About Ragz
Founder of the Rote Guide
Ragz is the founder of The Rote Guide, the number one resource for travelers exploring the hidden gem of Rote Island, Indonesia.
With over 15 years of experience in the travel and surf industry across global destinations including Morocco, Hawaii, and Indonesia, Ragz brings unparalleled expertise to Rote’s tourism landscape.
Having spent a few years in Rote, and many more years throughout Indonesia, Ragz has developed a deep understanding of the local culture, customs, and unique challenges facing this emerging destination. His extensive background in the region allows him to offer insights that go far beyond the typical travel guide:
- Intimate knowledge of Rote’s best surf spots, beaches, and hidden locations
- Strong relationships with local communities and businesses
- Deep understanding of Indonesian language and culture
- Comprehensive understanding of sustainable tourism practices
Collaborative Approach and Community Empowerment
What sets The Rote Guide apart is its collaborative approach to sustainable tourism. Ragz is not working alone; he’s actively partnering with local communities to build this project:
- Empowering locals to have a voice in shaping Rote’s tourism future
- Conducting workshops on sustainable tourism practices for local businesses and guides
- Facilitating dialogue between visitors, local communities, and government bodies
- Creating opportunities for cultural exchange and mutual understanding
This inclusive approach ensures that The Rote Guide benefits all stakeholders – local residents, foreign visitors, and the island’s ecosystem alike. And Rote Guide is a platform that can be used to empower sustainable growth in Rote.
Commitment to Sustainable Development
Ragz is not just a travel expert; he’s an advocate for responsible tourism and sustainable development in Rote. Through The Rote Guide, he aims to:
- Promote eco-friendly travel practices
- Support local businesses and communities
- Preserve Rote’s natural beauty and cultural heritage
- Educate visitors on the importance of sustainable tourism
- Create a model for inclusive tourism that can be replicated in other developing destinations
Background in Marketing
As the founder of FERN, a digital marketing agency specializing in the surf travel industry, Ragz brings a unique perspective to Rote Guide. His expertise in building powerful online presences for travel businesses enhances the guide’s ability to showcase Rote to a global audience while maintaining the island’s authentic charm.
Through his work with FERN , Ragz has established himself in the travel and tourism industry. His expertise has been recognized and sought after by some of the most prestigious names in travel:
- Collaborated with Wonderful Indonesia on promotional campaigns
- Featured in Condé Nast publications, showcasing luxury travel experiences
- Partnered with Relais & Châteaux to highlight exclusive properties
- Worked with Billabong for content creation in Morocco
- Contributed to travel features in The New York Times
Ragz’s mission is to make The Rote Guide the definitive resource for travelers, while simultaneously fostering sustainable growth that benefits the local community. With his extensive experience, cultural insights, and commitment to collaborative and responsible tourism, Ragz is the authoritative voice for travel in Rote, Indonesia. Through The Rote Guide, he’s not just showcasing a destination – he’s facilitating a sustainable, community-driven approach to tourism that respects and uplifts all involved.
Posts by Ragz
Rote Island Longboard Surf Retreat with Ale at Boa Vida Rote
How does 8 days of perfect waves, expert coaching, and a slice of paradise designed to transform your longboarding skills sound? This May, Boa Vida Rote is hosting an exclusive surf retreat at their cliff top location, led by Guatemalan Longboard Champion,...
Nusa Tenggara Timur (NTT)
Nestled in the eastern part of Indonesia, Nusa Tenggara Timur (NTT) is a captivating province rich in culture, history, and natural beauty. Unlike the bustling hubs of Bali and Jakarta, Nusa Tenggara Timur or 'East Nusa Tenggarra' in english, offers an unspoiled...
Telaga Nirwana
If you have searched for Rote Island online, you have probably seen images of this bright blue lake, connected to the ocean by an incredibly picturesque narrow strip of water with people kayaking or paddle boarding along. Surrounded by dense green jungle, towering...
Wildlife and Nature in Rote Island: Unique Species and Conservation Efforts
Rote Island, the southernmost island of Indonesia, is a remote island known for its stunning landscapes, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant biodiversity. Though relatively small in size, the island boasts a rich ecosystem teeming with unique flora and fauna found...
Visa On Arrival (VOA) for Indonesia
If you're planning a trip to Bali, Rote or any other destination in Indonesia, understanding the Visa on Arrival (VOA) process can save you time and hassle. The VOA is the most commonly used visa option for travelers entering Indonesia, as it is a convenient and...
Visa & Immigration Information for Traveling to Indonesia
Planning a trip to Indonesia? Whether you’re heading to the sun-soaked beaches of Bali, the surf breaks of Rote Island, or the bustling streets of Jakarta, understanding Indonesia’s visa and immigration requirements is essential. With regulations that vary depending...
Indonesia Visa Exemption: Visa Free Countries List
Indonesia has revised its visa-free exemption policy, drastically reducing the list of eligible countries from 169 to just 13. This change, implemented through Presidential Regulation No. 95 of 2024, marks a significant shift in Indonesia’s immigration policy. Below,...
Essential Surf Travel Packing List
Alright, so you’ve booked your ticket, scoped out the forecast, and you’re already daydreaming about scoring those dreamy tropical waves in Indonesia. Whether you're hitting up the Mentawais, Rote, or some secret spot only the locals know about, there's one thing that...
Forget Bali. Here Are Some Amazing Indonesian Islands That You Didn’t Know About.
Indonesia is famous for its islands, with Bali, Lombok and the Gili Islands regularly topping travel lists for travelers from all across the world. But there are over 17,000 other islands in Indonesia and these few famous islands are just a tiny part of this sprawling...
Essential Travel Tips for Exploring Remote Indonesia
While islands like Bali, Lombok, Gili are now highly developed with airports, roads, transport networks, GoJeks, Grabs, hospitals, shopping malls, a seemingly endlessly diverse choice of restaurants and everything you could pretty much desire. The vast majority of...
Best Kupang Hotels For Your Overnight Stopover in Kupang, Timor
When heading to Rote Island, it's most likely you will be looking at an overnight stay in the capital of East Nusa Tengarra, Kupang in West Timor. Kupang's El Tari Airport is a busy airport for connections onto some of Indonesias more remote islands including Rote and...
Where to Surf in Indonesia: Bali, Batukaras, and Beyond
Indonesia’s surf scene is no secret, and for good reason. With over 17,000 islands, this archipelago is home to some of the world’s best waves. And while Bali and its famous Bukit Peninsula often steal the spotlight, there’s a a lot more surf waiting to be discovered...
Explore Kupang Timor
Kupang, located on the southwestern tip of Timor Island, is a stop that everyone heading to Rote will make on their journey, and when your next stop is the dreamy island of Rote, this layover can seem rather inconvenient. At first glance through the windows of your...
Plugs & Sockets in Rote, Bali and Other Indonesian Islands
In Rote, as in all of Indonesia you will need the 2 pin, C and F type sockets and plugs. The pins on C and F plugs are round and not flat or rectangular. Standard Voltage in Rote The Voltage is in Indonesia and Rote is 230V. Voltage: 230 V Frequency: 50 Hz Power...
Indonesian Airline Surfboard Baggage Fees
Whether you are planning your first surf trip to Indonesia, or your 100th, navigating Indonesian Airlines surfboard baggage policies with the lack of information online, can be a nightmare. Want to get straight to it? Garuda Surfboard Fees Lion Air Surfboard...
Nemberala Beach
Nemberala Beach, a vibrant hub of activity on Rote Island, is a must-visit destination for both locals and tourists alike. Its prime location, lined with resorts and bustling with surf boats, makes it a central point for island life. Surfers flock here to catch waves...
5 Reasons to Visit Rote Island, Indonesia
Rote Island is a place where you can still escape the ordinary and find a taste of Indonesia as it was before mass tourism. It's an island where pristine beaches meet rich cultural heritage, a seemingly untouched paradise that offers travelers an authentic escape from...
Express Bahari: Kupang to Rote Fast Ferry
UPDATE October 18th 2024: From October 21st 2024 the Express Bahari Ship 8E will arrive in Rote at Ba'a Port. www.expressbahari.com @expressbahari.id Great news for everyone coming to Rote, from October 21st, 2024, the Express Bahari Fast Ferry to Rote Island will...
What’s The Best Time to Travel to Rote? Rote Weather and Seasons
For most of us, the best time for your trip to Rote depends on 3 main factors. The weather, surf conditions, and whether you want to be here in the busier peak season, or the quieter low season. Peak season can mean offshore trades everyday at T-Land, but with a...
Surfboard Shapes: Everything You Need To Know
Picking out a new board before a trip or talking to your shaper about your brand new custom is one of the best feelings in life for a surfer. But at the same time, with so many surfboard shapes out there, choosing the right one for you can be one of life's tougher...
Rote Island Surf Guide
Rote Island, one of the farthest-flung Indonesian destinations in East Nusa Tenggara, is rapidly gaining recognition as a premier surf destination. Known for its amazing waves and laid-back atmosphere, Rote offers a unique alternative to the more popular surf spots in...
The History of Rote Island, Indonesia
Rote Island, located in the Lesser Sunda Islands of Indonesia, has a rich and interesting history. Over the centuries, the island has been influenced by various cultures, including Portuguese and Dutch colonial powers. Here are some bitesized bits of history and...
Nemberala Rote: Travel Guide
Nestled on the southwestern corner of Rote Island in Indonesia's East Nusa Tenggara province, Nemberala is a hidden gem that's quickly becoming a must-visit destination for surfers and travelers seeking an off-the-beaten-path adventure. Known for its world-class...
Wings Air Flights From Kupang to Rote Island NTT
UPDATE SUNDAY OCTOBER 13th 2024: Great news!! While it has come later than planned, Wings Air will resume flying between Kupang (KOE) and Rote NTT (RTI) from October 27th 2024. You can now book flights online at Lion Air directly. If you are not in Indonesia and want...
How to Get to Rote Island, Indonesia
Reaching Rote Island requires a bit of planning, but the journey is well worth it. The most common route involves flying to Kupang, the capital of West Timor, and then taking a ferry or connecting flight to Rote Island. Let's break down each step of the journey. Step...
T-Land Surf Guide: Surfing One of Indonesia’s Longest Lefts
Known locally as Besialo, T-Land is a long left-hand surf spot located on the SW coast of Rote Island, Indonesia. With the right swells, T-Land becomes one of the longest lefts in the entire Indonesian archipelago. Where is T-Land? T-Land is located on the SW coast of...
Remote Worker’s Guide to Wifi and Mobile Data in Nemberala, Rote
With its white sand beaches, pumping waves, laidback island vibes, and thriving local culture, Rote is becoming an alluring destination for digital nomads. This remote Indonesian island offers the perfect escape from the hustle of and traffic in islands like Bali,...
Comprehensive Travel Guide to Rote Island
Tucked away in the southernmost part of Indonesia this hidden gem is a paradise waiting to be discovered. With its pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and untouched landscapes, Rote Island, known locally as Pulau Rote offers a truly idyllic escape from the hustle...
Welcome to The Rote Guide
Rote Island or Pulau Rote, a lesser travelled island in the southwestern corner of Indonesia, is a melting pot of culture, adventure and natural wonders waiting to be explored. From rolling farmlands and pristine beaches to colorful traditions and warm smiles, Rote...