The Alor Archipelago is located in the eastern Lesser Sunda Islands. It’s western neighbour, the Solor Archipelago lies between it and Flores Island. West Timor is directly to the south, the Banda Sea to the north. This truly delightful island group is one of Indonesia’s best kept secrets, whispered about in hushed tones by those in the know lest word of their quiet paradise reach the ears of too many.
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The archipelago comprises of the large islands of Alor and Pantar and eighteen smaller islands including Kepa, Buaya, Ternate, Pura and Tereweng. Only nine islands are inhabited. Most of the regency’s infrastructure is based in Alor Island, in and around Kalabahi, the only town of any significance. Most of the islanders live in villages, maintaining a subsistence lifestyle cultivating vanilla, tamarind, almonds, candlenuts, cassava and sandalwood. Others derive a living from the sea around them.
Between the natural beauty of the surroundings, the laid back island lifestyle and fascinating traditional islander culture, the Alor Archipelago has much to offer.
Divers are heavily represented among the few tourists that venture to the Alor’s, attracted by the pristine waters and some of Indonesia’s best dive sites. A handful of liveaboard boats pass this way and there are a few dive resorts but otherwise, tourist infrastructure is limited. But don’t let that deter you. Visiting and island hopping the Alor’s is very doable with a little know how.
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