Alor still belongs to the remote areas in Indonesia. It is located only 30 km north of Timor-Leste and about 1000 km east of Denpasar (Bali). Some new roads have opened parts of the interior, but because of its rugged surface many parts of the island still are hard to access. The region near its main town Kalabahi is one of the few flat areas on the island. The island has many different tribes that until recently lived separated from each other. This has resulted in 15 different indigenous languages on the island. Its total population is 170,000. Administratively Alor belongs together with the neighbouring island Pantar to Alor District.
Coast of Alor
Alor is 90 km in length and has an area of about 2800 km², making it the largest island of the Alor archipelago. The island Pantar is about 50 km across. Kalabahi is the only town of importance on the island of Alor, with a population of about 60,000. In spite of its size and location the variety of goods available in Kalabahi is reasonable high.
The origin of the Alor drums called 'Moko' is not clear
Alor is known for its about 0.5 m high bronze drums called 'Moko'. They are hourglass shaped and have four ear-shaped handles. It is said that the Alorese found them buried in the ground. There are theories that these drums origin from the Vietnam area and in the past were brought to the island by traders.
Alor, Roti and Timor-Leste area (please click image for larger version)
The seas around the island offer 40 world class dive sites of which many still completely unspoiled. The area offers pristine coral gardens, overhangs and caves, abundant fish life, and big fish like Giant Groupers, Manta Rays and a variety of reef Shark. Because of possible strong currents it is advisable to have a dive guide who knows the dive spots.
Comming from Jakarta, Surabaya or Denpasar (Bali) you can reach Alor via Kupang (West Timor). Daily flights to Kupang are operated by several airline companies (among others Merpati, Batavia Air, Lion Air and Sriwijaya Air). There are as well flights between Darwin (Australia) and Kupang. TransNusa Trigana Air and Merpati offer flights from Kupang to Alor 5 x weekly.
Sumber http://www.liveaboards-indonesia.com/destinations/alor.htm
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