Indonesian Island-Hopping Adventure: Nusa Tenggara

With over 17,000 islands, planning an Indonesian island-hopping adventure can feel overwhelming. If you’re starting your journey in Bali and looking to explore more, the Nusa Tenggara archipelago to the east is an ideal destination. Bouncing between ferries and buses, you’ll experience the intimate beauty of this natural wonderland.

Discovering Nusa Tenggara

Hang out with locals on the decks of boats, gazing at the countless tiny islands surrounding larger ones like Lombok, Sumbawa, Flores, and West Timor. Utilize public transportation across major islands, exploring beaches, surf spots, diving locations, ancient villages, tourist towns, breathtaking vistas, and much more.

Lombok

Just east of Bali, Lombok offers a seamless transition to the exotic wonders of Nusa Tenggara. It provides the tourist amenities of its famous neighbor, yet is significantly less crowded, boasting a laid-back vibe that feels distinct from tourist hotspots. Some of the standout attractions include the stunning south coast beaches, especially the expansive, azure bay at Kuta.

Personality

Lombok is predominantly Muslim, with grand mosques reflecting the island’s growing prosperity. The atmosphere here is relaxed, pragmatic, and tourist-friendly.

Getting There and Around

From Bali, hourly public ferries make the 4 to 5-hour trip to Lembar on Lombok. Enjoy the stunning views of Gunung Agung on Bali and the legendary surf break, Tanjung Desert (Desert Point) along the way. Fast boats are available to Senggigi or via the Gili Islands. Public buses run frequently to Labuhan Lombok, with the main city, Mataram, offering connecting tickets to islands further east. Lombok’s Praya Airport, situated near the southern beaches, has regular flights to Bali and other major cities in Nusa Tenggara.

Sumbawa

Large, arid, and sparsely populated, Sumbawa presents a stark contrast to its busier neighbors. It offers a slower pace of life with fewer traditional attractions, though it features two famous surfing coasts: Maluk and Pantai Lakey, near Hu’u. Many travelers traverse the island on their way to eastern Nusa Tenggara.

Personality

Sumbawa is a conservative Muslim island, with the city of Bima being a center of strong religious beliefs. However, travelers are commonly seen, and local shyness can often be mistaken for standoffishness.

Getting There and Around

There are airports in the main cities of Sumbawa Besar and Bima, with ferries making regular 90-minute runs between Labuhan Lombok and Poto Tano. Public buses travel the main highway between Poto Tano and the eastern port town of Sape, taking approximately 13 hours across the island.

Flores

The ferry ride from Sumbawa leads you through the remarkable Komodo National Park, known for its top-notch diving and the iconic Komodo dragons. Flores itself is one of Indonesia’s most enchanting islands, renowned for its traditional cultures, active volcanoes, and stunning beaches.

Begin your adventure in the charming town of Labuanbajo, home to excellent restaurants and cafes while arranging trips to the national park. The journey east along the Trans-Flores Highway showcases the island’s highlights. Visit ancient villages around Bajawa, marvel at the spectacular volcanic landscapes including the polychromatic lakes at Kelimutu National Park, and soak up the sun on Paga’s pristine beaches. Beyond Maumere lies exceptional diving, and the remote Larantuka offers a unique escape.

Personality

Flores is home to nearly two million inhabitants from five major linguistic and cultural groups, with a predominantly Catholic population, though animist beliefs remain prevalent. The Ngada people, residing in traditional villages near Bajawa, are welcoming to visitors.

Getting There and Around

Flores features several small airports, with Maumere and Labuanbajo being crucial for island-hoppers. Regular flights connect both airports to Bali and Kupang on West Timor. Public ferries run daily from Sape on Sumbawa to Labuanbajo, taking up to seven hours. Bus tickets to Flores are available from major cities extending all the way to Bali. Overnight tourist boats from Lombok to Labuanbajo offer a unique travel experience, though it’s essential to check operator safety standards. Additionally, frequent buses run along the Trans-Flores Highway, linking towns from Labuanbajo to Larantuka; typical transit times exceed 24 hours, with many travelers opting to stop in Bajawa, Moni, and Maumere.

West Timor

West Timor, the Indonesian section of Timor island, is garnering increasing interest among travelers. Visitors are drawn by exquisite traditional crafts, particularly fabrics sold in local markets. Moreover, exploring ancient villages where time seems to have paused centuries ago is another compelling reason to make the journey. In remote areas like None, they only ceased headhunting in 1945, while hilltop Temkessi might even be a mystical haven akin to Yoda’s home in Star Wars.

Personality

West Timor is regarded as one of the friendliest regions in Indonesia, where even past head-hunting villages embrace visitors. The island boasts at least 14 spoken languages, reflecting a rich tapestry of religions and cultures.

Getting There and Around

Kupang, the primary city, serves as a hub for eastern Nusa Tenggara, with regular flights connecting to Flores and Bali. Ferries from Larantuka on Flores run biweekly, taking about 15 hours. Additionally, bus travel to Timor-Leste is possible, but ensure that you acquire your visa in Kupang first.