Rote and Sabu Islands, NTT - Official Tourism Website

Rote and Sabu Islands

"Rote Island is beautiful, with transparent water, rugged rock formations, and offshore islands fringed with white beaches." Dr. Kal Muller

"Sabu is one of the most interesting destinations in Nusa Tenggara."

Dr. Kal Muller

Rote and Ndao Islands are peace and tranquilly personified where the people are still predominantly influenced by their past beliefs and traditions. Even today, following ancient tradition, the Kingdom of Rote is divided into two groups of clans named "Sunrise" and "Sunset". Each clan performs it's own rituals during the yearly "Hus" festival. Rote Island is linked by a daily ferry service to Kupang making it very accessible for travelers who have the choice of visiting some of the many traditional villages or heading to the southern beaches for surfing or diving.

Traditional hat of Rote Island (Dr. Kal Muller)

Here in Rote Island as in Sabu, the versatile Lontar Palm plays a vital part in their life, as well as drinking the energy rich sap, they convert the surplus into palm sugar. The timber is used to build houses and the leaves are used as roofing material, for making the distinctive Rotenese hat and in their traditional musical instrument, the Sasando. Both Rote and Sabu Islanders derive most of their daily nutritional requirements from the drought resistant Lontar Palm.

Rotenese lontar palm climber (Dr. Kal Muller)

Rote is particularly well know for its surfing, each year surfers flock to Namberala to ride the near perfect tubes formed by the shallow reefs and off-shore winds. Accommodation in Namberala includes a traditional beach front bungalow resort and several home stays. The beach itself is one of the best examples of a palm fringed pure white sandy beach to be found anywhere. Diving in the area is also exceptional due to the large numbers of Manta and Dugong seen there. A boat trip to nearby Dana or Ndao Islands is also recommended.

Rote surfing (Dr. Kal Muller)

Sabu and Raijua Islands are also peaceful and tranquil but being less accessible than Rote ensures that their Islands are less influenced by visitors. Traditional ceremonies and seasonal fertility and war dances are performed throughout the year as dictated by their beliefs. The Island of Sabu is divided into four spiritual domains with a fifth on Raijua Island so there is always a traditional ceremony being performed somewhere on the Island. So when visiting the Island, don't hesitate to inquire about any religious or cultural ceremonies being performed while you are there.

Sabu lontar harvester (Dr. Kal Muller)

The Sabanese are warm and friendly people who totally enjoy interacting with visitors to their Islands who are interested in their culture. This affords the visitor a chance to see at first hand the collection and processing of the Lontar palm juice. Try the drink for yourself and you will be pleasantly surprised with its sweet but refreshing taste. Later on in the evening, try the fermented juice or "Laru", but not too much as it can be intoxicating. Also take the time to see the intricate processes involved in the weaving of Ikat cloth. Once you have observed Sabunese life up close and personal you will no doubt be impressed with their skills and determination to make the most of their little slice of paradise.

Sabunese boy (Dr. Kal Muller)