Pulau Rote-Indonesia’s Hidden Paradise
6 Days/5 Nights
Overview
Pulau Rote and the surrounding islands of the Rote-Ndao Regency are Asia’s southernmost point, a pristine string of isles just 500 km north of Australia. As part of the Lesser Sunda Islands, Pulau Rote captivates with its white sand beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, incredible surf, and welcoming locals.
Still largely untouched by mass tourism, Rote offers a rare escape—a peaceful tropical haven that feels frozen in time.
Tour at a Glance
Day 1: Arrival in Pulau Rote and private transfer to Nemberala with time to relax and enjoy the beachside setting.
Day 2: Private surf lesson tailored to your level; free time for spa, yoga, or exploring the resort.
Day 3: Island hopping to Ndao and Do’o islands with fishing and snorkeling by boat.
Day 4: Explore mangrove forests by kayak, visit Oeseli Village, and discover Lake Nirvana.
Day 5: Second private surf lesson; enjoy the remainder of the day at your leisure.
Day 6: Departure from Rote to Kupang
Detailed Itinerary
Day 01: Arrive in Pulau Rote- Transfer to Hotel
A 30-minute flight from Kupang (East Nusa Tenggara’s capital) lands you in Pulau Rote. You’ll be welcomed by your English-speaking guide and transferred in comfort to your hotel.
Located in Nemberala, Seed Resort is a paradise for surfers and wellness enthusiasts alike. With a prime beachfront location, the resort offers not only world-class surf just steps away, but also yoga, Pilates, and indulgent spa treatments.
The resort features a beachfront saltwater infinity pool, sun deck, and spectacular views—perfect for cocktails at sunset.
Transfer Time: ~1.5 hours
Meals Included: Dinner
Accommodation: Seed Resort
Day 02: Private Surf Lesson
Start your day with a sumptuous breakfast at the restaurant, or take advantage of the “all-day breakfast” concept and enjoy your first meal whenever it suits you best.
The cuisine at Seed Resort reflects a healthy, mindful lifestyle and is sure to satisfy all kinds of food lovers. In addition to cultivating coconuts on-site, the resort maintains its own herb garden, nourished by collected rainwater. This garden supplies the kitchen with fresh, homegrown herbs, vegetables, and fruit. All food-bearing plants are treated without harmful chemicals, ensuring a natural and organic experience for every guest.
Seed Resort takes pride in its environmentally conscious and sustainable practices. From minimizing plastic usage to implementing impactful solutions like solar energy, the resort is committed to reducing its environmental footprint. Much of the property runs on solar power, including the saltwater pool that overlooks the stunning beach. Organic waste is composted and reused as fertilizer, and the rooms are built using sustainable materials like recycled wood. All electrical appliances are energy-efficient, further reducing the resort’s impact on the environment.
Despite its beauty, Rote remains off the radar for most travelers—you may find that few people have heard of this hidden paradise. Yet, thanks to its legendary waves, Pulau Rote has earned a reputation among surf enthusiasts as one of the world’s premier surf spots—second only to Hawaii in the eyes of many.
Today, you’ll have the opportunity to learn how to ride these famous waves during a private surf lesson.
Let’s face it—this might just be the main reason you came. The surf here is world-class, and it’s impossible not to be captivated by the endless sets rolling in over the reef.
Hop aboard a small boat and experience the thrill of catching your first wave, guided every step of the way by your experienced surf instructor.
(*) For experienced surfers, the lesson can be replaced with a more advanced surf excursion.
Afterwards, return to your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure.
Approximate duration of activity: 1.5 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Seed Resort
Day 03: Rote Ndao Island Hopping with Fishing and Snorkeling
After breakfast, set off to explore some of the smaller islands surrounding Pulau Rote.
A comfortable fiberglass boat with a sunroof will be waiting right in front of your resort, already stocked with life jackets, towels, chilled water, soft drinks, lunch boxes, as well as fishing and snorkeling equipment—everything you need for another memorable day in this remote island paradise.
Hop aboard and cruise about 15 kilometers across the Savu Sea to reach Ndao Island, which—alongside Rote—gives the regency its name: Rote Ndao. The earlier you depart, the greater your chances of landing a large fish for dinner. Thanks to minimal commercial fishing in this part of Indonesia, the waters are teeming with life, offering some of the best sport fishing opportunities in the region. While crossing, you may troll for species like Spanish mackerel, giant and bluefin trevally, barracuda, dogtooth tuna, yellowfin tuna, marlin, and more.
Arriving at Ndao Island, jump straight from the boat into stunning turquoise water edged by an almost unreal white-sand beach. The colors are so vivid they seem digitally enhanced. As you unwind in this dazzling setting, you’ll understand why the beaches of Rote Ndao are often considered among the most beautiful in Asia.
Next, continue to the nearby island of Do’o—an uninhabited coral islet adorned with tropical shrubs, pandanus trees, and coconut palms, encircled by a turquoise lagoon and vibrant coral reefs. Put on your snorkel gear and explore a colorful underwater world teeming with reef fish, live seashells, the occasional octopus, lobster, or even a graceful manta ray.
Relax and enjoy your time on this secluded island before returning to your resort by boat.
Approximate duration: ~5 hours
Approximate distance: 32 km / ~2 hours total by boat
Meal included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Seed Resort
Day 04: Explore Mangroves, Beaches Lagoons & Villages
Today you will discover some of the highlights of Rote Island.
Deserted white-sand beaches, unique mangrove ecosystems, uninhabited islets, pristine coral reefs, vibrant marine life, and world-class surf breaks are just a few features that make Rote Island a hidden paradise in the Indonesian archipelago.
The Rotenese people are known for their warmth and hospitality. Predominantly Christian, faith plays a central role in their daily lives. The local economy revolves around the cultivation of lontar palms and seaweed, the latter often used in the cosmetic industry. Fishing and animal husbandry are also common—it's not unusual to see pigs, goats, and cows freely roaming the island.
Rote’s food culture is centered on fresh, local, and organic produce. Fruits and vegetables are sourced from nearby markets and local farmers, while meat and fish are typically purchased directly from fishermen.
Begin your day by exploring one of Indonesia’s most fascinating ecosystems. Paddle a kayak through dense mangrove forests, glide across crystal-clear waters, and soak in the sounds of birds and wildlife as they come alive around you—this is one of the island’s best-kept secrets.
Heading south, you’ll pass through Rote’s rural countryside, where time seems to stand still. Christianity took root here in the 18th century, and the local communities—peaceful, welcoming, and deeply connected to their land—continue to thrive through fishing, farming, and seaweed harvesting.
Upon reaching the village of Oeseli, you’ll transfer to a small motorized wooden boat to cross the bay. A narrow channel of clear, turquoise water, surrounded by mangroves and tropical forest, leads you into a secluded saltwater lagoon of untouched natural beauty. Take a refreshing swim or climb a short path for a picture-perfect view of this magical place—known locally as Lake Nirvana.
Afterwards, return by boat and car to your hotel, where the rest of the day is yours to enjoy at leisure.
Approximate duration of tour: 4–5 hours
Approximate distance: 34 km / 1.5 hours by car
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Seed Resort
Day 05: Private Surf Lesson
Surfing remains the main reason Rote Island continues to thrive.
With numerous surf spots lining the coast—ranging from gentle waves ideal for beginners to powerful swells that challenge even seasoned surfers—Rote has attracted wave-seekers for over 30 years. After Sumatra, it stands as one of the most popular surfing destinations in the Indonesian archipelago.
The surf season runs from April to November. During the trade wind months, Rote and the surrounding islands offer several high-quality breaks. The main surf spot is located directly in front of the village of Nemberala, just steps from your hotel. This world-class left-hander offers long rides on relatively soft waves—though on big swells, it can rise high and heavy, offering a thrilling challenge.
Today, you’ll have another opportunity to practice your surf skills under the guidance of your experienced instructor.
Whether you're fine-tuning your stance or catching your first real wave, this is a great chance to deepen your connection with the ocean.
Sun-kissed, salt-crusted, and completely content, enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure—relax by the pool, unwind on the beach, or explore more of Rote’s untouched beauty, a rare treasure in today’s rapidly modernizing world.
(*) For experienced surfers, today’s surf lesson can be replaced with a more advanced surf excursion.
Approximate duration of activity: 1.5 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Seed Resort
Day 06: Departure
Today it’s time to say goodbye to Rote—but there’s a good chance it’s only a “see you again.”
In the early morning, you will be transferred to the airport to catch the island’s only daily flight from Rote to Kupang.
Approximate travel time: 1 hour 15 minutes (hotel to airport)
Meals included: Breakfast box
Accommodation: None
PRICE: The price is subject to your travel dates and the number of people traveling. The itinerary can be customized according to your preferences. Contact us for detailed quotation!
We need your consent to load the translations
We use a third-party service to translate the website content that may collect data about your activity. Please review the details in the privacy policy and accept the service to view the translations.