This is the most unspoiled region of East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) because it's the least visited place. Trek to the rim of Pantar volcano, visit the traditional whaling village on Lemhata or dive the straits of Alor at a dive destination rated by all to be amongst the best in the world. Ponder on the existence of the Moko drums, which are not found in large numbers anywhere else in Indonesia and can be traced back to the Dongson period in Vietnam around 350 BC and you start to realize that Alor is truly a land lost in time.
Alor traditional culture has been influenced for centuries by the Chinese traders and Java, India and the religion of Islam and Christianity in the time of old. This can be seen in the silk thread woven into the original weavings and the mix of Mosques and Christian churches dotted through out the island. The traditional dances, Ikat weavings motifs and varies architectural style greatly from area to area. With more than a dozen traditional villages within one hours drive from the capital Kalabahi - Alor is a cultural tourist's heaven.
Alor diving is known as the best in the world with its smoldering Volcanoes reaching down into crystal clear waters fringed with pristine coral reefs, coconut fringed pure white sandy beaches and traditional villages built half way up mountains, the scenery is as spectacular above as it is below the waterline. Alor Island is so mountainous that it is almost impossible to pass from one side to the other and many of the villages on the island itself can only transport themselves via small wooden ferries.
Dive Sites
Kal's Dream
This is probably the most well-known dive site in the area. The submerged pinnacles, which can only be dived on slack tide, are teeming with schools of small fish including anthias and fusiliers. You need to fin down to it since the current is usually quite strong, once there keep a lookout for barracuda and black tip however they aren't guaranteed to show. "The Dream" can be hit or miss, on a good day the viz can begin clear, large grey reef sharks and even hammerheads have been known to visit this spot.
Sharks Galore
Off the coast of Pura Island at Sharks Galore you can take a breather from the currents without compromising your fun. Not surprisingly, given the name, there is a good chance of you seeing plenty of sharks here in what is normally a still or gentle drift from your Alor dive live aboard. Big grey reef sharks and white tips tend to cruise around in the company of hefty dog-toothed tuna sometimes combining to make the human tourists feel very small indeed. Depending on the conditions you may finish this dive in the adjacent site known as Clown Valley.
Mandarin House and the Boardroom
The North side of Pura Island offers this healthy reef slope where mandarin fish can be seen dancing in the daylight. Dusk often yields the opportunity to witness them mating. A 50 meters deep wall at the boardroom just East of Mandarin House offers caves filled with glassfish and schooling jacks and snappers at depth.
Pertamina Pier
This relatively new site is a black sand slope in the harbor that forms a haven for critters. Keep a look out for ghost pipefish, seahorses, hairy crabs and even wonderpuss-a bizarre species of octopus. Night diving here can be even more interesting!
Similarly, information about the best dive sites in Alor. Snorkeling and diving is the right thing if you want to see the location of underwater paradise that is located here. Hopefully this article can serve as a reference for the tourists who will plan dives in Alor, East Nusa Tenggara.