DISCOVER ROTE ISLAND
Rote Island, East Nusa Tengarra
An island paradise
Learn more about our beautiful island
Deserted white sand beaches, intricate mangroves, uninhabited islands, intact coral reefs, diverse marine life, world-class waves, and some of the best sunsets you will ever see are only a few of the things that make Rote Island a true paradise on earth.
Just off the southern tip of Timor and only 500 km from Australia, Rote Island or Pulau Rote is part of the East Nusa Tenggara province, a region of Indonesia with around 500 islands. With pink sand beaches, the volcanoes and multi-colored lakes of Flores, the world-class diving of Komodo, to the variety of traditions and cultures of the many remote villages, East Nusa Tenggara is a region as diverse as it is enchanting, and Rote is no exception.
Get to Know
The Seasons
Rote has two distinct seasons: wet and dry. During the dry season (May – September), the sky is nearly always clear with regular trade winds coming from the southeast with cooler temperatures. The wet season (November – February) sees some rainfall, especially during December and January, and temperatures start to rise.
In between the seasons, there are light variable winds and very pleasant temperatures. Mosquitoes are a rare occurrence due to the arid climate of Pulau Rote.
An island unlike any other
Rote people and culture
Rotenese people are very friendly and helpful. The island itself is also very safe, giving you the benefit of sleeping freely without any worries. They are mainly of Christian faith and religion plays an important role in their lives.
The local economy in Rote is characterized mostly by farming of lontar plantations and seaweed for cosmetic purposes. Fishing and animal rearing are also popular, hence the frequent sight of pigs, goats and cows roaming the island freely.
Rote’s food culture is generally based on local organic produce. Fruits and vegetables are bought at the local markets and supplied by local farmers. Meat and fish are usually bought directly from the local fishermen.
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Discover
Ikat
Indonesia is home to some of the world’s oldest weaving techniques that are carried through generations of women around this country. As each region has unique characteristics to distinguish it from other regions, Rote is no different. Here, Ikat, or a traditional weaving technique, is a sacred knowledge of dyeing threads, usually passed down from the grandmother to her children and grandchildren. Dyes are usually made from extracted roots and flowers, ranging from dull to more vibrant colours, which are then binded together on the textile to produce certain patterns. This tradition is very unique, especially those produced in Rote. You can see many women weaving outside their homes, making beautiful textiles that are natural and free from chemical dyes.
Surf in Rote
Surfers Paradise
Surfing is the main reason Rote Island is flourishing. With many surf spots along the coast, it has attracted many people to visit this island over the last 30 years. However, Rote also offers many activities for non-surfers to enjoy.
Travel
How to get to and from Rote, Indonesia
Getting to our island paradise is not as difficult as you might first think. With several flight options throughout the week, daily ferries, and our team on hand to help you with any part of your travels, your journey to Boa Vida will be easy and stress free.