Rote Island | Hidden Paradise | Best Sunset Point | Yoga and meditation
Rote island
Rote Island is a hidden gem that offers an authentic Indonesian experience, natural beauty, and cultural richness. Located in the southeastern part of Indonesia, specifically in the province of East Nusa Tenggara. Rote island is known for natural beauty, cultural diversity, and relatively low levels of tourism, which makes it a peaceful and less developed destination compared to other parts of Indonesia.
The island is famous for beautiful beaches, including Nembrala Beach, which is popular among surfers for its consistent waves. The waters surrounding the island are clear and vibrant, making it ideal for activities like snorkeling, diving, and fishing.
How to get to Rote island
Rote Island is a small island in East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia. It is accessible by both air and sea, with an airport and port available for transportation. However, the airport is relatively small, and flights to the island are infrequent. As a result, the most common way to reach Rote Island is by sea.
If you're looking to travel to Rote island, here's a general outline of how you might get there:
- Fly to Kupang. First, you need to fly into Kupang, the capital city of East Nusa Tenggara Province. We were flying from Komodo Airport in Labuan Bajo, and the flight took 2 hours and 40 minutes to reach El Tari Airport in Kupang.
- From Kupang to Rote island. Once you are in Kupang, you can take a ferry or speedboat to Rote Island. The ferry ride usually departs from Tenau Port (about 30-40 minutes from Kupang city center) and takes around 2 to 3 hours to reach Ba’a port in Rote Island. We stayed one day in Kupang and gathered information on how to book speedboat tickets. It’s recommended to book online through the Express Bahari app, which is very convenient. The app allows you to choose your seat, with both economy and VIP options available. The price is around 180,000 IDR. We highly recommend booking tickets online to avoid the hassle of queuing at the port. Please note that the speedboat operates only once a day.
Once you arrive at Rote Island, you can use local transport, such as taxis or motorbikes to explore the island. There are no Gojek or Grab services available, but you can use the Maxim app for online transportation.
We were interested in visiting Nembrala, as we had seen on the map that it was surrounded by beautiful beaches with white sand. So, we decided to spend our time there. We used the Maxim app for transportation, from Ba’a Port to Nembrala took about 50 minutes by car. That was a beautiful choice to stay in Nembrala
Nembrala Beach
Nembrala Beach is one of the most popular and picturesque destinations on Rote Island, known for its natural beauty and tranquil atmosphere. Located on the southern coast, the beach boasts a long stretch of soft, golden sand that gently curves along the coastline. The clear, turquoise waters are perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and diving, with vibrant coral reefs just off the shore teeming with marine life.
Our homestay is located right in front of Nembrala Beach, where every day becomes an unforgettable memory.
We doing yoga and wellness at Nembrala Beach is an experience like no other. With the sound of gentle waves in the background and the feel of soft white sand beneath our feet, it’s the perfect environment to center our mind and body. The tranquil atmosphere encourages deep mindfulness, while the fresh ocean breeze enhances our practice, creating a sense of peace and relaxation.
After doing yoga and meditation, we take a dip in the clear, inviting waters or simply relax on the sand, letting the calmness of the beach wash over us.
We often stroll along the beach paths, lined with soft white sand and palm trees. Each afternoon, we eagerly await the stunning orange sunset, which has become our favorite time of day.
Rote Hidden beaches to visit
Batu pintu beach
Batu Pintu Beach is a stunning and relatively hidden gem on Rote Island, located on the southern coast. The name "Batu Pintu" translates to "Door Stone," referring to a unique rock formation resembling a large stone doorway, which has become a distinctive feature of the beach.
The beach itself has crystal-clear turquoise waters, white sand, tranquil atmosphere and so many horses here, making it an ideal spot for swimming, sunbathing, and relaxing. The surrounding landscape is picturesque, with rocky outcrops and lush greenery adding to its natural beauty. The beach is less crowded compared to some of Rote's other beaches, offering visitors a more peaceful and secluded experience.
The rock formation, Batu Pintu, is not only a photogenic landmark but also a popular spot for those seeking a serene and scenic backdrop for photos. The beach’s calm waters and scenic surroundings make it perfect for a day of relaxation or a quiet retreat to enjoy nature's beauty.
Loedik bo’a rote beach
Loedik Bo'a Beach located on the island's western coastline. It is renowned for its pristine natural beauty, tranquil atmosphere, and crystal-clear waters. The beach offers a perfect blend of golden sand, clear blue seas, and a peaceful environment, making it an ideal spot for visitors looking to escape the crowds and enjoy a serene retreat and wellness
The beach is relatively quiet, with few tourists, which makes it an excellent place for relaxation, swimming, or simply enjoying the scenic surroundings.
One of the unique aspects of Loedik Bo'a Beach is its unspoiled, natural setting. Surrounded by lush vegetation and scenic hills, it provides a peaceful atmosphere for those looking to connect with nature. Accessing Loedik Bo'a Beach requires a bit of travel, as it is not as well-developed or frequently visited as some other beaches on the island.
Mangrove beach
We accidentally discovered this beach while on our way to Loedik Beach. Located right at the edge of the road, it is surrounded by lush forests and vibrant greenery. The sight of its pristine white sand and crystal-clear waters was utterly mesmerizing, with mangrove plants dotting the shoreline, enhancing the natural beauty of this hidden paradise.
The area offers a peaceful escape, far from the bustle of more tourist-heavy locations, making it an ideal spot for nature lovers and those seeking tranquility. The coastline isn’t very large, but the water is a stunning crystal blue. While the view is breathtaking, I’m hesitant to swim here, as the beach is surrounded by mangroves, which might make the waters less inviting for a dip.
Oeseli beach
Oeseli Beach is a hidden gem located on the southern coast of Rote Island, Indonesia, offering a pristine and peaceful environment for visitors. The beach has calm, crystal-clear waters and unspoiled natural beauty. Oeseli Beach is perfect for swimming and snorkeling. The area is not as developed as other more touristy beaches, which adds to its charm and untouched atmosphere.
The beach is located near traditional villages where visitors can experience the local culture, as well as walk along the coast to discover more hidden gems surrounded by palm trees. Oeseli Beach offers a peaceful and picturesque setting that feels far removed from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Tolama beach
Tolama Beach is located on the western coast of Rote Island, a hidden gem that offers a peaceful retreat away from the crowds. The journey from Nembrala to the beach is mostly on a decent road, though there are a few rocky patches that can make the drive a bit challenging. Despite this, the adventure is well worth it. As you make your way toward Tolama Beach, the landscape around you transforms into lush forests and towering palm trees, enhancing the sense of seclusion and tranquility.
When you arrive, you'll be greeted by the breathtaking sight of crystal-clear, turquoise waters gently lapping against pristine white sand. The beach is remarkably unspoiled, with no signs of commercialization, and the absence of crowds makes it feel like your own private paradise. During our visit, we were fortunate to have the entire beach to ourselves, with not a single person in sight. It's a rare experience to find such a pristine, untouched place, and the natural beauty of Tolama Beach makes it truly unforgettable. Whether you're looking to relax in solitude, swim in the clear waters, or simply enjoy the unspoiled surroundings, Tolama Beach is a serene haven waiting to be discovered.
Sai Oebole beach
Sai Oebole Beach is also located on the western side of Rote Island, offering another peaceful escape. The road leading to the beach is in relatively good condition, with only a few rocky patches to navigate along the way. Upon arrival, you’ll be welcomed by clear turquoise waters and soft, white sand, complemented by large coral rocks scattered along the shore. These natural features add to the beach’s unique charm.
Although the beach remains largely untouched, you’ll find a few traditional houses near the shore (about three or four in total) giving the area a quaint, rustic feel. Despite the presence of these houses, the beach retains its serene and unspoiled atmosphere, making it an ideal spot for those seeking a peaceful, authentic experience. Sai Oebole Beach is definitely worth a visit for its natural beauty and tranquility, offering a perfect retreat away from the more crowded tourist spots.
Things you might need to know
Prices
We spent three weeks on Rote Island and found that Nembrala, while beautiful, tends to be more expensive than other parts of the island, including restaurant. The homestays in the area also tend to be pricier, often offering only basic facilities. However, despite these higher costs, the homestay where we stayed was still well worth it. Positioned right in front of the beach, it offered an unbeatable view of the sunset. Every evening, we were treated to breathtaking sunsets that made the slightly higher price tag feel entirely justified.
Traditional market (especially vegetable)
If you decide to cook, you'll need to stock up on a week's worth of vegetables, as the market is only open once a week.
Transportation
There are no Gojek or Grab services available, but you can use the Maxim app for online transportation when you need drop off to port
