The Indonesian island of Alor is part of the Lesser Sunda Islands and sits at their eastern extremity. Alor and Pantar Island together form the regency of Alor. Volcanic in nature, it spans 2,119 km² and has only one major city with around 60,000 inhabitants: Kalabahi. A single airport connects the island to the rest of the archipelago, with daily flights linking it to nearby regions.

Alor, an isolated island within the Indonesian archipelago

Isolated from the rest of Indonesia, Alor remains a notably underprivileged island. Visitors can reach it via the airline Trigana Air from Surabaya, Kupang or Denpasar. The local economy is indeed built primarily on subsistence farming and traditional fishing.

Moreover, the government is implementing measures to open the island to the wider Indonesian community, and it is now beginning to export natural resources such as turmeric, vanilla, sandalwood, cloves and pearls.

The vast majority of the population is Protestant, while the rest practice Islam. There are, however, a few Catholic minorities in certain villages.

Customs and traditions of Alor

Fourteen languages are recorded and spoken on Alor, originating from Papuan and Austronesian dialects. In the past, the inhabitants practiced headhunting. However, this tradition was banned in the 1970s and tribal conflicts were resolved to prevent further feuds.

Alor is renowned for its moko, bronze drums that can also be found on other islands throughout the Indonesian archipelago. These drums hold great value and punctuate the rhythm of local life. True symbols of social rank, they were once bartered for human heads. The moko also serve as bride price in traditional marriages.

The ancient moko likely originated from the Dong Son site in Vietnam. How they arrived on this island remains a mystery, especially considering that it wasn't even charted on maritime maps at the time. Today, most of these drums are manufactured in China and Java.

Alor: a snorkeling and diving paradise

Like many Indonesian destinations, the Alor archipelago boasts excellent diving spots, still relatively unknown to most travelers. Water visibility here is exceptional, and marine life is rich and diverse. Sea turtles, sharks, colorful fish—memorable encounters are assured. Moreover, the sites vary enough to satisfy every preference.

Alor is the ideal destination for snorkeling enthusiasts seeking an escape from crowded, over-developed tourist zones. Due to its isolation from the major Indonesian islands, few visitors think to venture here, instead choosing to head toward Sulawesi or Raja Ampat. A perfect way to escape the beaten path!

We recommend visiting during the dry season, from June to October, for maximum water clarity!