Rote: The Unforgettable Beauty

by Ayu Saptarika Liqui (Indonesia)

I didn't expect to find Indonesia

Rote: The Unforgettable Beauty City Overview Rote Island in East Nusa Tenggara is the most southern part of Indonesia. It surrounded by Timor Sea and Indian Ocean. It takes six hours flight from Jakarta to go to this place. In the beginning, I have no idea what this 1,200 square meter island can offers because there’s only limited information, but that’s what makes me curious to reach it. In fact, Rote boasts many tropical panoramas, arts and crafts that I didn’t expect to find. In just three days, I can visit up to six beaches because there are no traffic jams. Beaches are everywhere and each of them has its own unique features, such as: different coastline rocks, sea water color and wave characteristics. Some of them are in remote areas and with limited telecommunications service, hiring a local guide who knows the way is very advisable. In the center of Rote is the city of Ba’a, where you can find most of the offices, schools, public places and harbor. I visit Ba’a harbor in late afternoon. I never expect if this place is a great spot to watch the sunset. The sun looks perfectly round and big. It feels like it is saying goodbye to the earth in deep orange reddish sky. Definitely unforgettable! Exploring Beaches In the morning with 15 minutes driving from Ba’a, I reach the scenic Leli Beach in northwest area. This beach has a range of tall flat rocks and it has a morning purple sky view. It might have a flat appearance like a mirror from afar because there are not a lot of waves, but its exquisite reflective scenery makes it worthwhile to visit. Truly, I never see this kind of calm beach before. Around a 90-minute drive from Ba'a is Sai Beach with its turquoise green water color, located near Mbueain village. To get to Sai Beach, I must go through the village pathway that has no signs or street names. In other words, the driver must memorize the way to get in and out. It feels like a private beach once you get there. Lifulada Beach is a good place to enjoy the breeze in beach huts. When the sea water recedes, it marks the sand with artistic water flow patterns. Next, 15 minutes of driving from Lifulada is Nemberala Beach, the world famous surfing spot due to its fantastic waves. Therefore, many foreign yachts also park there. Travelers who want to surf need to hire a boat to take them near the high waves because they break a bit far from the shore. The Higher Ground Let’s take a break from beaches and explore the higher ground of Rote island. Early morning is the best time to visit Tangga 300 at Mando’o Hill. Good stamina is required to climb. In the past, the top could be reached by 300 steps, but now there are 488 steps while retaining the name Tangga 300. The tough climb is worth it because the view from the top is magnificent. I see turquoise blue sea and green islands lie beautifully beneath the stunning group of clouds. There is a hut on the top so you can stay in the shade. Before going down, do not forget to collect and take with you any trash left behind to keep the hilltop clean. Cool down after the climb to Oeseli Beach. Unexpectedly, I meet a family who live in a traditional wooden house since 1879 at the small village near the beach. Dillak (55) is a father for two girls. He is blind and has insufficient income for surgery. But, his limitation doesn’t discourage him to send his children to go to school. This encounter finds me a spiritual treasure, a lesson to be grateful everyday. Last, Rote's arts and crafts are also amazing, such as Sasando musical instrument made by its indigenous people and Tenun Rote (Rote weaving cloth). The classic Tenun Rote is black, white and red with a flower pattern. Visit Ndao village to see how Rote’s women making the clothes. Once again, this island is simply show me a lot of beauty that I didn’t expect to find before.