Travel Info & Frequently Asked Questions
Find out the best way to travel to Alor. Read through our FAQs about travel and diving to make sure you have the information you need.
Getting There
The most direct routes to travel to Alor are via Bali or Jakarta. From Bali or Jakarta, to reach Alor, flights transit through Kupang airport. There are daily flights to Kupang (KOE) and from Kupang there is a daily flight to Alor Mali Airport (ARD).
Domestic flight schedules tend to change frequently in Indonesia and often with little advance notice, therefore we recommend planning ample travel time.
At the airport, our driver holding a sign “Alor Tanapi” will greet you. The drive takes approximately one hour to reach the resort.
Flight Bookings
For assistance on travel to Alor with booking flights or hotels, we will be happy to help. Feel free to contact us if you’d like to use a local travel agent or if you need hotel recommendations in Kupang.
Please note it is not unusual for domestic flight schedules to be changed at the last minute. Therefore we recommend planning ample travel time in case of schedule changes and having travel insurance.
Some useful travel booking websites:
For domestic flight bookings, accepts major credit cards: Traveloka.com
For hotel bookings in Jakarta, Surabaya, Bali and Kupang, please search and book on Booking.com
Accommodation in Bali
Should you opt to spend a few nights in Bali on your way whilst you travel to Alor or on your way back, we recommend our partner of choice, Tandjung Sari Hotel located in calm Sanur away from the hustle and bustle of crowds but still convenient and close to restaurants, shops and local attractions.
Tandjung Sari is an ageless beauty. The journey to becoming a hotel wasn’t always intentional. Tandjung Sari began as the private home of its founder, Wija Wawo-Runtu, in 1962. Soon extra bungalows were built to accommodate friends, then friends of friends. It became a hotel almost without anyone noticing it; but within a few years it was known around the world as the seminal boutique hotel of tropical Asia.
At more than fifty years old, this charming hotel on Sanur beach, shaded by huge trees and quietly sheltering treasure at every turn, remains serene, discreet and elegantly modest.
Read guest reviews and see more photos on Tripadvisor and Booking.com
Travelling & General FAQs
What is the most direct route to travel to Alor?
The most direct route to travel to Alor if entering from overseas is to go via Bali (Denpasar), Surabaya or Jakarta. From there you will need to book a flight to Kupang and from Kupang a final flight to Alor Mali Airport. Domestic flight schedules can change without much prior notice, therefore we recommend planning ample travel time in case of delays. You may check flights on traveloka.com
When is the best time to travel to Alor?
Our resort opens between 20th of March and 20th of December. We close during the rainy season (December - March) as the visibility drops significantly and there are weeks when it will be very windy and rainy and not suitable for diving or land activities. The driest months are between May and October.
Do I need a visa to enter Indonesia?
Since COVID-19, visa requirements have been constantly changing for foreigners travelling to Indonesia. We suggest you check the latest requirements here if travelling through Bali: https://bali.com/bali/bali-visa-indonesia-entry-regulations/
What are the luggage restrictions when travelling on domestic flights?
Airline schedules and luggage exclusions / inclusions change frequently. We recommend checking on traveloka.com for the most up-to-date information. Excess weight can be purchased during the ticket booking or can be paid at the airport in Indonesian Rupiah when checking-in.
Is there malaria or dengue in Alor?
We recommend you bring plenty of mosquito repellent and consult with your doctor should you have any concerns. The dry season in Alor means there are less mosquitos and few cases of malaria or dengue.
Do I need travel and diving insurance?
It is highly recommended that you purchase travel insurance including comprehensive accident, medical, luggage and trip cancellation insurance. In case of bad weather or other unforeseen circumstances beyond our control, we will not be able to provide any refund or credit.
Diving insurance is mandatory due to our isolated location, the nearest hyperbaric chamber is located in Bali and evacuation costs and chamber expenses are not covered under standard medical insurance. We recommend DAN insurance, you will need to purchase according to your country of residence.
Are there hospitals in Alor?
There are local hospitals in Alor but if for bigger emergencies we recommend evacuation to Bali or Singapore.
Diving insurance is mandatory due to our isolated location, the nearest hyperbaric chamber is located in Bali and evacuation costs and chamber expenses are not covered under standard medical insurance. We recommend DAN insurance, you will need to purchase according to your country of residence.
Are you able to accommodate guests with disabilities?
As we are located on a hill, unfortunately our site is not suitable for people with walking disabilities. There are a number of stairs required to go up and down from the dive center to the restaurant.
What type of food do you serve?
Breakfast is served à la carte, while lunch and dinner are served family-style. We mostly serve authentic Indonesian freshly prepared dishes, but sometimes vary with Western or other international dishes.
Do you cater to vegans and people with food allergies or intolerances?
Yes, we are able to cater to vegans, vegetarians, food allergies or intolerances. We send out a form to fill before your arrival which helps us understand what you like, dislike, can or cannot eat, and we do our best to adapt our menu based on this information.
Do you offer room service?
Please note that we do not offer room service.
Is there phone signal and internet in Alor?
At the resort we have phone signal and 4G internet most of the time.
We also provide WiFi. While this works most of the time, it is not 100% reliable. If connectivity is important to you, we recommend getting a local SIM card with internet data. 4G internet is fairly reliable in Alor and there is good reception all around Alor Tanapi, but keep in mind we are in a remote part of Indonesia and internet service interruptions may occur.
What should I pack?
We suggest bringing comfortable clothes due to the warm climate although it can get cooler in the evenings in the dry season (May to September).
- Cotton clothing is highly recommended with long-sleeves for protection against mosquitos.
- For the waterfall hikes, you will need sturdy sandals to walk through the river, and sturdy shoes for any other hikes.
- Mosquito repellent although we also provide some at the resort
- Eco-friendly toiletries such as biodegradable soaps and shampoos, bamboo cotton buds or reef-safe sunscreen are especially welcome in Alor while we look for solutions to develop our own.
What type of electricity and plug adapters are available at the resort?
In Indonesia we use twin round plug sockets with 220 volts. For convenience we have available universal power strips, but divers are encouraged to bring their own adapters.
Can I do laundry at the resort?
We are able to take care of your laundry at the resort for a small fee per kg which goes directly to the cleaning staff.
What is the local currency?
The local currency is the Indonesian Rupiah (IDR) and currently trades at around 15’000 rupiah for one US dollar.
How should I pay?
We are able to accept bank transfers prior to your arrival. For extras such as drinks, additional dives, rental equipment, etc. you can pay in cash in IDR or USD or by credit card (MasterCard, VISA) with a 2% extra surcharge.
Do you accept children at the resort?
Our site is located on a slope and although there is a beach, there is also a rocky area which we feel is not suitable for young children and toddlers. The strong currents in the Pantar Strait unfortunately also do not make Alor an ideal destination if travelling with children. The minimum age for children is 10 years or older.
Is there a schedule for meals and diving?
While we aim to keep things flexible, we do have a general schedule for meals and dives to ensure that everyone enjoys their time with us. We encourage guests to arrive on time for both meals and dives, as this helps us keep everything running smoothly and ensures a great experience for everyone.
Are meals included in the price?
All-Inclusive Pricing: Yes, our prices are all-inclusive of meals, which include breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks. If you prefer something different, we also offer a small menu for an additional charge. Please note that we do not offer breakfast-only or half-board pricing.
What is the tipping and gratuities policy in Indonesia?
Tipping and Gratuities: Tipping is not mandatory in Indonesia, but it is always appreciated. If you were happy with the service, it is common to leave a tip to the resort staff, dive guides and boat crew. A general guideline is to tip based on your satisfaction with the service, with many guests offering between 5-10% of the total bill as a gratuity.
Diving FAQs
What kind of diving can we expect to find in Alor?
Alor offers a nice balance between pristine, colorful coral reefs where schools of fish can be encountered, and muck dive sites where the unique critters are usually spotted. The coral sites are mostly bottomless walls or feature a sloping topography where current can vary from mild to strong with good visibility, while in the muck sites you will find a sandy black bottom with little current and average visibility.
When is the best time to dive in Alor?
Our resort opens between 20th of March and 20th of December. We close during the rainy season (December – March) as the visibility drops significantly and there are weeks when it will be very windy and rainy and not suitable for diving or land activities. The driest months are between May and October.
What is the water temperature in Alor?
The average temperature is usually between 24-30°C, but it has been known to drop in certain areas to 20°C, in some dive sites you might feel a thermocline of 16°C. We therefore recommend a 5mm wetsuit, gloves and a hood if you get chilly.
What diver certification level is required?
To be able to go fun diving, a minimum certification equivalent to PADI Open Water is necessary. We also recommend having at least 50-100 dives in order to be able to enjoy and feel comfortable in the Alor-Pantar waters.
Can I take a PADI course?
Yes, we offer recreational PADI diving courses from beginner level to advanced. Please contact us if you would like to take a course.
How many dives do we do per day?
We generally offer 3 dives per day due to our remote location, we prefer not to push the limits. In exceptional cases we might offer the possibility of doing a 4th dive for a group, but this is to be discussed prior to the booking.
Are there any limitations on the diving?
We usually dive between 15-25 meters and ask that all divers stay within the limits of their qualifying certifications. All dives are required to be no-decompression dives, we do not allow solo-diving and we reserve the right to cancel any unused dives should divers not respect and follow the rules of the company.
Do I need evacuation and diving insurance?
Yes, DAN (Diver’s Alert Network) insurance or equivalent is mandatory for scuba divers due to our remote location. Diving insurance is mandatory due to our isolated location, the nearest hyperbaric chamber is located in Labuan Bajo and Bali and evacuation costs and chamber expenses are not covered under standard medical insurance. We recommend DAN insurance, you will need to purchase according to your country of residence.
Is there an optimal time to dive with or without strong currents?
We suggest aligning your booking dates with the lunar phase for an optimal diving experience. If you’re adventurous, like currents, and eager to encounter larger marine life, booking around the new moon and full moon can provide exhilarating encounters. Alternatively, for those seeking calmer dives, we advise avoiding these peak lunar periods.
What should I keep in mind when taking underwater photos and videos?
Photo and Video Etiquette: When taking pictures, please be mindful of other divers and avoid hogging or chasing subjects. Sharing the experience allows everyone to capture their own memories.
Are there first-aid facilities?
We have a first-aid kit at the resort and on the boat.
What dive equipment do I need?
Tanks, weights and weight belts are included in the dive prices. If you need other equipment such as wetsuit, BCD, regulator, mask, fins, snorkel, dive light, dive computer, etc. please see our rental price list. If you get cold, we suggest bringing a hood and a 5mm wetsuit.
Is there dive equipment for rent?
We have limited dive equipment for rent so we kindly ask that you contact us beforehand if you will need to rent equipment. We have BCDs and regulators, 5 mm long wetsuits, dive computers, torches, SMB, hooks, masks, snorkels, fins, booties and open-heel fins. We strongly recommend purchasing your own wetsuits and masks for maximum comfort.
Do you use INT or DIN valves?
Our tanks can be converted from DIN to INT.
What facilities are available for photographers and videographers?
We have a dedicated camera room at the dive center for photographers and videographers, there is also ample room in the bungalows for keeping equipment. We also provide camera only rinse buckets.
Do you have Nitrox?
Currently, Nitrox is not part of our offerings; however, we are planning to introduce it as soon as we can. We will update our offerings accordingly once it is available.
Can I fish or spear fish?
We will be diving in a marine park reserved for local fishermen only, therefore we cannot fish or spear fish.
Am I allowed to wear gloves?
There is no rule against wearing gloves but we will not allow guests to touch the reef unless for safety reasons. We ask that our guests sign an “Environmental Awareness Statement” on arrival that says they will be responsible divers and respect the marine life, we reserve the right to cancel any unused dives in the event that guests do not follow and respect these rules. If you need to stabilize yourself while shooting photos, we recommend using a pointer with a soft tip (plastic or similar). Buoyancy control is of utmost importance and we’ll be happy to give you advice and help you improve your diving skills at no extra charge if we see there is room for improvement.
What are the safety guidelines for diving?
Diving Safety: For your safety, please stay behind the dive guide and never dive deeper than them. This ensures that you remain within safe diving limits and can follow the guide’s instructions closely.
What are the environmental guidelines for diving?
Environmental Respect: Please avoid kicking up sand and kicking corals while diving. This helps protect the delicate marine environment and ensures a better experience for everyone.
The ability to drift dive and feel comfortable in strong currents is also required due to the challenging conditions in the Pantar Strait. Please refer to our sustainability page for more information on environmental responsibility.