Getting to Rote, the slow way
A flight, a ferry, and a little patience. That is the reason the lineup is still empty.
Bali or Jakarta to Kupang
Both routes land you in Kupang, West Timor, the gateway to Rote.
Kupang to Rote, four ways across
Under 100 kilometres of water, but a few different ways to cross it.
Susi Air
A single-prop hop, about 35 minutes, limited baggage allowance.
Wings Air
A bigger aircraft, about 35 minutes, more frequent schedules.
Express boat
About 2 hours, several departures a week, no vehicles.
Car ferry
About 4 to 5 hours, carries vehicles, the least expensive option.
The road to Nemberala
A scenic drive across the island, past salt pans and lontar palms, straight to the front door.
Good to know
A few practical notes to plan around — confirm the details marked here before you travel.
Most nationalities can get a visa on arrival in Indonesia; confirm the current fee and duration before you fly.
A local SIM in Kupang covers most needs; signal in Nemberala is more limited than in the cities.
Dry season runs roughly April to November, wet season December to March.
Reef booties, a light rash guard, and reef-safe sunscreen are worth bringing.
Bring cash — ATMs are limited outside Kupang.
Rote is on Indonesia Central Time (WITA), UTC+8.
Check with your doctor on recommended vaccinations and malaria precautions for the region.
Standard Indonesian sockets (type C/F); the villas run on a mix of grid and generator power.
Bahasa Indonesia is spoken locally; English is spoken at the villa.
Scooters are the easiest way to get around Nemberala; ask the villa about rental.