Alor Island

Alor is a hidden gem situated in the eastern region of Indonesia, within the Alor Archipelago. Despite the expansion of flight routes, this remote and serene paradise has managed to retain its unspoiled charm. Famous for its picturesque palm-fringed beaches and incredible snorkelling and scuba diving experiences, Alor offers a range of exciting attractions. A visit to Alor isn’t complete without exploring the pristine and vibrant coral reefs in the crystal-clear waters. For mountain lovers, hiking or driving up to Hulnani Hill offers breathtaking views of the surroundings. Beach lovers can indulge in leisurely beach hopping, while history aficionados can enjoy enriching museum visits. Additionally, exploring the charming hillside villages provides a cultural insight into how the locals have admirably preserved their traditional way of life.

Despite lesser fame than Raja Ampat or the nearby Komodo Island, the waters encircling the archipelago offer equally mesmerising sights. There are over 50 dive sites spanning Alor Island to Pantar Island, alongside various islets, with prime sites lying along the Pantar Strait.

Alor provides a fantastic opportunity for scuba diving enthusiasts to explore multiple types of diving in one location, away from the crowds. The underwater landscape in Alor is incredibly diverse, featuring magnificent coral walls and slopes, fields of anemones, and caves. It is home to a unique blend of marine life, including Mola-Mola, hammerhead sharks, wobbegong sharks, marble rays, and more. Beyond its appeal for wide-angle photography, this captivating destination is a haven for macro photographers. Alor offers an abundance of rare and elusive creatures, such as the blue ring octopus, rhinopias, harlequin shrimp, and pygmy seahorses.

Alor Island is situated in the southeastern region of Indonesia, within the province of East Nusa Tenggara, close to Timor. Positioned to the east of Bali and Flores and to the north of Timor, it is located within the coral triangle. The island is bordered by the Savu Sea to the south and the Banda Sea to the north.

The best diving season in Alor typically occurs during the dry season, from April to October. This period is characterised by clear, sunny weather with minimal rainfall. Water temperatures range from 25 to 30°C, allowing divers to wear lightweight wetsuits, usually 3mm thick, or thicker 5mm suits for cooler waters in the South. Visibility underwater is generally good, ranging from 10 to 30 meters, with exceptional days offering up to 40 meters of visibility.

Travellers arriving from overseas will not have access to a direct flight to Alor. It is recommended to schedule international arrivals to go through Jakarta International Airport. Currently, this is the most efficient way to reach Alor with a short layover in Kupang. Another option is to fly via Bali; however, this will require an additional overnight stop in Kupang before reaching Alor.