Did you know that East Nusa Tenggara was once recognized as the province with the best tourist attractions in the world? This recognition came from Lonely Planet’s Best Value category. It is no wonder because the province boasts a series of tourist spots with magnificent natural landscapes, including stunning mountainous regions.
So, have you ever been to East Nusa Tenggara? If not, your next vacation will be the perfect opportunity to go there. While you are there, don’t forget to visit some of its popular tourist attractions, such as:
Do you want to experience a vast savanna? You do not need to go all the way to Africa because you can find it in East Nusa Tenggara. Known as Puru Kambera Savanna, it offers a wide stretch of brownish grassland. Besides enjoying the beauty of the savanna, there, you can also watch herds of wild sandalwood ponies grazing.
At certain times, Puru Kambera Savanna is also a site for the Sandalwood Pony Parade—a festival featuring sandalwood pony parades mixed with Sumba traditions. This festival was once attended by 1001 riders and horses. If you plan to visit, the best time is during the dry season.
If you are interested in trying culinary delights, you can taste delicious dishes at restaurants not far from Puru Kambera Savanna. Some of these restaurants include PC Corner Cafe, Elcafe Sumba, Permata Restaurant & Cafe, and others.
Location: Desa Mondu, Kec. Kanatang, Kab. Sumba Timur, Nusa Tenggara Timur, approximately 25 km (1-2-hour drive) from Waingapu City using private vehicles.
Entrance fee: Rp15,000.
When visiting East Nusa Tenggara, you must go to Bena Traditional Village, or more famously known as Megalithic Village. Unlike most villages, this village offers uniqueness and attractions that will leave you amazed. From the natural beauty surrounding the village to the megalithic era relics.
When you get there, you will be greeted with a unique sight, where houses are built on large stones and topped with thatched roofs arranged in a U-shape. Besides witnessing this uniqueness, you can also watch Ngada women weaving cloths with various motifs. These clothes can be purchased for prices ranging from hundreds of thousands to millions of rupiah.
Are you looking for culinary experiences? You can visit restaurants such as Maibeth Cafe & Resto, Heaven’s Door & Restaurant, Milonari, Lucas Cafe, and others.
Location: Desa Tiworiwu, Kec. Aimere, Kab. Ngada, Nusa Tenggara Timur, approximately 19 km or 30-minute drive from Bajawa City using private vehicles.
Entrance fee: Rp20,000 (domestic tourists) & Rp25,000 (international tourists).
If you want to experience a beach, you can visit Kolbano Beach, which has its own uniqueness. The shore is decorated with colorful gravel stones. Moreover, there is a landmark in the form of a giant rock that has become the icon of Kolbano Beach, named “Fata Un” by the locals.
Before gaining popularity, this beach used to be very quiet, but now it is bustling, specially after being featured on many TV shows and shared on social media by visitors who came to the beach. If you plan to visit, it is recommended to bring your own food and drinks as there is only one small eatery selling here.
Alternatively, you can buy food from restaurants before heading to the beach, such as RM Demak Bintoro, The Boys Family Cafe, Warung Sari Indah, and others.
Location: Desa Kolbano, Kec. Kolbano, Kab. Timor Tengah Selatan (TTS), approximately 135 km from Kupang City or 3-4-hour drive using private vehicles.
Entrance fee: Free, but if you ride there, there is a parking fee of around Rp2,000 - Rp5,000.
Apart from the three attractions mentioned above, you can also visit other tourist destinations such as:
Those are some of the tourist destinations in East Nusa Tenggara province. Let’s plan your trip there and do no forget to purchase Travel Insurance from MSIG Indonesia. With this insurance, you will be protected during your travel. You are covered as long as the risks that occur are not included in the exclusion clause and meet the conditions stated in your insurance policy. Enjoy your vacation in East Nusa Tenggara while staying protected with insurance!