East Nusa Tenggara - Alor Archipelago
- March to December
- Courses
- Nitrox
- DIN & Yoke
- Diving
- 16+ Days
Hammerhead sharks, mola mola, whales, dolphins, healthy coral reefs, amazing macro life in the bays, currents, calmness, culture and no crowds. Alor is a treasure in our world! Located between Flores and Sawoe Sea, Alor Archipelago is one of Indonesia’s last frontiers. The pantar strait is an authentic underwater paradise free of destructive fishing practice like blast and cyanide fishing. Locals are using traditional fishing techniques (bamboo trap, fishnet, line) therefore coral reefs remain virgin and marine life abundant. Alor and Pantar are the main Islands and the strait between the two is a world class dive attraction. Without crowds.
East Nusa Tenggara - Alor Archipelago
March to December
16 Days From € 2300 / Person
16 Dives From € 900
(Based on double occupancy)
(All Flights Included)
Overview
The Alor Archipelago consists of the main islands Alor and Pantar as well as 14 smaller ones, of whom 9 are inhabited (Pura, Ternate, Treweng, Buayah, Kepa…).
Kota Kalabahi, on Alor, is the capital of this 200.000 inhabitants’ district.
For years Alor has been in relative isolation due to limited infrastructures and transport facilities, which resulted in a natural environment preserved from dense human activity and industrial activities.
Diversity
The Alor islands are surrounded by pristine blue waters and fairly strong currents, offering accessible reefs, drop-offs, caves and valleys, full of brightly coloured corals as well as sandy bays, hiding thousands of species of fish and invertebrates offering one of the richest marine biodiversity sanctuary of the coral triangle.
On land, you can find steep mountains, dry savannahs as well as lush rainforest. There is also an active volcano (Sirung, west Pantar), various hot springs, and some hidden waterfalls…
These small, rugged and remarkably beautiful islands, dominated by jagged mountains and steep valleys, have divided the islands into many distinct ethnic groups, speaking more than 8 distinct languages within 50 dialects!
There is a wealth of interesting local culture, with strong traditional beliefs and some of the best ikat weaving in Eastern Indonesia.
Over 168,000 people live on Alor and Pantar Islands. Three-fourths are Protestants, the rest are either Muslims or in a few villages Roman Catholics. Animistic rites and traditions are still strongly practiced.
Trips & Hikes
When you are in the Alor islands, there are some good trips to do in half a day or a day, such as:
Head off by boat to explore the Alor archipelago. Popular trips can be arranged to the islands of Kepa, Pura, Ternate, Buaya and Pantar where there are villages to explore with women actively making traditional ikat cloths including some for sale, and men partaking in traditional alcohol production and fishing methods. Climb a mountain, Mount Sirung on Pantar is a must for volcano lovers.
Takpala, Bampalola and Mombang are traditional villages that showcase traditional building styles, clothes and dance. Although the villagers no longer live permanently in these “Adat” or traditional ways they have preserved their old customs and dance to display their heritage to visitors.
A great way to see Alor for adventurous travelers is a guided scooter trip or off road trail bike adventure. You’ll find waterfalls, beaches, local markets, hot spring geyser and traditional villages show casing buildings, dance and clothing, and its unlikely you’ll meet another tourist. Enjoy a packed lunch or a beach barbecue.
Some of Alor’s hidden charm can be visits to really out of the way and difficult to reach beaches. Often only accessible by off road biking or by boat if the weather conditions allow. For a really special experience we can arrange overnight camping on a remote beach.
There are many waterfalls to explore on Alor and Pantar islands. All are reached by beautiful walks accessible to all levels of fitness ranging from a easy stroll to an adventure trek through forests and valleys. A couple of key falls include:
Biantal Waterfall – one of the most impressive with its massive drop. The path here is steep and takes about 30 minutes, a trip here can be combined with a village walk, hotspring or traditional village visits.
Alila Waterfall – reached through a beautiful forested valley. The path winds along and through the river so be sure to bring suitable footwear and swimwear for a plunge in the waterfalls’ refreshing pool. A visit here can be combined with beach, local market, hot spring or village visits. Enjoy a packed lunch or a beach barbecue for a full day trip.
Overview
CORAL REEF DIVING in Alor is nothing short of delightful since reefs of the Pantar Strait are some of the most conserved marine systems in Indonesia.
Cold water upwellings from the southern seas push through the Strait after each new and full moon keeping our water temperature regulated and fresh. This has left us with some of the most colorful, beautiful, diverse and densely covered coral reef sites that we see today.
Apart from the prolific coral growth and staggering color palette of corals, sponges and anemones, diving in Alor is also well known for great variety of reef fishes and rich macro fauna.
Frogfish, leaf scorpionfish, pigmy sea horses, eels, see snakes and great assortment of nudibranches are just a few to mention.
Alor is a place of numerous world class dive sites with its astonishing seascape, colors and marine life. Here you can dive virgin slopes and walls with exuberant coral growth, scenic rock formations, pinnacles and plenty of top muck dive sites.
All dive sites – except Beang Bay in SE Pantar – are within 2-40 minute radius by speedboat.
Visibility & Pelagic
Coldest waters are between March to April and October to November whereas the warmest waters are from May to September, which is the southeast monsoon period. During the May to September period the normally good visibility of around 25-30m can drop to 15m or less due to plankton blooms.
In addition Alor is a place for remarkable surprises by passing pelagic – even whales! So remember to look into the blue, as most of these encounters are by chance! There are a couple of dive sites renowned for big fish action, but it is the ocean, and it is alive.
We offer no guaranties but hammerhead sharks, reef sharks, thresher sharks and Mola Molas (Sunfish) are spotted frequently.
The dives are planned daily and decided upon the tide table in order to ensure the best possible experience.
Muck Diving
MUCK DIVING in Alor is building a worldwide reputation as a top muck diving destination. The name comes from the muddy or “mucky” sediment on the seabed often mixed with volcanic black sand and coral rubble.
It offers perfect camouflage environment for unusual critters like Rhinophias, devil fish, hairy frog fish, sea moth, snake eel, zebra crab, coleman shrimp, solar powered nudibranch, harlequin pipefish, velvet and robust pipefish, different seahorses and many more.
Several muck dive sites are located in Kalabahi Bay and few more on Pura and Pantar Island. Serious muck diving enthusiasts should not miss out on Beang Bay muck diving which can be organized as a special day trip upon request and if the sea conditions allow (around 1hr speedboat in one direction). There will be an additional surcharge to cover extra fuel.
Dive Site Map
Favourite Dive Sites
With more than 40 dive sites to choose from you wont get bored in Alor. Here is our top 12!
The Arch: Diving next to a wall is always enjoyable, The Arch has one of the most gorgeous over hang resembling the shape of an arch. At the end of the wall, we ascend to the shallows that offer a stunning healthy coral reef. Max depth: 25 meters.
Bakalang Jetty: If you are a fan of dramatic underwater pillars then definitely this is a site made for you. enjoy a dive among the pillars crowded with plentiful of macro life, notable creatures to be found here include Frogfish and the resident of schooling Batfish. Max Depth: 20 meters.
Ampera: The ‘IT’ place for muck fanatics located inside Alor Bay. Black sand on gentle slope with patches of rocks and corals, many mooring line and debris. Possible to see Hairy Frogfish, Rhinopias, Pipefish, Seahorse, etc. Max depth: 25 meters.
Bama Wall: Definitely one of the iconic dive sites in Alor, featuring a majestic wall rich with life. This dive site is only accessible in certain times due to unpredictable currents. Expect to see the local resident electric clam and lobster. Max depth: 30 meters.
Munaseli: Home to Hammerhead Sharks, Reef Sharks, Eagle Rays and sometimes Mobula Rays. this dive site is quite challenging and not always accessible due to conditions. Max depth: 30 meters.
Limarahing Bay: Another great muck site worth checking out! A gradual slope of black sand with patches of corals, full of critters, the notable critter at this site is the Rhinopias – of which you can find up to four different species – if you are lucky.
Abila is a biblical name of Syrian origin meaning meadow or grassy plain. However, this dive site contradicts its name with an extensive wall, a beautiful drop off, overhangs, and sandy slopes to the bottom. The entire reef is noisy and healthy with tremendous marine-life, making Abila one of our favourite dive sites. The Electric Clam and Leaf Scorpionfish are common finds on this dive.
Biatabang, found off Ternate Island, is great for those who love diving walls and overhangs. The walls here are covered in colorful soft corals and sponges which attract bigger species like the Napoleon Wrasse and Bumphead Parrotfish to this reef. If you love macro, stay close to the reef and you might find the Halimeda Ghost Pipefish hiding amongst the soft coral and sea stars.
Matap: Descend down the mooring line to a sloping sandy bottom and a small reef to find Weedy Scorpionfish (Rhinopias), Lionfish and Spine Seahorse. As you keep going along you will find yourself on a sloping reef littered with soft corals, a common hiding place for the Ornate Ghost Pipefish. Do a night dive here and spot the elusive Stargazer peeking up at you and search for the amazing Basket Sea Star.
Kal’s Dream: Known to locals as Batu Mandi, meaning “showering rock” because the water breaks on the pinnacles and runs down to the surface with each wave. There are two pinnacles to dive and depending on the tide you will start on one and hopefully make it to the other. Currents on this site are unpredictable so this one is reserved only for good sea conditions and experienced divers. Sharks and Eagle Rays are often passing by, along with schooling Barracuda and Surgeonfish.
Anemone City is nothing like you have ever dived before! Anemone City was named because the entire sea floor is covered in all types of anemone fish residing in them. Coral bommies are found scattered on the dive site where you might find a Sea Apple, a somewhat round and colorful species of sea cucumber! But due to its location, larger animals cruise by as well; so do not forget to skim the blue as Thresher Sharks are known to pass by!
Dinding Bama: When you dive in Alor, you are also diving around Pantar, Ternate and Pura. Because of the positioning of the islands, and passing currents and tidal changes the throughflow has amazing effects on marine biodiversity! This wall is covered in hard and soft corals, and home to Bargibanti Pygmy Seahorse and Napoleon Wrasse. Dinding Bama sits between Pantar and Pura islands, funneling a lot of nutrient rich water through, so again remember, to look into the blue to catch a glimpse of something big in the right place at the right time. This dive site is also known as Don Tupa, Great Wall and Symphony No. 9.
Season
Due to seasonal weather conditions, the best time to visit Alor’s coral reefs is April through November for both ideal surface and underwater conditions.
In season, underwater visibility can be absolutely outstanding ranging from 15 meters / 50 feet in our shoulder season to 40 meters / 132 feet in the height of our dry season. When the sun is shining (and that is often) the colors and clarity of the water can look dramatically beautiful to you as an observer and some great opportunities for wide angle if you are a photographer or videographer.
Due to the upwellings bringing in nutrients and LIFE, thermoclines can be found at certain dive sites and the temperatures may drop from 28 to 20°C. So the recommended wetsuit for staying completely comfortable in Alor’s Water’s is a 5mm – and a hood is never a bad idea, but not a must.
Coldest waters are between March to April and October to November whereas the warmest waters are from May to September, which is the southeast monsoon period. During the May to September period the normally good visibility of around 25-30m can drop to 15m or less due to plankton blooms.
Best time to see Mola Mola would be around September. Currents are strongest around October/November and whenever you have a new- and fullmoon in the luna cycle.
Included
Included
- International Flights
- Domestic flights to & from Alor w/ 20 kg’s checked baggage included
- Airport pick-up by private car (Denpasar or Jakarta International Airports
- Airport pick-up by private car (Alor)
- 2 nights in a 4* hotel w/ breakfast
- 10 nights in Alor w/ Full Board
- It is recommended to pre-book the dives
- *Fee to Rejsegarantifonden
- Full package tour – See the benefits of being covered by the Full Package Act and Regulations here
*A Danish Travel Guarantee Fund covering all European citizens in case of bankruptcy: link
Not Included
- “Visa On Arrival” ~ €30
- Alor Marine Park fee ~ €3 daily
- Tips for the staff
- Airport departure tax ~ €10
- Personal Travel Insurances
- Dive Packages
- Any other item, meal or tour not listed in “Included”
A Domestic Flight or Along the Way:
East Nusa Tenggara
Komodo & Flores
Komodo dragons, strong currents, manta rays, sharks, macro, Unesco Heritage sites. One domestic flight along the way.
Bali Province
Bali & the Gilis
Big walls, gorgonian fans, wrecks, black sand, macro, calm bays and of course… Bali! Along the way.
North Sulawesi
Pulau Bunaken
World-class walls full of turtles, exciting drifts, reef sharks and napoleon wrasses. One domestic flight away!
Wakatobi
Wakatobi Resort
Deemed the World’s Best Housereef together with luxury in an island paradise. One private domestic flight away only!
Combine Landtours of Alor
See the ancient relics from the kingdoms in Alor isle and also traditional Ikat patterns that are used by 7 kingdoms. Directly guided by the museum curator. journey to Takpala Traditional Village. Visiting and experiencing the daily life of Abui Tribe where the guests will be welcomed by the head of the tribe and directly interacted with the tribe, whom still live traditionally with no modern technology.
Takpala village is also famous for their locally grown coffee. Journey to Monbang Traditional Village. Monbang traditional village is a traditional village of Kabola tribe who wear tree barks as their clothes and they are famous for their local coffee (Excelsa coffee — a very rare variety). Journey to visit Babussholah Mosque to see the 15th century Koran (Muslims’ holy book) We can see the oldest Koran from 15th century who was brought by Sultan’s Ternate son to Alor. The story will be explained directly by mosque representative.
Journey to Hula Village (organic Ikat village). We can see the process of making organic Ikat with natural colors and meeting Mama Sariat Libana (The head of Gunung Mako Weaving group) who has won several national awards as the inventor of more than 150 shades of colors from organic dyes. Mama Sariat is also known as the ‘natural coloring professor’ in Indonesia.
Bali – Island of the Gods
Many Tours
Duration Half to Full Day
There are so many things to do in Bali, so instead of listing all of them let us know your interests. Temples, waterfalls, hiking, motorbiking, rafting, cooking, rice fields, coffee etc.
We can tailor make daytrips.
You can visit Ubud, which is a famous town in Balis inland surrounded by rice fields. Here are many many restaurants and souvenir shops and the Monkey forest where the small monkeys roam around and can get a bit nosy around tourists.
Uluwatu Temple is a Balinese Hindu sea temple built at the edge of a 70-meter-high cliff projecting into the sea. A Kecak dance performance based on the Ramayana is performed daily in Uluwatu temple at every 6pm on the cliff-side. The performance which is outdoors also shows the beautiful sunset at the background of the performance
Tanah Lot is one of Bali’s most important landmarks. Its unique offshore setting provides the perfect backdrop for sunset photos. Constructed in the 16th century to honor the Hindu sea god, Baruna, Tanah Lot is one of Bali’s most-visited landmarks.
The Mount Batur hike in Kintamani, Bali is one of the most popular and enjoyable sunrise trekking experiences you can have in Indonesia. It’s not very hard to do the Mount Batur trek from any part of the island, and the guided trek takes you up a still active volcano — Gunung Batur — with a summit elevation of more than 1,700 meters. A perfect way to catch the sunrise. You drive up to around 1200 meters and walk the last 500 meters. Total duration up and down is 2-4 hours.
Q & A
Yes beginners can dive here and even take beginner courses.
However, Alor is renowned for very strong currents. So is the current for you?
If not, then put your “dive dates” furthest away from New and Full Moon. We can advice you on this.
It is mostly a psychological thing, to be able to dive in the current – because we never fight with the current. We may be using reef hooks, and drift with the current. And always pay attention to the dive briefing and follow the dive guides closely. Then everything is fine.
The boat leaves after breakfast and returns at lunch time after 2 dives. A 3rd afternoon or night dive is possible if conditions allow. The distance to the sites are short – between 2 to 40 minutes.
The nutrient rich water comes from the deep – meaning a lot of cold water upwellings. Temperatures may change during a dive from 28 – 18 degrees celsius on the same dive.
Therefor the best way to dive Alor’s water’s is with a 5mm full wet suit and a hood. A 3mm hood will be just fine.
Great! We can offer you courses from entry level to divemaster courses.
Contact us for further details.
We recommend pre-booking the dives to get a better price.
For courses, you must pre-book, so the dive center can prepare.
In this area the cell-phone coverage is provided by TELKOMSEL only.
We can’t provide free Wi-Fi anymore, but with a SIM-Card bought to this operator (Rp20.000-30.000) and +/- Rp.100.000 you will have access to phone call, including cheap code for international and 3G/4G internet connection packages.
(NB: when you buy a package, take care the data is usable in Alor Regency and not only “data lokal” valid in the province where you buy.
The ones valid everywhere are named “data flash“!
Most dive places in Indonesia use the “International” Yoke connection for the regulators 1st stage.
If you have a DIN 1st stage you can buy a DIN to Intl. Yoke converter – which might come in handy every time you dive in South East Asia anyway!
There are several ATM’s and banks in town.
The dive centers accept cash (IDR) or credit card (3% surcharge).
Alor should still be considered a remote destination. The medical facilities are limited. Emergency evacuations may take 12-24 hours to the nearest major hospital in Bali and a possible helicopter transfer from Alor to Siloam Hospital is extremely expensive.
Therefore, a full travel insurance that covers possible evacuations AND diving accidents, is required for all our guests. We recommend including cover for any cancellations e.g. flights as Indonesian airlines are known for changing or even cancelling their flights rather frequently.
There is Malaria present in Alor.
Gastrointestinal diseases: Make sure you have some rehydration salts and basic medicines on hand. (Consult your doctor regarding appropriate medicines before you go.) Anti-diarrhea medicines like Imodium are best taken only if you have to travel – they only treat symptoms, not causes. Drinking only boiled or otherwise purified water will greatly reduce your chances of stomach troubles. You can read more about drinking water here.
Skin and wound infections: You should clean and treat even small wounds immediately with an antiseptic, and then examine them regularly for signs of infection. Especially if they are coral scrapes, which are notorious for going septic. Keeping wounds dry until healed is also good practice, but it’s a big ask when you’re on a short stay in the islands. Fungal infections love a tropical environment too, so you might want to consider having some antifungal medicine in your first aid kit.
Ear infections: Spending a lot of time with water in your ears in the tropics raises the risk of ear infections, so if you’re concerned pack an appropriate medicine.
Japanese Encephalitis and Dengue Fever: These mosquito-borne diseases have been reported from Flores and are present more or less all over Indonesia and most of South East Asia. You might want to consider vaccination for Japanese Encephalitis. Avoiding mosquito bites is the only protection available against Dengue Fever.
Tropical diseases: All tropical environments harbour parasites and pathogens not found elsewhere. You’re extremely unlikely to come into contact with any of those during a short holiday in Indonesia, but if you suffer any persistent or recurrent symptoms that can’t be diagnosed or aren’t relieved by standard medical treatment – even if those symptoms appear months after your visit – you should consult a tropical diseases specialist.
See our “About” page to know more about prevention of moscuito bites.
For further reading on health: https://www.iamat.org/country/indonesia
