Nusa Tenggara Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, eat, stay, and more, in Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia. Plan your trip with this comprehensive travel guide.


Introduction to Nusa Tenggara

Nusa Tenggara is a region in Indonesia, located in Southeast Asia. It comprises two main islands, namely, West Nusa Tenggara (Nusa Tenggara Barat or NTB) and East Nusa Tenggara (Nusa Tenggara Timur or NTT), which are separated by the Lombok Strait. This region offers a mix of unique cultures, breathtaking landscapes, and outdoor activities that make it a top destination for travelers.

This comprehensive tour guide will provide all the information you need to plan your trip to Nusa Tenggara, including the best places to visit, what to do, where to stay, and much more.

List of Places to Visit in Nusa Tenggara

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Nusa Tenggara has a rich history and culture that can be explored through its many museums and historical places. Some of the top attractions include:

  • Sasak Culture Centre (Lombok)
  • Mayura Water Palace (Mataram)
  • Taman Nusa Cultural Park (Bali)
  • Bung Karno Museum (Ende)
  • Larantuka Portuguese Church (Larantuka)

Natural Attractions of Nusa Tenggara: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Nusa Tenggara is also known for its breathtaking landscapes, from towering volcanoes to crystal clear beaches and waterfalls. Some of the top natural attractions include:

  • Mount Rinjani (Lombok)
  • Komodo National Park (Komodo Island)
  • Pink Beach (Komodo Island)
  • Kelimutu National Park (Flores)
  • Lake Segara Anak (Lombok)

Hiking/Biking Routes of Nusa Tenggara

Nusa Tenggara has plenty of opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts, with many hiking trails and cycling routes. Some of the top routes include:

  • Mount Rinjani trek (Lombok)
  • Pergasingan Hill trek (Lombok)
  • Sambelia cycling route (Lombok)
  • Kelimutu trek (Flores)
  • Wae Rebo trek (Flores)

Best Things to Do in Nusa Tenggara: Activities and Tours

Aside from hiking and cycling, Nusa Tenggara offers a range of activities and tours that will make your trip memorable. Some of the best things to do include:

  • Snorkeling and diving in Komodo National Park
  • Visiting the traditional villages of Sasak and Wae Rebo
  • Surfing in Kuta (Lombok) and Lakey Beach (Sumbawa)
  • Watching the traditional dance performance of Caci (Flores)
  • Exploring the Tiu Kelep waterfall (Lombok)

Week-Long Itinerary for Nusa Tenggara

To help you plan your trip, here is an itinerary that covers the best of Nusa Tenggara for a week:

Day 1-2: Explore the cultural attractions and beaches of Lombok Day 3-4: Trek Mount Rinjani and visit the nearby waterfalls Day 5-6: Visit Komodo National Park and go snorkeling or diving Day 7: Take a flight to Flores and visit Kelimutu National Park

Food and Drink Scene of Nusa Tenggara

Must-Try Dishes

Nusa Tenggara has a diverse culinary scene, influenced by its different ethnic groups. Some of the must-try dishes include:

  • Ayam Taliwang (grilled chicken with spicy sauce, Lombok)
  • Plecing Kangkung (water spinach salad with chili sauce, Lombok)
  • Bebek Betutu (spicy roasted duck, Bali)
  • Babi Guling (roasted suckling pig, Bali)
  • Nasi Kolo (traditional rice dish, Flores)

Local Beverages

Some of the local beverages to try in Nusa Tenggara include:

  • Brem Bali (rice wine, Bali)
  • Arak (traditional alcoholic drink, Lombok)
  • Es Jeruk (iced orange juice, Bali)
  • Kopi Luwak (world’s most expensive coffee, Bali)
  • Tuak (palm wine, NTT)

Where to Stay in Nusa Tenggara: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Nusa Tenggara offers a range of accommodation options, from budget hostels to luxury resorts. Some of the best places to stay include:

  • Jeeva Beloam Beach Camp (Lombok)
  • Sudamala Suites and Villas Senggigi (Lombok)
  • Plataran Komodo Resort & Spa (Komodo Island)
  • La Prima Hotel (Flores)
  • Komodo Lodge (Labuan Bajo)

What to Buy in Nusa Tenggara: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

If you want to take home some souvenirs from Nusa Tenggara, here are some of the best things to buy:

  • Sasak weaving products (Lombok)
  • Ikat textiles (Sumba)
  • Sumbawa honey (Sumbawa)
  • Flores coffee (Flores)
  • Komodo souvenirs (Komodo Island)

Local Culture and Customs of Nusa Tenggara

Nusa Tenggara is home to many different ethnic groups, each with their own unique customs and traditions. Some of the things to keep in mind include:

  • Dress modestly when visiting mosques or traditional villages
  • Take your shoes off before entering a home or temple
  • Ask for permission before taking photos of people
  • Respect the traditional beliefs and practices of the locals

Best Time to Visit Nusa Tenggara

The best time to visit Nusa Tenggara is from May to October, which is the dry season. The weather is mild and the skies are clear, making it perfect for outdoor activities and sightseeing. However, be prepared for higher prices and more crowds during this time. The wet season, from November to April, can be a good option for budget travelers as prices are lower, but expect heavy rains and occasional flooding.

Do’s and Don’ts of Nusa Tenggara

Do:

  • Learn a few local phrases and greetings
  • Try the local cuisine and snacks
  • Respect the traditional customs and beliefs
  • Protect the environment by not littering or damaging natural sites

Don’t:

  • Touch or disturb the wildlife in national parks
  • Wear revealing clothing when visiting mosques or traditional villages
  • Take photos without permission
  • Use drones without permission in national parks

Safety and Health

Safety in Nusa Tenggara

Nusa Tenggara is generally safe for travelers, with a low crime rate. However, be aware of pickpockets and scams in busy tourist areas. Always take precautions when traveling in remote areas and national parks, and follow the advice of local guides.

Health in Nusa Tenggara

Make sure to get vaccinated for hepatitis A and typhoid before traveling to Nusa Tenggara, as food and water hygiene can be poor in some places. Mosquito-borne diseases such as malaria and dengue fever are also a risk in some areas, so take necessary precautions such as using insect repellent and wearing long-sleeved clothing.

Getting to Nusa Tenggara: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Nusa Tenggara

The main airports serving Nusa Tenggara are Lombok International Airport (LOP) and Komodo Airport (LBJ). There are also smaller airports in Bima (BMU), Sumbawa (SWQ), and Flores (FLZ).

Bus Stations Near Nusa Tenggara

The intercity bus network in Nusa Tenggara is limited, but there are many daily bus services between major cities. The main bus stations are in Mataram (Lombok) and Labuan Bajo (Flores).

Other Options

Another option is to take a ferry from Bali to Lombok, which is a popular route for travelers. There are also regular ferries connecting Flores to other islands in Nusa Tenggara and beyond.

How to Get Around in Nusa Tenggara

The best way to get around Nusa Tenggara is by rented car or motorbike, as public transportation is limited and can be unreliable. Make sure to always wear a helmet and take necessary precautions when driving. Taxis and private car hires are also available, but can be more expensive.

Where to Go Next from Nusa Tenggara: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Some nearby destinations and excursions from Nusa Tenggara include:

  • Bali: Known as the Island of the Gods, Bali is just a short ferry ride from Lombok and offers many cultural and natural attractions.
  • Sumba: Another island in Nusa Tenggara that is known for its traditional villages and unique culture.
  • Borneo: Known for its rainforest and wildlife, Borneo is just a short flight from Nusa Tenggara.
  • Java: Home to the iconic Borobudur temple and the capital city of Jakarta, Java is a must-visit destination in Indonesia.

Conclusion

Nusa Tenggara offers a unique blend of culture and nature that is perfect for any traveler looking for an adventure. Use this comprehensive tour guide to plan your trip and make the most of your time in this beautiful region of Indonesia.

The remarkably coloured lakes at Mount Kelimutu, Flores The remarkably coloured lakes at Mount Kelimutu, Flores ''...there be dragons..'' ''...there be dragons..''


    Alor Archipelago
    Flores
    Lombok
    Sumba
    Sumbawa
    West Timor