The Island

Rote island has an exceptional natural environment with clear, transparent waters, caved rock formations, terraced plantations and rolling hills rugged with palm trees, savanna and some forest. Beautiful, white sandy beaches with a perfect surf, ritual traditions, beautiful ikat weavings and the Sasando, a musical instrument that is unique to the island, makes Rote much more than just another tropical beach destination.

The surfing or dry season stars in April and runs until November and offers, next to a daily clear blue sky, several quality surf spots such as Nemberala and Boa.

The coral reefs surrounding the island invite divers and snorkelers to admire an extremely varied marine life including all kinds of beautiful tropical fish and large numbers of mantas and dugongs.

Rote island is home to the extremely endangered snake-necked turtle which is native to Rote island's highlands. Its habitat are swamps, rice terraces and small lakes.

Rotenese locals are very welcoming and friendly and will immediately give you the feeling of having arrived in a safe environment with nothing to worry about. They are mainly of Christian faith and religion plays an important role in their lives. The society of Rote is divided up into two clans "Sunrise" and "Sunset" which used to be kingdoms before Indonesia's independence.