Rote Island is located on the southwestern edge of the Indonesian archipelago and belongs to its more remote and less-visited regions. The dry landscape, open coastline, and slower pace of life give it an authentic atmosphere. Although in recent years it has come to the attention of surfers and divers, mass tourism has not yet arrived—although now is the perfect time to visit.
Why Visit?
Rote is known as a world-class surfing destination, yet it still retains a very local character. Most visitors come here for that very reason, but the island offers much more than just great waves. Long empty beaches, lagoons, traditional villages, and open landscapes are what make Rote attractive.
Another advantage is the relatively easy access from Kupang, which makes Rote a suitable and peaceful end to a journey through Eastern Indonesia. Interest in the island is gradually growing, and with it, the construction of new hotels and villas. It can be expected that in a few years, its atmosphere will be somewhat different.
What to Experience on Rote
Surfing
The biggest attraction is the already mentioned surfing. Rote is considered one of the best surf spots in Indonesia, mainly due to its consistent waves and very low concentration of surfers. Famous spots like Bo’a, The Bommie, or Suckies are suitable for advanced surfers who can handle technical rides and have good physical condition.
But even intermediate or even beginner surfers will find something for themselves here. For example, the well-known T-Land beach, located near the village of Nemberala, offers easy water access and, in some sections, is suitable even for complete beginners. Similarly suitable conditions can also be found at the lesser-known spot Squealers.
In Nemberala, there are also several surf schools that offer packages for all skill levels. Expect a very friendly and personal approach, as there are still only a few visitors coming here. Because of this, even the most popular spots are almost empty compared to Bali or Lombok.
The surf season here runs all year round. However, the dry season (from April to mid-October) is more ideal for surfing, because the waves from the Indian Ocean are more consistent and the weather is more favorable. During the rainy season, wind conditions are less predictable, as is the amount of rainfall.
Looking for more surfing spots in Indonesia? Check out the best places to surf in Java, and also Mentawai island and West Sumbawa.
Diving and Snorkeling
Although Rote is not a “first-league” diving destination like Alor, Komodo, or Raja Ampat, the underwater world here is definitely not lifeless, and for recreational diving or calm snorkeling, this destination is still a suitable alternative. The island is surrounded by coral reefs and offers a number of proven dive sites.
Notable mentions include the islet of Helehanak, the area around Ndao Island, and Bull Rock. You will see various species of turtles, sharks, barracudas, moray eels, eels, cuttlefish, batfish, pufferfish, and if you’re lucky, even manta rays.
For snorkeling lovers, the bays around Oeseli are ideal, as they are sheltered from large waves and there is no need to go out to sea by boat.
In case you want to dive, we recommend contacting Rote Dive Adventures in Nemberala. In addition to the dives themselves, they also offer PADI courses.
Traveling
Rote can also appeal to travelers who neither dive nor surf. The island offers long, often completely empty beaches, ideal for swimming, walking, and relaxing. And moreover—you will be completely alone on most of them. And if the coastline becomes tiresome, the inland is definitely also worth mentioning.
Telaga Nirwana
Telaga Nirwana is one of the most pleasant places on the coast of Rote and offers peaceful swimming in a lagoon surrounded by mangroves. The water here is clean and crystal clear, ideal for refreshing dips and easy swimming.
You can get here on foot to the viewpoint and then walk down to the water where you can swim, or by boat or canoe, which you can rent from local fishermen on Buedale Beach. The journey itself is part of the experience, not only because of the beauty of this place but also because you’ll be shaking your head in disbelief that such a place is still not a sought-after tourist attraction.
Beaches
The village of Nemberala is practically the only resort area on the island. You won’t find large hotels or resort complexes here, but rather smaller villas and homestays scattered along the coast. In addition to surfing, it also offers other leisure activities such as swimming, kayaking or paddleboarding, or watching the locals work on seaweed plantations.
Besides Nemberala, beaches like Bo’a, Batu Leli, Loedi, Lutubabatu, and Oesosole are also worth visiting, offering views of the open ocean, long sandy shores, and complete tranquility. However, it is important to note that there are no tourist facilities on these beaches.
Near the port of Ba’a lies Tiang Bendera Beach, a popular spot for local youth, especially at sunset. Not far from there, also on the northern coast, Batu Cinta Beach is worth a visit. Both locations are adorned with small rock formations emerging from the sea, and neither is particularly suitable for swimming.
The northeastern part of Rote feels more peaceful and is even less visited. If you make it all the way to the northeastern tip of the island, you’ll be rewarded with impressive scenery like Mulut Seribu or the Laut Mati lake, which contrast with the otherwise dry landscape of the island. A trip to this part of the island should primarily be about exploration, observing the surroundings, and interacting with the local people. However, there may be significant challenges in communicating in English.
Inland and Impressive Sceneries
Although Rote is primarily associated with the sea, its inland offers surprisingly beautiful scenery. The landscape is dry, undulating, and open, with long views into the distance and minimal human interference. Typical features include low hills, rock formations, and savanna plains, which take on golden hues during the dry season.
One of the most well-known places is Pemandangan Batu Termanu, a rocky viewpoint with a view of the coast and the surrounding open landscape.
Also worth mentioning is Oebi’ik Beach, which offers beautiful views not only at the site itself but also along the way. The place is often mistakenly labeled as the zero kilometer of Indonesia, the southernmost point of the archipelago, which is not true (Why? Read on).
Don’t expect to find large waterfalls on Rote. For freshwater lovers, the Fakakain Oefamba Loleh Tuabuna waterfall can be recommended, offering a pleasant refreshment in the otherwise dry landscape of the island, and the Mata Air Sulimatan lagoon near the village of Suaha also offers excellent swimming in crystal-clear water.
Culture of Rote
Part of discovering the island is also encountering local traditions and architecture. Right next to the port of Ba’a is Kampung Tenun Ikat Rote Ndao, where you can get a glimpse into the production of traditional woven fabrics, which are an important symbol of local identity.
The weaving is done by hand, often right at home. Each pattern has its own meaning and connection to a specific region or family. Of course, there is also the possibility of buying fabric.
Backindo Tip: Bargaining is allowed, but keep in mind that high-quality pieces can reach up to a hundred dollars.
An interesting place is also Rumah Adat Keluarga Manggi in Oelua—a traditional house that serves as an example of original architecture and way of life on the island. It is not a museum or an open-air exhibition. The house is inhabited and is a living part of the community.
The island is also home to the traditional musical instrument sasando, whose soft, harp-like sound has brought significant attention to the island in recent years. If you’re lucky, you’ll encounter it at local celebrations or in families who still preserve this tradition.
Sumba is another island full of traditional villages. Read our guides to Waikabubak and Waingapu.
Ndana Island – The Southernmost Point of Indonesia
South of Rote lies Ndana Island, which is considered the southernmost point of Indonesia. It is an uninhabited and protected island, accessible only with local assistance. A trip here is not about swimming or comfort, but for those traveling across the archipelago, it is certainly a meaningful experience to stand at one of its edges. Beyond this island lies only the ocean—and then Australia.
This is a border area under the supervision of the Indonesian military. Although the island is rarely visited, access is allowed for travelers. However, it is necessary to obtain a permit in the village of Oeseli, specifically in Kampung Merah Putih, and rent a small motorboat.
The island itself is uninhabited, and aside from a military post, there is no infrastructure. The landscape is dry, open, and exposed to strong sun and wind. In 2011, a monument with a bust of General Sudirman was built here, and there is also a proper sign indicating that you are standing at the southernmost point.
How to Get There
The gateway to Rote Island is the city of Kupang in West Timor, which is served by regular domestic flights from Bali, Jakarta, and other Indonesian cities. From Kupang, you can reach Rote either by sea or by air.
Planning to fly domestically? Read Guide to Domestic Flights in Indonesia.
Fast boat
The most common and affordable option is the Express Bahari fast boat from the port of Tenau to the port in Ba’a. The journey takes approximately 2.5 hours and boats usually depart daily. The price ranges between 10–15 USD per person.
Tickets need to be purchased through the Express Bahari app, which may be more complicated for foreigners due to payment in rupiah (some international cards cannot be used for payment).
Backindo Tip: The easiest way to get ferry tickets is to ask your hotel reception for help or head to the port a day in advance to book directly.
Classic Ferry
For transporting your own vehicle, there is the option of a classic ferry that departs every morning from the port of Bolok and costs only 116,000 IDR for a motorbike or 770,000 IDR for a car. However, the journey takes 5 hours.
By Air
An alternative is a domestic flight on a small aircraft from Kupang to D.C. Saudale Airport, which takes only 30 minutes, but capacity is very limited and tickets often sell out quickly. Moreover, this option is significantly more expensive (a return ticket is around 100 USD) and flights are often canceled or delayed in poor weather conditions.
Tourist Tax
Upon entering the island, it is necessary to pay a one-time tourist tax:
- 15,000 IDR for Indonesian citizens
- 50,000 IDR for foreigners
When Is the Best Time to Visit?
The most suitable period to visit Rote is the dry season, which usually lasts from May to October. During this time, the weather is stable with minimal rainfall and good conditions for swimming, snorkeling, diving, and traveling. The dry climate is especially typical of Rote’s inland areas, which gain their characteristic golden hues during this period.
The rainy season runs roughly from December to March. Although rainfall here is not as persistent as on other Indonesian islands, it can complicate sea transport, road conditions, and the planning of trips to more remote parts of the island.
How to Get Around the Area
The island is relatively large and public transportation is practically nonexistent, so the most comfortable and efficient way to get around is by using your own means of transport or traveling with a driver.
Motorbike
A motorbike is always the best alternative, as it allows you to move freely, stay close to nature and local people, and adapt flexibly to your current plans. Roads are generally passable, but outside the main routes you need to expect dusty, rocky, and sometimes uneven sections.
This option is therefore not suitable for complete beginners. It’s also important to keep in mind that gas stations are not as common here as on larger islands, so it’s worth refueling whenever you have the opportunity.
You can rent a motorbike directly in Ba’a, where several rental services operate. If you want a trusted contact, feel free to write to us and we’ll be happy to share one. The price is around 150,000 IDR per day.
Car with a Driver
For traveling in dusty terrain or if you are traveling with more people, it is more comfortable to rent a car with a local driver who knows the roads, alternative routes, and can help with sensible day planning. The easiest way to arrange a driver is directly through your accommodation.
Where to Stay
Rote does not offer large resort areas like other islands, but there are many nice, clean, and cozy accommodation options—from simple homestays to comfortable bungalows with sea views.
Nemberala
Nemberala is essentially the only resort area on the island. Among the more upscale accommodations, we especially recommend the popular Seed Resort, which is located directly on the beach.
Cheaper alternatives include, for example, Oemau Bungalow or CocoKabanas Rote. For surfers, we definitely recommend Rote Surf Resort Lualemba, which offers not only nice and peaceful accommodation but also a strong surfing community.
Ba’a
Ba’a, as the main town of the island, can be a suitable base for backpackers arriving by boat who plan to rent a motorbike here. It’s a good idea to spend the first night here, store your luggage at the hotel, and travel around the island with just a small backpack. Afterwards, you can spend the last night here again before returning to Kupang.
However, there are not many accommodation options here, so most tourists stay at New Hotel Ricky, which usually needs to be booked by phone or simply visited without a reservation.
Luxury on the Southern Coast
If you decide to stay in the south and want to enjoy absolute peace with a touch of luxury, we recommend staying at Oeseli Beach Bungalow. However, the highest level of comfort can be found on the nearby islet of Landu, specifically at the resort The Serai Inar.
What to Taste Here
The cuisine on Rote is simple and based on local ingredients. In Nemberala, there are several better warungs and simple restaurants, but in the rest of the island, especially outside towns, it can be quite difficult to eat out. Fish and seafood form the basis of the diet, and dishes made from corn, sweet potatoes, and cassava are also typical, often replacing rice in Rote’s dry climate.
Especially worth tasting is se’i – pork smoked in a traditional way and served with a spicy sauce. This dish is best known in Kupang on the island of Timor, but few people know that it actually originates from Rote.
Locals are also happy to offer a taste of their homemade spirit sopi, which is made from the sap of the lontar palm. It is a strong alcohol produced using traditional home distillation methods and is a common part of social gatherings. However, caution is advised when tasting it—the quality can vary significantly depending on the producer, and as always, less is more in this case.
Where to Go Next
Rote often becomes the final stop of a journey, but it can also be an interesting starting point for further exploration of eastern Indonesia. Travel back goes via Kupang, from where you can continue on to the nearby island of Alor or fly to the islands of Sumba and Flores.
Another good option is to travel around West Timor, which offers a much more mountainous landscape, traditional villages, and minimal tourist infrastructure.
Is It Worth It?
Rote no longer attracts only surfers, but also divers and adventurers. It is a place that, compared to other Indonesian islands, offers peace and the opportunity to enjoy a piece of beautiful nature all to yourself, without other tourists. However, interest in this destination is growing rapidly, and it is likely that the situation will soon change and more and more tourists will start arriving. That is why now is the ideal time to explore this part of Indonesia.
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