Alor and Lembata Islands

 

"Even today, Alor and Lembata, do not seam to belong to the 20th century."  

Dr. Kal Muller
 
Alor Island regency is the least visited and therefore the most unspoiled region of Nusa Tenggara Timur (NTT). Trek to the rim of a volcano on Pantar or dive the straits of Alor and Pantar in a dive destination rated by all  to be amongst  the best in the world. Ponder on the existence of the Moko drums, which are not found in large numbers anywhere else in Indonesia and can be traced back to the Dongson period in Vietnam around 350 BC and you start to realize that Alor is truly a land lost in time. Visit and enjoy Alor in its unspoiled state while you still can. Go to Alor Diving information.

Alor diving is known as the best in the world.

OTHER SITES WITH INFORMATION ON DIVING IN ALOR

 


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Dive Alor Dive
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on this trip.

Weaving an Alor fish trap (Dr. Kal Muller)

  With its smoldering Volcanoes reaching down into crystal clear waters fringed with pristine coral reefs, coconut fringed pure white sandy beaches and traditional villages built half way up mountains, the scenery is as spectacular above as it is below the waterline.  Alor island is so mountainous that it is almost impossible to pass from one side to the other and many of the villages on the island itself can only transport themselves via small wooden ferries. The eight distinct dialects and more than 50 sub-dialects spoken today, testifies to the diversity on Alor.  

 

Alor traditional culture has been influenced over the ages by the Indian, Chinese and Javanese traders as well as by the Islamic and Christian religions.  This can be seen in the silk thread woven into the original weavings and the mix of Mosques and Christian churches dotted throughout the Island.  The traditional dances, the motifs of the Ikat weavings and the architectural style  varies greatly from area to area.  With more than a dozen traditional villages within one hours drive from the capital Kalabahi - Alor is a cultural tourists heaven.

Moko dancers of Alor (Dr. Kal Muller)

  

Lembata island is known throughout the world as the home of traditional whaling but what is not known is that the people of this Island are especially rich in cultural tradition.  The beautiful rich Ikat weavings are entirely made from home grown cotton, spun and dyed by the weaver.  These cloths are still important as they are exchanged during marriage for Ivory tusks between the two families.  The scenery throughout  the Island is  breathtaking, from the ever imposing "Ile Ape" volcano to the palm fringed bays to the colorful bustling local markets - beauty and excitement are everywhere.

Lamalera whalers moments before the catch (Dr. Kal Muller)

 

The village of Lamalera located on the southern tip of Lembata island is the home of a traditional whale hunting community.  Here, Sperm Whales have been hunted for centuries using all hand made equipment, their spears, rope and  boats are all made in the village.  The boats are without motors and the harpooner must jump from the boat  to implant his harpoon in to the whale to ensure success.  All parts of the whale are either consumed or traded with other Islanders for corn or other food.  While whale hunting is not generally condoned by modern societies, when you consider the ancestral links, the primitive equipment used and the importance to the people of Lamalera it is understandable that this traditional hunting has been sanctioned by the United Nations. 

Traditional Whalers of Lamalera (Dr. Kal Muller)

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This is the Official website of the Provincial Tourism Department  Nusa Tenggara Timur (NTT) - Eastern INDONESIA

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This page was last altered on the 8th of June, 2005.