Alor Island is still not very popular compared to other islands in East Nusa Tenggara, such as Komodo and Sumba. Only 4,192 tourists visited the island in 2023.[1] However, the trend continues to rise positively, considering there are many things to do on Alor Island.
Alor Island is a hidden gem, perfect for those who love nature and culture. To learn about fascinating things on the island, read this article until the end. It also includes information about the best time to visit and handy tips!
Top 10 Things to Do in Alor Island
Visiting Alor will feel exciting because you can do these fascinating things!
1. Go Diving in the Pristine Waters of Alor
Although Alor Island diving is not as well known as scuba diving in Komodo Island, it’s still a worthwhile experience that you can enjoy. The waters are crystal clear and pristine, with high visibility. Marine life in Alor is also very diverse, and you can encounter common and rare sea creatures.
The beauty of the underwater scenery is unquestionable, considering that Alor Island is included in the Coral Triangle. It’s home to 605 coral species, 76% of all coral species in the world.[2] That’s why you can expect a complex marine biodiversity here.
There are multiple world-class diving sites in Alor Island, such as Kal’s Dream and Shark Galore. You can see many interesting creatures here, such as pelagic, manta rays, nudibranchs, anemone fish, frogfish, wasp fish, multiple species of sharks, etc. There are also rare species like dugongs and mola-mola.
As a tip, you can dive in Alor Island during the dry season, around April to November. At that time, the current will be more manageable and your trip won’t be interrupted by the rains.
2. Snorkel with the Colorful Marine Life
You have to know that diving in Alor is not for beginners. The current is relatively strong all throughout the year, so only divers with experience can scuba dive here. If you don’t have any experience, you can snorkel to see the colorful marine life around shallow water.
There are many snorkeling sites in Alor Island, but the best ones are Pura Pura and Ternate Island. Bring your own snorkel equipment if you want to be more comfortable while snorkeling. But, if you don’t have one, you can rent the equipment from your operator.
3. Explore the Stunning Beaches of Alor
In addition to stunning underwater scenery, the view from Alor beaches is also astonishing. There are multiple beaches on Alor Island, but the most beautiful ones are Mali Beach and Batu Putih Beach.
Mali Beach’s charm lies in its white sand and pristine blue water. Meanwhile, the main attraction in Batu Putih is the white stone cliffs constantly hit by waves.
Those beaches are perfect for healing and chilling. There are many things to do, starting from strolling in the sand, enjoying the sun, or savoring a sunset and sunrise view on Alor Island. Because the water looks pristine, you can also snorkel in shallow waters to meet some marine life.
4. Witness the Making Process of Traditional Ikat Weaving
Aside from beautiful nature, Alor has a beautiful culture. Ikat weaving Alor Island is one of them. This tradition dates back hundreds of years and involves a meticulous process of tying and dyeing threads to create intricate patterns. You can still witness this fascinating process being carried out today.
Multiple villages, such as Takpala and Alor Besar, still maintain this tradition. You can visit these villages to meet the weavers, learn about their craft, and even buy an original ikat weaving straight from them. By purchasing directly from the weavers, you get an authentic piece of Alor’s culture, support the local community, and help preserve this ancient tradition.
5. Trek to Mataru Waterfall
If you love an adventure, you definitely should trek to Mataru Waterfall. It’s one of the waterfalls in Alor Island that’s still hidden in the middle of the forest. The forest is still raw and natural, so it looks beautiful.
To make the trip more enjoyable, wear comfortable shoes and clothes. Also, remember to bring your camera, as many amazing spots and moments need to be captured.
6. Visit the Traditional Village of Takpala
Takpala Island is known for its ikat weaving, and its traditional house is also worth visiting. The Abui Tribe are the ones who live in the village, and they have a unique traditional house called Lopo.
Lopo is made of bamboo and reeds, natural materials that can be found easily here. The shape of the house is similar to a pyramid. There are around three room levels in each house, one level as a living space and two as storage space.
Interestingly, you can experience the sensation of living in Lopo when visiting the Takpala Village. They will also invite you to dance with them if there’s any festival or event. But, don’t forget to respect them and their culture during your trip to the village.
7. Experience the Unique Dugong Watching Tour
Dugongs are rare animals. In 2022, there are only around 100,000 dugongs left worldwide.[3] One of their natural habitats is in Alor Island. That’s why you need to meet them during your trip here.
There’s a popular dugong in Alor, which locals call Mawar. You can see it in its natural habitat in the morning. Mawar is very friendly, so you can create an unforgettable moment with it.
8. Visit the Museum of 1,000 Moko
For history lovers, there’s a museum called the Museum of 1,000 Moko (Museum Kalabahi) in Alor. As its name suggests, you can see more than 1,000 moko here. Moko is an ancient drum made of bronze. It has existed for hundreds of years and was once used for bartering.
This museum offers multiple activities, including learning more about the history of Alor Island, its people, and its traditions.
9. Enjoy a Scenic Sunset at Kokar Beach
After doing all those activities during the day, you can come to Kokar Beach at dusk to enjoy a scenic sunset. The scenery will look more beautiful with a blue sea as the background. Bring snacks with you because having a picnic at Kokar Beach before dusk will feel romantic.
10. Take a Boat Trip to Nearby Islands
Alor Regency in East Nusa Tenggara is an archipelago, so it’s unsurprising that you can find many small islands around the main island. Therefore, you can rent a boat for island-hopping to the nearby islands. There are a lot of small islands that are worth a visit, such as Kepa and Rusa Island.
Best Time to Visit Alor Island
The best time to visit Alor Island is during the dry season, from April to November, because there are many things to do. Sunny weather is ideal for diving, snorkeling, and exploring the island.
Avoid visiting the island around December to March because rain can limit outdoor activities.
Travel Tips for Alor Island
To make your trip more enjoyable, follow these tips before visiting Alor Island:
- Book a hotel, homestay, or resort beforehand, because online prices are usually cheaper than on-site prices.
- Make sure to book your accommodation on the official app, website, or telephone to avoid scams.
- Hiring a local guide is recommended if you want to visit traditional villages or do a trek to ensure your trip will be smoother and safer.
- Don’t dive alone. Contact a diving operator and ensure an instructor accompanies you for safety reasons.
- The current is strong, so don’t fight it. Instead, keep listening to your instructor’s guide.
- Make sure to bring cash, because the locals rarely provide debit or credit payments.
These are things to do in Alor Island. Which ones are your favorites and have you already added them to your to-do lists? You can take a 3-day, 2-night trip to Alor Island to try all those experiences yourself!
