Are you dreaming of pristine beaches, world-class surfing, and an off-the-beaten-path adventure? Look no further than Rote Island, Indonesia’s hidden gem in the East Nusa Tenggara province.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about how to get to Rote Island, ensuring your journey is smooth and stress-free.
Getting to Rote Island
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 1: Flying to Kupang (KOE)
Your first destination is Kupang, the gateway to Rote Island. Here are your options:
From Bali:
- Lion Air is the most commonly used airline for flights from Bali (Denpasar) to Kupang. They offer budget-friendly options and regular schedules.
- Book your flight in advance, especially during peak seasons (May to September), to ensure availability and better prices.
From Jakarta:
- If you’re coming from Jakarta, you can fly with Garuda Indonesia or Citilink to Kupang.
- These airlines offer more comfort but might be pricier than Lion Air.
Travel Tip: Regardless of your departure point, aim to arrive in Kupang a day before your planned ferry or connecting flight to Rote Island. This buffer allows for any potential flight delays and ensures you don’t miss your connection.
Step 2: From Kupang to Rote Island
Once you’ve landed in Kupang, you have a few options to reach Rote Island. Most travel itineraries require an overnight stay in Kupang. If you want to complete the journey in one day, your only option is to take the slow ferry from Kupang to Rote.
We recommend staying at ASTON Hotel for beautiful ocean views and comfortable amenities. Take advantage of their buffet breakfast before you depart the next morning.
Fast Ferry
- Operated by Express Bahari.
- Departs from Kupang at 9:00 AM, arriving in Rote at approximately 11:00 AM.
- Cost: Around 174,000 IDR for the Eksekutif class (cheapest option).
Travel Tips: While you can purchase tickets at the harbour on the day of travel, if you want to ensure a VIP ticket, it’s worthwhile booking in advance. Your accommodation can help you do this ahead of time or if you have an Indonesian bank card you can do this on the Express Bahari App. Bring a warm layer as the air conditioning can be chilly on board.
Slow Ferry
- Departs from Kupang at 15:00 PM.
- Cost: About 64,000 IDR per person.
- Takes about 4 hours to reach Rote Island.
- More budget-friendly but less comfortable than the fast ferry.
- Ideal for travelers on a tight budget and those who enjoy longer sea journeys.
Travel Tips: To buy a ticket you must go to 2 counters. First you get a card which you add credit to. You then go to a second counter with your card and ID to purchase your actual ticket. If you arrive late and the ticket counters are closed, head directly to the boat and you can normally pay the security guard the fee directly.
Fly with Susi Air
- Susi Air Kupang to Rote Schedule: Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 07:30 AM.
- Contact through WhatsApp for booking: +62 811 2001 1917
- Limited seats and restrictions on surfboard sizes and numbers.
- Requires advance booking (we recommend a minimum 1 month) and is more expensive than other travel options.
- Ideal for those with a higher budget, limited time and traveling without surfboards.
Travel Tip: Plan ahead if you want to take a Susi flight as they are often sold out.
Arriving on Rote Island
Once you reach Rote Island, your adventure truly begins. Here’s what to expect:
- You’ll arrive at either Pantai Baru (if by ferry or speedboat) or the local airport (if by flight).
- Arrange for a driver to pick you up in advance. This is crucial as public transportation options are limited.
- Pantai Baru to Nemberala costs 600,000 IDR (35-37 USD) per car and takes 2-3 hours.
Travel Tip: Many resorts and guesthouses offer pickup services. Inquire about this when booking your accommodation to simplify your arrival.
Best Time to Visit Rote Island
Timing your visit right can make a big difference in your experience:
- Dry Season (May to September):
- Ideal for surfing with consistent weather and consistent offshore trade winds for T-Land
- Peak tourist season, so book accommodations and transportation early.
- Wet Season (December to March):
- Less crowded and often cheaper.
- Temperatures climb, less wind and occasional heavy rain.
Travel Tip: If you’re a surfer, aim for the dry season. If you prefer a quieter experience and don’t mind occasional rain, the wet season can offer a more authentic feel.
Travel Tips for Rote Island
- Currency and cash: Bring Indonesian Rupiah (IDR). While there is a brand new ATM in Nemberala, it is often empty or not working. The next nearest ATM is in Ba’a, an hour drive away.
- Language: Basic Bahasa Indonesia phrases can go a long way. Outside of Nemberala English is not widely spoken.
- Accommodation: Book in advance, especially during peak season.
- Stay Local: Local homestays offer a more authentic Rote experience.
- Respect Local Customs: Rote Island is predominantly Christian, unlike much of Indonesia.
- Electricity: Bring a Type C/F plug adapter for your devices.
Getting to Rote Island may require some extra steps, but the reward is access to one of Indonesia’s most unspoiled paradises. With pristine beaches, world-class surfing, and a rich local culture, Rote Island offers an authentic Indonesian experience far from the tourist crowds.
Remember, the journey to Rote Island is part of the adventure.
So pack your bags, book your tickets, and get ready to discover the hidden gem that is Rote Island, Indonesia.
