Essential tips and general facts to help you plan your journey to one of Indonesia’s hidden gems.
ARRIVAL IN ROTE ISLAND
Reaching Rote Island typically begins with a flight to Kupang (KOE), the capital of West Timor. From there, travelers can choose between a fast ferry, slow ferry, or a short flight to Rote Island:
- Fast Ferry: Operated by Express Bahari, this is the most popular option. Ferries depart from Kupang’s harbor around 9:00 AM daily and take approximately 2 hours to reach Rote’s Pantai Baru Harbor.
- Slow Ferry: A budget-friendly alternative, departing at 3:00 PM and taking 4 hours.
- Flights: Susi Air operate limited flights between Kupang and Rote Island, with tickets requiring advance booking. Wings Air operates regular flights on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday, offering a quick 30-minute journey—the fastest way to reach Rote Island. Tickets can be booked on Lion Air’s website (VPN may be required for international bookings) or through platforms like Skyscanner and Trip.com.
Travel Tip: Most visitors will need to stay overnight in Kupang before heading to Rote.
Upon arrival at Ba’a Harbor or Rote’s David Constantijn Saudale Airport, it’s best to prearrange transportation with your accommodation, as public transport options are limited.
MEDICAL SERVICES
Healthcare facilities on Rote Island are limited but sufficient for minor issues. For serious medical concerns, visitors may need to travel back to Kupang or Bali for treatment.
- Pharmacies (Apotek) are available in the larger villages.
- The islands main full-service hospital is in Ba’a, about an hour from Nemberala.
Emergency Numbers:
- Medical Assistance: 118
- Police: 110
Travel Tip: Ensure you have comprehensive travel insurance before your trip, as non-Indonesian citizens must pay out of pocket for medical care.
LANGUAGE
The primary language spoken on Rote Island is Bahasa Indonesia. While English is understood in tourist areas like Nemberala, learning a few basic phrases can go a long way when interacting with locals, especially in villages.
FLAG
While Rote Island does not have its own official flag, it proudly belongs to Indonesia. The national flag—red and white—symbolizes bravery (red) and purity (white).
Population
Approximately 160,000 (2023). The majority live in rural villages, with Ba’a and Nemberala being the main hubs for travelers.
Capital City
Ba’a is the administrative center and largest town on the island.
Currency
Indonesian Rupiah (IDR).
Time Zone
WITA (Central Indonesia Time), UTC +8.
Island Size
Rote island is approximately 1,200 km² (463 sq. miles).
Emergency Numbers
- Police/General Emergencies: 110 or 112 (From Satellite and Mobile Phones)
- Ambulance and Medical Emergencies: 118 or 119
- Firefighter: 113
- Search and Rescue (BASARNAS): 115
- Natural Disaster Assistance: 129
