Journey Through Alor’s Unique Traditions and Heritage
Beyond the resort, Alor Island invites you to discover its many wonders. Immerse yourself in cultural tours, visiting traditional villages and experiencing age-old ceremonies. Venture into lush rainforests where scenic treks lead to breathtaking waterfalls, natural hot springs, and panoramic landscapes. For a touch of adventure, embark on unforgettable island-hopping journeys across Alor’s hidden gems.
CULTURAL TRIP
Alor, located east of Flores and north of Timor, is a mountainous island in East Nusa Tenggara that stands out as one of the most culturally diverse places in the world. With around 140,000 people across more than 50 tribes, each speaking distinct languages and dialects, the island offers a living mosaic of traditions. In Takpala Village, visitors can still witness authentic Alorese life, where traditional pyramid-shaped houses with bamboo walls and coconut leaf roofs are preserved to this day.
Known as the “Island of a Thousand Mokos,” Alor also holds a fascinating archaeological mystery. These small bronze drums, believed to originate from the ancient Dong Son culture of Vietnam, are often found buried in the ground and remain a treasured cultural symbol. To explore this heritage, the Museum of a Thousand Mokos in Kalabahi showcases not only these rare artifacts but also Alor’s distinctive handwoven textiles, making the island a truly unique destination where culture, history, and tradition converge.
Our Villages
Takpala Village
Takpala village stands as one of the meticulously
preserved traditional settlements of the Abui tribe in Alor, nestled approximately
one hour away from Kalabahi city. The Abui ethnic group, the largest in Alor
Regency, were historically known as 'Tak Abui', translating to 'big mountain'. These
local inhabitants remain steadfast in their adherence to tradition and cultural
practices.
The name 'Takpala' originates from the combination of 'Tak', meaning 'barrier', and
'pala', signifying 'wood'. Consequently, Takpala can be interpreted as 'a wooden
barrier', although some interpretations lean towards 'a wooden bludgeon (beater).
Bampalola Village
Tourists flock to Bampalola Village for its unique
and captivating culture. Upon arrival, visitors are greeted by the traditional
lifestyle of the locals, showcased through their distinctive Lakatuil houses. Those
who time their visit right may have the chance to witness the village's signature
annual event, Makan Baru Padi Ala Baloil.
Despite its small population, Bampalola offers a plethora of attractions to keep
visitors engaged. The village's name carries significant meaning, with 'Bam'
denoting settlement and 'Palola' representing nature. This reflects the village's
deep connection to the natural world and its commitment to preserving local values
and traditions. It's no surprise that villagers adhere to a traditional way of life,
living in harmony with both humanity and the environment. Legend has it that those
who transgress these principles face punishment from nature itself!
For further insights into these beliefs, tourists are encouraged to seek guidance
from local guides during their visit.
Monbang Village
Monbang Village, nestled in Alor Regency, boasts a
distinctive traditional clothing culture crafted from tree bark, locally known as Ka
Tree. The village is famous for its traditional dances, including Lego-Lego and
Cakalele, as well as other engaging activities such as bamboo fire-making.
Monbang is also famous for its local coffee, particularly the rare Excelsa variety.
Visitors are invited to immerse themselves in the rich cultural tapestry of Monbang
Village, where ancient traditions blend seamlessly with the rhythms of everyday
life.
Uma Pura Traditional Hand Woven Village
Only in the village of Uma Pura, located on the
tiny Ternate Island, do dyeing and weaving activities take place, marking it as the
sole Muslim community on the island. Interestingly, the other four villages on
Ternate, all predominantly Christian, lack a tradition of weaving. This disparity
may stem from the close association between the introduction of weaving and the
spread of Islam in this region of the Pantar Strait, likely occurring in the late
sixteenth or early seventeenth century.
In Uma Pura, textile production serves as a vital source of income for the majority
of women, who engage in weaving not only for personal use but also as a significant
commercial venture to support their families. The village bustles with activity as
women can be seen binding, dyeing, and weaving textiles throughout the community.
ISLAND HOPPING
Kepa Island
2 Pax
Kangge & Lapang Island
6 Pax
Takpala Tribe Village
2 Pax
Bampalola Tribe Village
2 Pax
Kabola Tribe Village
2 Pax
Lingal Beach Picnic
4 Pax
Whale & Dolphin Watching
6 PaxHiking
Bukit Hulnani is situated at the highest peak of Bedoe Hill. Visitors often come here to enjoy panoramic views of West Alor from the top, making it the best spot to watch the sunset overlooking Pura, Ternate, and Pantar islands, with Mount Sirung Volcano in the backdrop. Bukit Hulnani can be reached by a 2-hour hike or by car.
One thing our guests should know is that Alor Regency offers more than beautiful beaches. For example, there is a recommended hot spring called Tuti Adagae located in Air Mancur Village, part of Northeast Alor Sub-District. It may come as a surprise that Alor Island has no volcanoes at all. Therefore, the existence of such a hot spring is considered an amazing phenomenon! This explains why most tourists don’t miss the chance to visit the site and engage in various activities such as photography and exploration. The only thing to consider is the challenging and difficult route.
The most impressive aspect of Mataru Waterfall is undoubtedly its size. In terms of appearance, it bears some resemblance to the 6-levels Mainang Waterfall. A trip to Mataru Waterfall typically involves both local transportation and a short trek. From Kalabahi City, tourists may spend several hours traveling to Legiman Village. Upon arrival at the local settlement, they may need to walk for several minutes. However, there's no need to worry; the landscape is beautiful, featuring various trees and shady bushes. Therefore, the trekking activity promises to be comfortable and enjoyable for everyone, especially nature lovers.
Guests can embark on an adventure to the famous Mount Sirung located in Mauta Village, Central Pantar Sub-District. The presence of this mountain showcases that Alor offers more than just beautiful beaches, providing tourists with challenging activities such as hiking and photography. So, what makes Sirung famous? Mount Sirung is considered an active volcano situated on Pantar Island, with a height of only 862 meters above sea level, making it a relatively short volcano. Due to volcanic activity, the mountain emits solfatara smoke, offering tourists one of the best views while trekking. As long as they visit during good weather, they might witness this natural phenomenon easily. In terms of appearance, the mountain features many rocky hills with a dry surface, and the crater looks majestic from up there