Sikka Regency, Flores

Prior to 1954, the people of the Sikka region of Flores were governed by an independent dynasty of Rajas who could trace their origins back through sixteen generations. The most traditional villages are located in the highlands, where many women still make heavy four-panel sarongs using naturally dyed hand-spun cotton. Marriage requires an exchange of goods, with the groom’s clan gifting elephant tusks and horses, while the bride’s clan gifts ikat textiles on the proviso that they must be ‘eaten’, the groom’s clan are obliged to transform them into clothing and then wear them.

East Flores Regency, Flores

The Lamaholot people of East Flores are inland agricultural farmers who use slash-and-burn cultivation to grow maize and dry hill rice. The capital of Larantuka is the most important Catholic centre on Flores, holding massive celebrations throughout the week of Easter. The weavers of East Flores make beautiful earthy brown sarongs using naturally dyed hand-spun cotton, which they embellish with tiny white nassa shells collected from local beaches. Although the textiles from each area look similar, each has its own local motifs.

Adonara

The most traditional communities on Adonara still maintain their ancestral villages on the steep flanks of the Ilé Boleng volcano. Here, the traditional houses have spikes on the roof called lango taran, decorated with curved segments of coconut. Those belonging to the higher status clans have seven spikes, while the lower ones have five. Women still hand spin their own cotton and make natural dyes but are not able to bind the threads to produce ikat. Consequently, the majority of their cloths have simple warp stripes. The craft of ikatting only takes place in one Islamic coastal village, which supplies ikatted threads to the rest of the island.

Lembata

Lembata is an extremely undeveloped island with a rugged volcanic landscape. In the past, it was easier to travel from village to village by boat rather than overland. The textiles produced on Lembata have been, and in some places still are, of outstanding quality. Yet despite the small size of the island and the generally common culture of its weaving communities, the appearance of these textiles varies widely by region. One important group lives at the foot of the active Ilé Apé volcano, while another is based at Lamalera on the southern coast, a unique community of sea hunters who harpoon passing whales from tiny locally made whale boats. Motifs of whales and boats are now common on their textiles.

Ternate

The tiny conical island of Ternate lies in the strait that separates the much larger islands of Alor and Pantar. Its menfolk are fishermen, using beautifully made bamboo fish traps to catch their prey. Their wives are extremely prolific ikat textile makers, belonging to five different weaving cooperatives. They all produce extremely colourful sarongs and blankets, which they sell to the larger neighbouring islands. The bright colours appear to be synthetic, yet are entirely natural. They claim to be able to make around one hundred natural dyes, some made from marine species such as sea sponges, sea urchins, and sea hares.

Alor

The rugged and mountainous island of Alor is home to a number of disparate ethnic groups who speak some fourteen different languages. The majority of the population are frizzy-haired Melanesians divided into half a dozen different tribes with a completely different culture to that found on the other islands. The largest tribe is the Abui, who were traditionally animists and have a complex system of kinship. They have no tradition of weaving textiles but do make fabulous baskets and beaded jewellery. In the past, they dressed in barkcloth loincloths but today wear textiles that they acquire from some of their Islamic coastal neighbours.

Savu

Savu is a beautiful, low-lying limestone island fringed by sandy beaches and coral reefs, covered for the most part by grassland and lontar palms. With no mountains to catch the rain, the vegetation becomes increasingly parched from April to October and the streams run dry. The Savunese call this the hungry season, musim lapar, and survive by drinking the juice of the prolific lontar palm tree. Here both men and women belong to one of two female clans, each of which has its own style of textiles and ikat motifs. It’s encouraging to see how many young women are involved in textile production here.

Sumba

The island of Sumba has an amazing megalithic culture, where members of the nobility are buried in graves topped with massive blocks of stone. The traditional houses are large and have high pointed roofs covered with grasses. Some people still believe in the endemic marapu religion, based on respect for the ancestors. The east coast of Sumba is home to some of the most sophisticated textile makers in Asia. They are especially well-known for their large men’s blankets completely decorated with bold ikat designs. There are also many types of women’s sarongs, some mud-dyed. They can be decorated with ikat, glass beads, small sea shells, or supplementary warp, known as pahikung.

Snorkeling in Coral Gardens

Dive into the vibrant underwater world of the Lesser Sunda Islands. Explore colorful coral reefs teeming with exotic fish, creating an unforgettable snorkeling experience in crystal-clear waters.

Trekking to Volcanic Peaks

Embark on a thrilling hike to the volcanic peaks of the Lesser Sunda Islands. Enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding archipelago, and experience the raw beauty of these majestic landscapes.

Visiting Traditional Villages

Discover the unique culture and traditions of the Lesser Sunda Islands by visiting local villages. Engage with friendly locals, witness traditional crafts, and immerse yourself in the island’s rich heritage.

Dolphin and Whale Watching

Set sail on a captivating dolphin and whale-watching excursion. Witness these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat, enjoying the serene beauty of the Lesser Sunda Islands’ pristine waters.

Beachfront Relaxation

Unwind on the idyllic beaches of the Lesser Sunda Islands. Bask in the sun, stroll along the soft sands, and let the tranquil surroundings rejuvenate your spirit.

Exploring Hidden Caves