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FAQs

Common Questions & Information

If your questions are not answered here, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Travel

How do I get to Bo’a Vida?

Getting to Rote and Bo’a Vida is relatively easy and we have written a detailed guide on ‘How to get to Rote, Indonesia’ here.

In summary, you will need to fly to Kupang (KOE) in West Timor. If you are flying internationally you will likely arrive in Jakarta (CGK) or Denpasar (DPS), from where there are daily flights to Kupang (KOE). We recommend Jakarta as utisusually cheaper and you have better connections.

From Kupang, depending on the day of travel, you have the option of flying in the morning with Susi and Wings Air or taking either the daily Bahari Fast Ferry in the morning or the slow ferry in the afternoon. 

How do I get around Rote Island?

In order to be mobile and independent during your stay, we offer the choice of renting motorbikes with or without board-racks. This enables you travel around the island to look for secluded hidden beaches, traditional villages or the other surf breaks around.

If you decide to do any of the activities we offer (inland tours, kayaking the mangroves, diving tours etc), our driver is also available to transport you to any specific location at an additional cost.

Do I need a specific visa?

Citizens of many countries, including the United States, European Union, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia, can enter Indonesia for up to 30 days without a visa as long as they are visiting for tourism purposes.

If you plan to stay in Indonesia longer than 30 days, you can request a visa on arrival at the airport upon arrival. You will have additional 30 days to enjoy the beauty this country.

Please visit https://molina.imigrasi.go.id/ for the latest information related to visas an immigration for Indonesia.

Is Rote Island Safe?

Absolutely yes. With a very low crime rate, Rote offers a sense of tranquillity that’s hard to come by in today’s world. Families with children can rest easy knowing that Rote is one of the safest places on earth to run and play.

In terms of geographical location and natural disasters, the island is situated on the opposite side of Indonesia from where most tsunamis occur, in fact, the island has never experienced a tsunami before.

Where is Bo’a Vida Located?

Bo’a Vida’s biggest advantage is its location. Situated 15 minutes away from Nembrala by car, it is away from the center of town and secluded from the main roads. It is also directly in front of a world-class wave on an unfrequented beach, so our guests are able to enjoy a peaceful vacation.

We have written a detailed guide on traveling to Boa Vida on our blog.

Are there ATM machines and money changers on Rote Island?

We advise you to do all your banking in Bali/Jakarta/Kupang. If you did not had the opportunity there is Mandiri Bank atm in Baa, Rote. Baa is the town where Rote airport and the fast ferry harbour are located.

In Nembrala, a town just 10 minutes away by car, you can find Bank NTT, where you can exchange money. There is also a mini market that offers a convenient solution for cash withdrawals. Whether you have an Indonesian or foreign card, you can withdraw money with ease. However, it’s important to note that there is a 5% interest rate for this service, and you’ll receive the money on the following day. Nonetheless, this is a great option to have on the island, particularly for those who prefer to carry minimal cash.

Are there surfboard rental and Surf Schools in Rote?

At Bo’a Vida there is long softops, minimals and short surf boards for rent. There is also rental services in Nembrala. If you are going for a lesson, boards are provided by the instructor. If you wish to rent boards or go for a surf lesson, we are happy to arrange it for you.

Bo’a Vida Resort 

What Food is served at Bo’a Vida ?

At Bo’a Vida Rote, we take great pride in offering our guests a unique and unforgettable culinary experience. Our menu is carefully crafted to ensure that every dish is fresh, balanced, and healthy, with a focus on sourcing organic and locally-sourced ingredients whenever possible. As a result, our guests can expect a dining experience that is both delicious and nourishing.

Our kitchen team creates many of our items in-house, including slow fermented wholewheat bread, gluten free bread, banana bread, gluten free tortilla wraps, coconut milk, pesto, hummus, and peanut butter. For breakfast, guests can start their day with a refreshing coconut water, fruit salad or smoothie bowl with homemade granola. We also offer a selection of eggs cooked to your preference, pancakes and banana bread..

For lunch and dinner, we offer a variety of Indonesian and international dishes to choose from. Our guests can select from two options, or let us surprise them with a varied menu that allows them to try all of our signature dishes during their stay. Our culinary team is happy to accommodate any dietary requirements, so please let us know in advance if you have any special requests.

To sum up, when you stay at Bo’a Vida Rote, you can expect to indulge in a culinary journey that is both delicious and healthy.

What can my kids do during the mornings if we are staying for a long vacation?

If you’re planning a long vacation with your family, we’ve got you covered! We offer a variety of activities for kids during the morning hours, including a kindergarten and primary school that caters to traveler kids. Our school boasts a team of experienced teachers from Indonesia, Switzerland, and the United States, all with a Montessori background. The school is small, yet features a welcoming and lively international atmosphere.

Our school is open during the months of June, July, and August, as the students take their holidays during Christmas. This means that parents can take advantage of the free time to read, surf, practice yoga, or simply relax while their children are engaged in fun and educational activities.

Does Bo’a Vida care bout the environment?

At Bo’a Vida, we are proud to be primarily powered by the sun. Our solar panels generate 80% of the electricity we use for our operations. To ensure uninterrupted power supply, we also have a backup connection to the grid.

We take a sustainable approach to wastewater treatment, using pre-assembled septic tanks and grease traps. Our treated wastewater is then filtered into our hydro-gardens, which not only contributes to environmental protection but also promotes healthy growth.

Is there wi-fi at Bo’a Vida?

Each house at Bo’a Vida is equipped with wifi, so you can stay connected with friends and family.

However, we recommend you to get a prepaid Telkomsel sim-card upon arrival at either Jakarta or Bali airport. By doing so, you can have internet access throughout your entire trip, regardless of where you go.

Health & Insurances

Is there a hospital in Rote?

There is a basic health center in Nembrala and a hospital in Ba’a, but there would be any serious accidents, you are likely to be sent to Siloam in Kupang, which is a reputable chain of hospitals here in Indonesia.

WE STRONGLY ADVISE ALL OUR GUEST TO COME WITH A VALID HEALTH AND TRAVEL INSURANCE PLAN AS PULAU ROTE IS STILL A REMOTE PLACE.

Are there mosquitoes?

One of the biggest advantages of Rote Island is its dry climate, which makes it a haven for travellers seeking a mosquito free vacation. The only time when you might encounter mosquitoes is during the rainy season, which typically falls between January and March. But even then, the mosquito population is relatively low, and there is no need to worry about diseases like Zika or dengue fever.

Rote Island 

What should I bring to Rote Island?

Prepare yourself for a remote tropical beach destination. Your swimming suit, sandals and a book would be enough, but here is a list of some things you might need:

  • medical and travel insurance
  • if you have light sleep and are sensitive to the sound sea remember to bring ear plugs
  • boards
  • fin keys, extra leg-rope
  • torch
  • light sweatshirt for the cooler nights and for traveling
  • sneakers for walking excursions
  • good pair of sandals as the terrain in Rote is quite rocky
  • books for lazy afternoons and evenings
  • camera
  • specialty foods that might be unavailable in Rote
  • a long sleeve shirt or rash guard and long pants – leggings can also work for high sun exposure

Is there any nightlife in Rote?

Yes! Rote is full of fun activities to do at night – you can stargaze, go for a midnight beach-walk, tsnight-swim or have a deep and relaxing sleep listening to the sound of waves… just to name a few.