ROTE TRAVEL GUIDE
HOW TO GET THERE?
You’ll fly from Bali (Denpasar) to Kupang, West Timor.
There are two main airlines who service the route; Garuda and Lion Air. Generally speaking, Lion air is the budget option, with Garuda offering considerably more flights per day. Both airlines are EU and FAA safety approved.
Depending on your flight time, it may be possible to transfer directly to Rote Island, but late flights will require an overnight stop in Kupang, in which case our representative will greet you and escort you to your hotel in the city.
There are two ways to access Rote island, via turbo-prop aeroplane, or by fast ferry. If you chose to fly, please be aware that there is a current surfboard bag length restriction of 170cms. If your surfboard bag exceeds this, it will be sent via fast ferry the next day at a transfer cost of around $20. Our surf camp will arrange a pickup for your board bag on arrival at the ferry port.
If you choose to take the fast ferry with your board bag (or without), the ferry departs Kupang for Rote at 08.30 am, arriving in Rote at approximately 10.30 am.
Depending on your transfer choice, from either Rote airport or Rote harbour, an air-conditioned van will take you the one hour drive to our surf camp on Nemberala Beach.
We suggest booking all accommodations and transfers through us, so you can get to our surf camp location comfortably and hassle-free. Travel logistics to remote places in Indonesia can get quite frustrating if they are not handled with the experience of the local agents.
Kupang
Hotel bookings (your hotel in Kupang is not included in the camp price, we recommend Sylvia Hotel or La Hasienda).
VIP Tickets Round Trip for the Fast Ferry from Kupang – Rote (2 hr ride) and
all airport, hotel, and harbour pick-ups and transfers in an air-conditioned van are included in the camp price.
PASSPORT & EMERGENCY CONTACT
Visa
Passport holders from virtually every country around the world do not require an entry VISA to enter Indonesia for tourist purposes and will receive a 30-day exemption on entry. Your passport must be valid for 6 months from your date of entry.
Emergency Contact Info
Main Emergency Number (Indonesia): …
Safari Surf Adventures office (California): +1-800-433-3355
Safari Surf Adventures Skype: safarisurf
Safari Surf Adventures Email: tim@safarisurfadventures.com
WEATHER CONDITIONS
The dry season is from May to September when the south-east trades blow, especially July and August, and Rote is known as one of the windier Indonesian islands.
Wet season features less wind from variable directions, though the island can be affected by nearby cyclones off the Australian coast during this period. Rainfall is lower overall than most Western Indonesian islands, with fewer mosquitos as a result.
Average daytime high temps are 86-88 degrees F (30-31 degrees C) and night time lows are around 75 degrees F (24 degrees C).
The ocean clocks in at a soothing 80 degrees F (27 degrees C). There should be no need to bring a full wetsuit, but a neoprene top or rash vest is recommended for dawn patrol sessions and sun protection.
WHAT TO BRING?
Surfing items:
-
A surf board you’re comfortable with in most conditions
-
Tropical water surf wax
-
Boardies and a rash vest
-
Reef booties are useful, but not essential
-
Water sport sunscreen – minimum SPF 30+
-
Beach Towel
-
Surf hat – sun protection (optional)
-
Extra fins, leash and repair resin (recommended)
Non-Surfing items:
-
Hat
-
Sun glasses
-
Warm weather clothing
-
Wet weather/rain gear (if you’re coming from May through October)
-
Flashlight (There are no street lights at night for walking!)
-
Copy of your passport
-
Camera
-
Malaria: As every island in Indonesia, Malaria is present, although the chances of contracting it throughout the traditional surf season (May-October) are small since in the dry season there are hardly any mosquitoes at all. All rooms have mosquito nets and are sprayed daily by our camp’s housekeeping staff. We recommend all guests take preventive measures like mosquito repellent and long sleeved shirt at night with similar long pants.
-
There are opportunities to spend money on the island, so we recommend bringing Indonesian Rupiahs for your extra expenses, there are no money changing facilities or ATM available on the island, so please organise this at Bali or Kupang airport, or at an ATM/bank in Kupang city. If changing money, please take in consideration that Indonesian banks don’t accept US bills older than 1999.
CULTURAL HINTS
The Rotenese people are a very respectful, charming, predominantly Christian people. Traditionally their main economic activities have been the exploitation of the Lontar Palm, which they use for everything, from nutrition to building materials. Fishing and more recently, the cultivation of seaweed (agar-agar) provides an income for the local people.
Bali airport is a modern, cosmopolitan hub and so requires no specific cultural sensitivity to navigate.
Kupang is a multi-ethnic city including the Timor, Rote, Sabu, Flores tribes. There is also a small ethnic Chinese and Ambon immigrant population. Kupang was an important port and trading point during the Portuguese and Dutch colonial eras. There are ruins and remnant signs of the colonial presence in the city. Kupang and Timor is a predominantly Christian (Catholic and Protestant) with a small Islamic population.
Official Language: Termanu (Rote)
ADDITIONAL INFO
Internet Access
Our partner camp provides a free personal WiFi router in each room for our guests. This router will be provided on arrival. The internet speed and strength is more than enough to hold a Skype or Internet call and stream inspirational surf movies!
Water
We recommend you to drink only bottled in Indonesia. Especially if you will be travelling outside of the larger cities. To prevent dehydration, especially during summer, it is recommended to drink three litters of liquids daily – water, tea or sodas. We provide bottled water at the hotel and even include one bottle every day at your room per person.
Money
The local currency is called Rupiah
1 USD = ~13000 Rupiah
1 Euro = ~15000 Rupiah
1 GBP = ~ 17000 Rupiah
You can check online prior to your visit for up to date exchange information.
Electrical
220-240-volt electricity, the same as the EU.
Plugs are typically the 2-pronged round type so EU travelers will not typically need a converter or adapter.
