Cruising East Nusa Tenggara

Cruising East Nusa Tenggara consists of three major islands (Sumba, Flores, Timor) and hundreds of island around those three islands, that includes Komodo Island, Alor, Sawu and others.

Cruising East Nusa Tenggara is uniquely different from any other region in Indonesia as it is geographically, ethnically, and culturally closer to Australia and Micronesia than mainland Asia. The islands in East Nusa Tenggara were occupied by the Portuguese, the first Europeans to colonize this area. The majority of the people are Christians. It is only recently that this region was opened to the outside world due to its isolation from the major transportation and communication networks in Indonesia.

Sumba is known as Sandalwood Island and famous for its arts, handicrafts (more specifically the Ikat Weaving Textile) and their authentic ancient traditions or rituals.

Flores means flower in Portuguese. It is a long Island with a mountainous landscape which offers scenic beauty, great beaches, natural wonders and unique tradition. The famous three colours crater Lake of Kelimutu is situated on this island, and Larantuka has been port of call for many world class cruises. The Island of Komodo offers visitors an unforgettable opportunity – a chance to see the Komodo Dragon.

Timor Island is divided into two parts, the eastern half has proclaimed their independence and is now separated from Indonesia. Kupang, the provincial capital city of East Nusa Tenggara that is a part of Indonesia territory is situated in the southern tip of the island.

Places of Interest

Komodo Island

Cruise ship have to anchor on the east coast of Komodo Island in the Slawi Bay. The passengers have to disembark by group of about 25 person and be escorted by local rangers when visiting the Komodo National Park.
 A wooden landing stage allows tenders to land passengers at low tide. But authorities have installed a floating pontoon which is fixed at the end of the landing stage so tendering operation are possible at anytime.

The Komodo island is a national park that covers approximately 170.000 ha in total, includes Rinca Island, Padar Island and its surrounding. Komodo ( Varanus Komodoensis ) or people call it as Komodo Dragon is the world’s largest living lizard, this carnivore species can grow to 3 m length and weight over 150 kg. There are rangers who will lead you to the feeding place, visitors normally share the cost of goat to feed the komodo. Komodo has been declared a “Man and Biosphere Reserve” and a World Heritage Site in 1986.

                                                                                                                                          

Lesser Sunda

This beautiful mountainous island in the Lesser Sunda stretches for over 350 km in the eastern part of the archipelago. The first contact with the outside world was recorded in early 12^th century when the Chinese traded sandal wood. One of the towns in the island is Larantuka. Its strategic position has made this town an important port. The Portuguese missionaries exerted great influence especially in Larantuka. Larantuka now remains among the most obviously Christian town on the island.

Mount Kelimutu

Visitor from all over the world come to this holy mountain for its magnificent view of its three coloured crater lakes. The lakes are situated at 1,640 m high and the colours have changed over the years, they are now maroon (almost black), iridescent green and yellow souls.

Wolowaru Village

The small town of Wolowaru is worth visiting as a photo stop for its beautiful scenery and mountain sights. During market day( Monday, Wednesday, Saturday ) there is a range of Ikat on sale. Jopu is another traditional village where visitors can watch the process of making Ikat and even have the opportunity to see the megalithic  culture of the Lio tribe.

Komodo Dragon Walking Tour

Duration : 4 Hrs 

08:30	Disembark
09:00 – 10:00	Welcome greetings, briefing & preparation
10:00 – 12:00	Walking tour to the site
12:30	Rejoin the ship

Larantuka Sightseeing 
Duration : 4 Hrs

09:00	Lamalohot, Departure
10:00 – 11:00	Muda Kaputuk Village
11:15 – 11:45	Traditional market
13:00	Lamalohot, Arrival

Kelimutu Tour
Duration : 11 Hrs 15 Mins 

06:30	Ende, Departure
09:30 – 11:20	Kelimutu
12:10 – 12:40	Jopu Village
13:00 – 14:00	Lunch
14:30 – 15:00	Nduaria
17:45	Ende, Arrival

Source: Cruising Indonesia by Ministry of Culture and Tourism Republic of Indonesia

www.my-indonesia.info

www.indonesiatourism.go.id

www.indonesia.travel