Rote is a gem hidden from travellers’ trail. Being part of Rote Ndao Regency alongside nearby islands such as Ndao Island, the island is located on the southwest of the largest island of Timor. Rote Island is particularly well-known among surfers for its surfing culture as each year, surfers flock to Nambarela to ride the almost perfect tubes formed by the shallow reefs and offshore winds. Aside from that, Rote’s seamless white-sand beaches and crystal clear water are its definite charms in attracting tourists.

Airports in Rote, Indonesia

David Constantijn Saudale Airport

David Constantijn Saudale Airport, formerly known as Lekunik Airport, is the main airport in Ba’a, the capital city of Rote Ndao Regency. Currently, the airport serves as one of the two main points of entry to Rote Island, besides Ba’a Port. As of now, the airport is only able to accommodate small aircraft such as the ATR-72. Additionally, the airport is comprised of 1,170 square meter passenger terminal and an operational building consisting of office buildings, NDB flight navigation building, workshop building, ATC tower, PKP-PK building and PH building. As it is a small airport, Wings Air is presently the only airline serving the airport, operating two daily flights to and from Kupang.

How to Get Cheap Flights to Rote?

Traveloka is a travel search engine that makes it easy for travellers to find the cheapest flights to Rote Island. All you need to do is key in the information in the search box, and the application will recommend the best trip according to your budget. It compares flight prices across some trusted airlines to help you to get the best possible deal. Use Traveloka’s price alert feature to be notified of flights in your desired price range to get the best flight price to Rote Island.

When is the Best Time to Fly to Rote?

December to March would be the off-peak season due to heavy rains and storms coming in from the south. Since Rote Island is a part of Indonesia that not many tourists would make it to, the peak season would be during the dry season, which is from May to September, whereby most of the tourists come to catch the perfect waves for surfing. During that season, Rote offers good swells as the trade winds blow offshore and the breaks pick-up the south and southwestern swells from Antarctica. However, if you are not there to surf, exploring Rote can be more comfortable during July and August as those are typically the coolest months with a steady breeze blowing for most of the days.

Between March to April and October to November, or also locally known as the shoulder seasons, the temperature is generally warmer. As there will be less wind and less consistent swell, it serves as Rote's low season and would be the perfect time for tourists who wish to experience peaceful beach getaway.

In Rote Island, there are few notable events that tourists shouldn’t miss. Firstly, the Rote Local Market whereby the market bazaar is considered as an important cultural and social meeting place for locals. This event is held every Tuesday morning and you can test your bargaining skills for fresh fruits, vegetables, spices, jewelry, clothing and so much more all while experiencing authentic Rotanese culture. Next on the list would be the New Year festival, the Hus Traditional Ceremony, or horse-riding ceremony. It is considered as an expression of gratitude for the blessings received from the harvest of rice fields, fields, and marine goods. Furthermore, by this ceremony, locals will be able to estimate the time of rainy and harvest season for the following year. Usually, the ceremony takes place between the end of July to mid-August, depending on the moon. This horse-riding ceremony usually starts and ends with a traditional dance with the track distance of about 3.2 kilometers to Desa Boni, the central spot for the event, from Ba’a. The dance will be performed by women accompanied by the 'sasando’, the Rotanese guitar while the men will make offerings to the ancestors of the clan, wearing traditional costumes. Moreover, during Indonesia’s Independence Day, which is on August 17^th, Rotanese will have a ceremony as a commemoration. After the ceremony, locals would usually play games and carry out small competitions. Some of the games include sack race, marble-and-spoon race, and so on.

What are the Top 3 Things to Do in Rote?

Although Rote Island is still unlikely a popular destination, it offers many attractions for tourists.

Surfing at Nemberala - Surfing is one of the activities that you should look forward the most when you are in Rote Island as the island offers quality surf spots. One of the famous surf spots is Besialu Reef, or better known as T-Land, as it provides one of the longest and most consistent waves in Indonesia. Another attraction to consider would be Bo’a, of which you can get there by boat, car or motorbike.

Snorkelling and Diving - Rote does not only have breathtakingly beautiful beaches, but the coastlines of Rote and its nearby small islands are also surrounded by hectares of coloured coral reefs. Not to mention, Rote Island is home to a variety of marine species such as firefish, mantas and dugongs. It would be a magnificent sight to watch!

Experiencing the Rotanese Culture - Rote has a lot of historical relics which includes antique Chinese porcelain, alongside with ancient arts and traditions. Furthermore, 'lontar palm' plays a huge role in Rotanese’ lives as they derive most of their daily nutritional requirements and incomes from the tree. Some popular products made from 'lontar palm’ include Sasando the Rotanese guitar, Ti' I Langga the traditional hat and ikat or sarong.