Rote Island is one of Indonesia’s most captivating hidden gems—but getting there takes a little planning. Nestled in East Nusa Tenggara, just southwest of Timor, this off-the-beaten-path paradise rewards travelers with pristine beaches, world-class waves, and warm island hospitality. Whether you’re coming from Bali, Jakarta, or internationally, this guide will walk you through every step of your journey to Rote.
Step 1: Fly to Kupang (KOE)
Your journey to Rote begins with a flight to Kupang, the capital of West Timor. While it’s not the most glamorous airport in Indonesia, it’s your main jumping-off point to the island. Most travelers fly into Kupang from either Bali or Jakarta. You can’t fly directly to Rote from major international hubs, so this is a necessary first stop.
From Bali (DPS):
- 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.
- Flight time around 1 hr 45 mins.
From Jakarta (CGK):
- 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.
- Flights take 2.5–3 hours
Step 2: Choose Your Route from Kupang to Rote
Step 2: Choose Your Route from Kupang to Rote
Once you’ve landed in Kupang, you have three options to reach Rote Island. Whether you’re looking for speed, affordability, or a bit of island-hopping adventure, there’s a travel method that fits your style.
Below are your three main options: flying, taking the fast ferry, or cruising in on the slow ferry.
| Option | Travel Time | Days Available | Cost | Surfboard fees | Booking | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wings Air | 30 mins | Mon, Wed, Fri (Kupang – Rote)Tue, Thu, Sat (Rote – Kupang) | 20 – 100 USD | Max 6.5 ft, IDR 1,000,000 per board | Lion Air website, Traveloka, Skyscanner | Speed & comfort |
| Fast Ferry | 2 hrs | Daily (9:00 a.m. dep.) | $10-15 USD | Accepts all boards with small additional fee per bag | Express Bahari App, hotel assistance | Budget & reliability and travelers with many boards/longboards. |
| Slow Ferry | 4 hrs | Daily (3:30 p.m. dep.) | $4 USD | Free (store on lower deck) | In person at terminal | Budget and experience seekers |
Option 1: Fly from Kupang to Rote with Wings Air
If you’re short on time or just prefer to fly, Wings air are bring back the quick 30-minute flights from Kupang to Rote; by far the fastest and most convenient ways to reach the island, especially if you’re not carrying longboards or bulky luggage.
Starting April 2nd 2025 Wings Air is reintroducing its afternoon Kupang to Rote flight, which is great news. Prior to this an overnight stay in Kupang was necessary in order to catch the Express Bahari Fast Ferry the following morning. If you opt for the Wings Air flight, you can avoid the overnight stay and arrive in Rote the same day.
Here are the details:
- Starts April 2, 2025
- Kupang to Rote: Mon, Wed, Fri at 3:35 p.m.
- Rote to Kupang: Tue, Thu, Sat at 7:00 a.m.
- Flight time: ~30 minutes
- Book via Lion Air’s website, Traveloka, or Skyscanner (VPN may be required)
Surfboards: 6.5 ft max / IDR 1,000,000 per board (strict).
👉 Check out our full guide to all Indonesian Airline Surfboard Baggage Fees here
Option 2: Fast Ferry to Rote
Taking the Express Bahari fast ferry is one of the most popular choices for getting to Rote due to price and availability (For the past few years Wings Air was not flying Kupang to Rote, making this the best option).
It’s a comfortable ride with air conditioning and assigned seating, and many travelers love soaking in the ocean views. It’s also a great option if you’re carrying multiple boards, longboards or want to avoid the 1,000,000 IDR per board Wings Air Surfboard Fees.
It is worth noting that you must stay one night in Kupang if you wish to take the fast ferry as it departs at 9am. This has been the process for standard process for the last few years Arrive in Kupang, stay one night, catch the ferry in the morning. Because of this there are many great hotels, and drivers that offer airport to hotel to morning ferry in one price.
Operator: Express Bahari
- Departs daily at 9:00 a.m. from Pelabuhan Tenau (Kupang)
- Arrives at Pelabuhan Ba’a Rote. around 11:00 a.m.
- Ticket prices:
- Eksekutif: IDR 172,000
- VIP: IDR 245,000 (reclining seats, AC, worth the additional spend)
Booking:
- Use the Express Bahari App (requires Indonesian bank card)
- Book in person on arrival at the ferry port. If you want to ensure VIP then you should book in advance, but if you don’t mind then you can get tickets at the port.
- Or ask your accommodation to assist
Surfboards: All boards accepted and are charged roughly on weight and size, expect IDR 20,000 to 30,000 per board bag
👉 Read the full Express Bahari ferry guide here
🛏️ Tip: Plan ahead to plan overnight in Kupang. Check out our guide to the best Kupang hotels for top picks near the airport and ferry terminal, and our guide to Kupang.
Option 3: Slow Ferry to Rote
If you’re on a tight budget or just looking to do things the local way, then there is the Rote slow ferry.. It’s a no-frills, four-hour boat ride that gets the job done — and it’s a favorite among local travelers. Just pack some snacks, and a smile, and enjoy the ride. You will be met by many smiling locals, especially kids excited to foreigners on the ferry and as you sail through sunset you get some epic ocean sunset views.
- Departs daily from Kupang at 3:30 p.m.
- Arrives in Rote around 7:30–8:00 p.m.
- Cost: IDR 64,000 (adults), IDR 41,000 (children)
🎟️ Ticket Process:
- Go to counter Counter 1 to load credit on your ferry card or buy one if you do not have one.
- Go to Counter 2 with your ferry card and ID to buy the ticket with the credit you just loaded to it.
Surfboards: Free, but must be stored in the lower car deck.
Tip: If you arrive late and the counters are closed but the boat is still there, head straight down the pier and pay the security guy directly.
Arriving on Rote Island
Once you reach Rote, the adventure really begins. Whether you land at the airport or arrive by sea at Pelabuhan Ba’a Rote , you’ll be greeted by the laid-back island vibe that makes Rote so special.
We highly recommend that you arrange your transportation in advance as there are limited options on arrival.
If you are traveling to Nemberala, the car journey is about 45-60 minutes from both the airport and ferry port.
Can you travel to Rote Island in 1 day?
YES! You can now get to Rote in just one day. This is thanks to the reintroduction of the afternoon flights from Kupang to Rote with Wings Air.
Previously, due the scheduling you were required to spend one night in Kupang to either take the ferry or Susi Air flight the following morning.
While technically you could always make the journey in one day by using the slow ferry, it made for a long day of travel which most people opted against.
But now with the afternoon Wings Air flight, you can arrive in Kupang early enough to take the afternoon flight to Rote.
Best Time to Visit Rote
Rote is a year-round destination, but the experience varies with the seasons. Whether you’re a surfer chasing perfect waves or just looking to relax on a quiet beach, choosing the right time to visit can make all the difference.
Dry Season (May–September)
- Best for surfing due to consistent trade winds and swell.
- Offshore winds & sunny skies
- Peak tourist season—book early
Wet Season (December–March)
- Hotter and quieter
- Occasional heavy rain, fewer crowds
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.
🌤️More on Rote Island Weather & Seasons here
Travel Tips
Here are some practical tips to make your trip to Rote smoother, safer, and more enjoyable:
💰 Cash is King: Bring IDR. ATMs in Nemberala often empty; Ba’a has the nearest reliable ATM.
🌐 Connectivity: Telkomsel offers the best coverage. E-Sims like Holafly work great.
⚡ Power: Type C/F adapter
🗣️ Language: Bahasa Indonesia! Learning basic phrases goes a long way. English limited outside main areas
🙏 Cultural Respect: Dress modestly outside the beach zones
🌴Get travel insurance: We highly recommend travel insurance that covers domestic delays—weather and airline changes are not uncommon in remote Indonesia.
👉 Want more travel tips for remote parts of Indonesia?
FAQs
What’s the fastest way to get to Rote Island?
Flying with Wings Air is the fastest—just 30 minutes from Kupang.
Can I fly direct to Rote from Bali or Jakarta?
Not technically, but you can book a single ticket via Kupang on Lion/Wings Air, which checks bags through to Rote.
What’s the cheapest way to get to Rote?
The slow ferry is the most budget-friendly at just IDR 64,000.
Are surfboards allowed on flights?
Yes, but with limitations:
- Wings Air: 6.5 ft max / 1M IDR per board
- Susi Air: Max 1.8m / 20kg per bag
- Lion Air: IDR 200,000 per board
Can I bring surfboards on the ferry?
Yes:
- Fast Ferry: Roughly 30k IDR per boardbag
- Slow Ferry: Free (store on lower deck)
What’s the best overnight stop in Kupang?
If you are opting for the fast ferry route and are staying one night in Kupang, see our Kupang hotel guide for beachfront and budget picks.
What to Do If Flights/Ferries Are Canceled
While inconvenient and annoying, this happens quite often due to weather or logistics issues, so do not panic. If Wings Air cancels without reason, you will be provided some food and money towards a hotel stay in Kupang. We recommended the Aston Hotel. If the ferry is cancelled, depending on the day you can opt for the afternoon Wings Air flight or the Slow ferry that runs every day, or simply wait until the following morning.
We recommend,
- Book flexible tickets if possible.
- Be familiar with/Have a backup night planned in Kupang.
- Get your accommodation to help rebook or secure ferry spots.
- Join local Rote travel WhatsApp or Facebook groups for real-time updates.
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.
