grasses and coated by ijuk or palm fiber from the sugar palm in order to have strong condition as the wind and water attack the house. 

Picture Baliholidaytourpackages.com

Some people consider Wae Rebo Village as ‘international village’ because among local village, you will find foreigns who stay together with local village. The popularity of Wae Rebo has been spreading since UNESCO nominated the village as unique village in the world. It can be said that Wae Rebo is a new magnet to attract tourist from all around the world to come. 

Wae Rebo Village is built on Pocoroko Mountain with 1,100 meters above sea surface and facing to Hindia Ocean. Besides having unique architecture and location, the pattern of the custom house of Wae Rebo also special because it has circle pattern and in the middle there is a rock with square shape. On this square spot, there is kind of altar made from bamboo named as Compang for custom ceremony to put the offering to the anscestor. 

At the moment, Wae Rebo Village becomes one of tourist destination in Flores, particulary from foreign countries. It can be seen from the guest book and the wave of tourist to Wae Rebo Village has been increasing. Now, if you interested to visit one of unique village in the world, you can concern to some conditions there.

When is the right time to visit Wae Rebo Village?

The first thing you need to consider before visiting Wae Rebo Village is about timing. As you know, the topography of Florest is hilly with windy access. Plus, to reach the village takes a long hour, especially if you are taking public transportation. 

Then, what about the route to Wae Rebo Village? Actually, the village can be reached from many directions. You can start it from Ruteng or Labuan Bajo. If you come from Labuan Bajo, you can follow the route : Labuan Bajo – Lembor – Pela – Todo – Narang – Dintor – Denge – Wae Rebo. It takes around 6 hours from Labuan Baju to Denge by driving a car. 

The Denge Village itself is the last village before reaching Wae Rebo Village. And from Denge to Wae Rebo, you have to go on foot and normally it needed 3.5 hours. So, the total time from Labuan Bajo to Wae Rebo is around 8 – 10 hours. Means, you have to start in the early morning. 

The calculation above is by driving a car. Now you can immagine how long it will be taken if you take public transportation. Off course it will take longer time and one thing you have to remember is that the access of transportation is not adequate. 

Transportation to Wae Rebo Village

As you know from the explanation above, the public transportation in Flores to Wae Rebo Village is not adequate. Even, the transportation from Labuan Bajo to Denge is not available. So if you want to go there, you have to go through Ruteng at first. 

And that means you have to go around. So, the only one solution is by renting a car. Although it will be more expensive, but if you go to Wae Rebo Village with a group (4 – 6 passengers), it will be cheaper, isnt it?.

Where to stay during traveling to Wae Rebo Village

Looking for a hotel or homestay along the trip from Labuan Bajo to Denge is not easy. So, the schedule of your depart toward Wae Rebo Village will influence where you will stay. Actually, you still able to find a homestay in Dintor Village and Denge Village. Just try to arrive to both village before dusk. 

If you plan to stay at Denge Village, you can go to Mr Blasius Monta house. There are 11 rooms and you need to pay IDR150k per person. However, if you prefer to stay in Dintor, you still have to go to Denge, then hire ojek (motorcycle transportation) which is taken around 20 – 30 minutes.

If you think you able to arrive at Denge in the day, you may continue directly by treking to Wae Rebo without staying in Denge. Just note that you have very good stamina because you will have to go on foot for about 3.5 hours, climbing to the hill and pass the forest. For this point, it will be depend on your arrival. However, you are suggested to stay in Denge so that you can take a rest for a while before treking. But, Wae Rebo Village also have homestay and you need to pay IDR250k. 

Route from Denge to Wae Rebo

The route of treking from Denge to Wae Rebo is dominated by sandy and rocky access. Sometime you have to go through the edge of hill and forest with ascend and descend route. In other time, you will pass the river and simple bridge. You have to be very carefull because there are some landslide spots from Denge to Wae Rebo. 

Therefore, you have to prepare your stamina and proper equipments. If you go there in the rainy season, your journey will be harder because the access to Wae Rebo Village will be muddy.

Ceremony to welcome guest in Wae Rebo Village

Each guests who visit Wae Rebo Village have to be welcomed by Waelu Ceremony. The point of the ceremony is kind of welcoming the visitor and this will be done by the leader of tribe. He will welcome and pray for your goodness and safety during your visit to Wae Rebo Village. Perhaps, it sounds strange for foreign but this is kind of tradition and there is nothing wrong to accept it.

To respect the custom and tradition in Wae Rebo Village, you are also suggested to wear proper dress. If you against this, the local residents may address you. Besides that, if you want to take the picture, you need to ask permission because sometime, they mind and will up set to you. One thing you need to remember is by bringing sweater or jacket because the atmosphere in Wae Rebo Village is hilly and it will be cool.

Manikin Beach, Relaxing at the Beach with Natural Scenery in Kupang

Manikin Beach is kind of gem in Kupang City. The beauty of its beach brings us the goodness of life because we will see all about natural scenery and natural life. The white sand covers the surface of the beach just like other adjacent beaches such as Nunsui Beach and Lasiana Beach. The surface of the coastline are wide, especially when the tide is low. Yet, if the tide is rising, the water will come up and take the coastline along three km. 
Recently, the tide is rising dramatically and the waves erode most of the area of the beach. To avoid this, the local government build a small dike. In other part, you will see the stretch of trees that planted to prevent abrasion and to break the waves so that the erosion won’t be in serious condition.

Picture akucintakupang.blogspot.com

Location

Manikin Beach is located at Tarus Village, Central Kupang sub-district, Kupang Regency, East Nusa Tenggara Province. Precisely, it lies right at the coastal area of Kupang Strait in the west of Timor Island or at the west of Kupang Regency. The position of the beach is so strategic because it is situated around the main road of Trans Timor, near to El Tari Airport, and adjacent to the Kupang City. 

It takes around 20 km from Kupang and you can ride public transportation, like bemo or bos, motorcycle, and a car. The route of public transportation is Kupang – Oesao and Kupang – Camplong. The infrastructure itself is adequate and accessible so that you can reach the beach easily.

Accommodations

Local government has been developing the infrastructure around Manikin Beach. The road access, toilet, and other facilities so that you can spend your time freely with fun. You also can taste local dishes like epe banana, boiled corn, roasted corn, and young coconut. And if you want to explore the area around Manikin Beach, like Lasiana and Nunsui Beach, you can stay in Hotel La Hasienda, Hotel Pantai Timor, Sylvia Hotel Kupang, dan Hotel Astiti.

Activities

Because the location of Manikin Beach close to the center of city, thus the beach become one of favorite tourist destination for people from Kupang. That is why the beach so crowded during weekend and holiday season. They come with their friends and family.

The marine life in Manikin Beach is so vary as well and one of them is whale. Sometime, the fishermen find many whale that separated from their colony and drifted ashore. This occasion become attraction for local residents and they drove to the beach to watch it. 

Manikin Beach is suitable spot for those who want to relax their mind from routine because it has beautiful panorama. Besides that, the view that surround the beach still natural and it will be more perfect if you come to catch the sunset.

For adventure lover, you can explore the area around Manikin Beach. There is a river estuary which located near the beach and it can be the specific icon for Manikin compared by other beaches in Kupang City. In addition, the view toward the Kupang Strait from Manikin Beach is more attractive because you will see the background of fishermen boats, Semau Island, Kera Island, and Tanjung Sulamu which it looks so gorgeous when the sunset comes.

If you like water activities or beach sports, you can play volley ball, swimming, sun-bathing, or just strolling along the beach. Your vacation will become unforgettable moment if you camping there with your friends. Play guitar and sing together.

Nembrala Beach, the Remote but Fascinating Beach in East Nusa Tenggara

Nembrala Beach is a beautiful beach in Rote Island, East Nusa Tenggara. The beach is perfect to do all activities you love, from trekking to water activities. It is so comfortable that once you have arrived at the beach you will feel relaxed and peaceful. It also has a perfect weather condition, making it suitable to do various things. 

You can visit the beach at the right time so that you can do water activities, like surfing at the best time. The local people living around the beach also has unique culture. Their traditional way of life interests visitors who come to this beach. You can learn further about their culture when you visit this beach.

Location       

As previously mentioned, Nembrala Beach is situated in a small island, i.e. Rote Island in East Nusa Tenggara. Precisely, the beach lies just the Southwest of Timor. This is at the tip of the southern part region of Indonesia. The total area of this island is only about 1,214 km².

With such small size, the island has many things to offer to visitors, including subtropical topography, unique culture and tropical waters. You can reach the beach via Bali or Kupang. The beach actually lies in a remote location. This remote location indeed makes travel to this beach so special. 

It takes hard work to reach the beach, but this is not a waste. Your journey towards the island will be an incredible journey since you will see a maginificent view, a beach blessed with amazing panorama.

Activities

          There are many things you can do in this Nembrala Beach. Fishing is one of the most popular activities since the ocean around the beach has numerous species of fish. The most common species of fish you can find in the ocean include Dog Tooth Tuna, Spanish Mackerel, Yellow fin Tuna,  Trevalli, Wahoo, , Sailfish, Sea Perch, Grouper and Marlin.

Another exciting activity is snorkeling. You can enjoy beautiful underwater life in this beach, including colorful live corals, larger pelagics and small reef fish as well as beautiful sea shells still alive with their occupants and an occasional octopus. Other activities include surfing, village trip and island hopping. Island hopping means you can visit other islands nearby such as Donna, Do’o and N’Doa. 

Accommodations

          You can find a luxurious resort near the beach, i.e. Nembrala Beach Resort. The resort provides complete facilities for visitors. You can take a rest in their comfortable bedrooms equipped with air conditioner.

The resort also provides delicious menu, ranging from local to international menu. Moreover, the resort has panoramic view since it is built near the beach. You can enjoy the panorama of the beach from the resort and hear the sound of the waves hitting the rock along the coastline. This is an amazing experience.

          When visiting East Nusa Tenggara, never miss this beautiful Nembrala Beach in your travel plan. This is one of the best tourist destinations in East Nusa Tenggara. You will never regret visiting this fascinating beach.

Pictures taken from www.wisatakuindo.blogspot.com

Tablolong Beach, An Exotic Beach in East Nusa Tenggara

Tablolong Beach is a beautiful beach in East Nusa Tenggara. The beach has fine white sand and crystal clear sea water. Both the sand and the sea water create a stunning panorama. The calm sea waves and the breeze make it suitable as a recreational place. If you plan to travel to East Nusa Tenggara, include the beach in your travel plan. 

The place is not too far from the city of Kupang, making it accessible. You will not find any difficulty reaching this place. You will have great experience spending your holiday here as you can do many activities in this beautiful beach. 
  
Location

Tablolong Beach is situated in Kupang Regency, East Nusa Tenggara. It is about 25 km from the city of Kupang. Tablalong is across Semau Island, making it beautiful spot to do various activities. You can reach the beach from Kupang by car or motorcycle. It takes about an hour from Kupang towards the beach.

When you travel to the island, you will see winding road along with exotic traditional houses throughout your journey. Although the infrastructure is not managed properly yet, the beautiful scenery along the journey will not make you upset. You can enjoy the panorama regardless the minimum infrastructure. 

The government indeed should pay more attention for the development of the beach, especially the infrastructure, the facilities and the public transportation from Kupang towards the beach. With sufficient infrastructure, the beach can attract more visitors to come. 

Activities

          Tablolong Beach is well known as a great place to fish. Even, the beach gains popularity since it became the host of international fishing tournaments. Each year the tournament is held in Tablolong. The beach is now popular as the heaven of the fisher. The fishing competition is held in the strait, between Timor and Rote Islands.

There are many species of fish living in the waters of Tablolong. There are fish migration from Timor Sea towards Savu Sea. Fishing will be an interesting activity with this crowd migration. You can visit the beach at the time the tournament is held, otherwise at any time you have spare time. Enjoy the beautiful beach and do fun water activities here with your family and friends. 

Accommodations

          There are not many options of hotels and resorts in Tablolong Beach. However, you can find simple lodges and small hotels along the way from Kupang to Tablolong. If you have enough budget, you can consider to stay in one of the luxurious resorts in Tablolong, i.e. Tablolong Beach Resort.

The resort has complete facilities and it offeres satisfying services to guests. You can enjoy the comfortable and luxurious bedroom in this resort. You can also enjoy delicious dishes from local to international menu. Spending the night in this resort will make you feel comfortable.

            Tablolong Beach is one of the most exotic tourist destinations in East Nusa Tenggara. Include this beautiful beach in your travel plan, and come at the right time, i.e. when fishing competition is held in this beach.  

Pictures taken from www.dherdian.wordpress.com

Pantar Marine Park with Its Amazing Underwater Life

Pantar Marine Park offers amazing underwater life to visitors. The underwater life of this marine park is comparable to the most popular marine park in the world, such as those in Carribean Islands or local marine parks such as Bunaken in Sulawesi or Raja Ampat in Papua. The marine park has numerous species of fish and other sea creatures. You can enjoy the beautiful sea creatures when you dive or snorkel in the underwater of the sea. You will see an amazing panorama that you may have never seen before. The beauty of this marine park offers you challenging adventure as well as amazing experience.   

Picture Galeriwisata.wordpress.com

Location

          Pantar Marine Park is situated in Alor Island, East Nusa Tenggara. The beauty of this marine park has attracted many visitors to visit it. Hence, flight toward Kupang and Alor is available every day. You can go by airplane from Kupang to Alor. The flight is available every day. The flight is served by Transmusa every day. While Merpati Airline serves flight to Alor four times a week.

From Kupang, the departure flight schedule is early in the morning, i.e. from 06.00 to 07.00. However, you must prepare yourself just in case that the flight is delayed. When the weather is not conducive, the flight may be postpone to the afternoon or it may even be cancelled. There are also motorboat from Kupang to Alor twice a week.

Activities

          There are various activities you can do in Pantar Marine Park. One of the most popular activities is scuba diving. The marine park has many diving spots. They are 26 spots, including Half Moon Bay, Crocodile Rook, The Edge, Cave Point, Peter's Prize, Shark Close and many more. All of the 26 diving spots offer you the most exotic underwater panorama.

For example, Shark Close diving spot offers you an amazing shark view. You can encounter and get closer to sharks living in the underwater of this marine park. Apart from diving activity, you can snorkel or swim. While other than water activities, you can do many other interesting things, such as village trip. This means you will explore the culture and the traditional way of life of the local people. You will learn further all about the condition of the local people along with the area where they live. 

Accommodations

          Pantar Marine Park provides many hotels and homestay to spend the night. They include La Petite Kepa Homestay on Kepa Island. There are also popular hotels offering convenient bedroom such as Hotel Adi Dharma, Hotel Pelangi Indah and Hotel Nusa Kenari Indah. When you decide to spend the night in the hotel, it means you have more time to explore the marine park. You can spare your time to find beautiful local Alor woven fabric. You can buy the best quality of this woven fabric at Alor Kecil Village, about 12 km from Kalabahi.

          Overall, visiting Pantar Marine Park is not a waste since you can do many activities and buy valuable souvenirs. Visit this marine park if you have a plan to travel to somewhere.