Alor IslandAlor Island at a Glance
About Alor Island
Alor Island is the largest island of the Alor archipelago in East Nusa Tenggara province of Indonesia, known for rugged terrain, traditional villages and maritime culture. It is sparsely populated in parts and retains strong local cultural traditions and languages.
The island attracts divers for its coral reefs and rich marine life as well as visitors interested in traditional textile weaving and village culture. Transport is organised around Kalabahi, the main port and administrative centre on the island, which links Alor to other islands by ferry and air services.
Alor lies in the eastern Lesser Sunda Islands, east of Flores and west of Timor, and forms part of the broader biogeographic transition zone between Wallacea and adjacent regions.
- Diving and marine life: The island is well regarded for diving and snorkelling with strong marine biodiversity and several recognised dive sites around its reefs.
What to See#
- Kalabahi (main town): Kalabahi is the main port town and administrative centre on the island, serving as the entry point for visitors and local transport connections.
Best Time to Visit Alor Island
Visit during the dry season (May-October) for reliable boat conditions and clearer water for diving and snorkeling.
Weather & Climate near Alor Island
Alor Island's climate is classified as Tropical Savanna - Tropical Savanna climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 16°C to 28°C. Abundant rainfall (1615 mm/year), wettest in February with a pronounced dry season.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Good | 20° - 26° | 23° | 278 mm | overcast | 82% | 2.0 m/s | 2.6 extreme | 12.4h |
| February | Good | 19° - 26° | 23° | 290 mm | overcast | 83% | 2.8 m/s | 2.7 extreme | 12.3h |
| March | Good | 19° - 27° | 23° | 200 mm | partly cloudy | 81% | 1.6 m/s | 2.7 extreme | 12.0h |
| April | Very Good | 19° - 27° | 23° | 147 mm | some cloud | 75% | 1.7 m/s | 2.5 extreme | 11.8h |
| May | Excellent | 18° - 26° | 22° | 81 mm | mostly sunny | 72% | 2.5 m/s | 2.1 extreme | 11.6h |
| June | Ideal | 17° - 26° | 22° | 50 mm | mostly sunny | 69% | 4.1 m/s | 1.9 very high | 11.5h |
| July | Ideal | 17° - 25° | 21° | 41 mm | mostly sunny | 67% | 4.1 m/s | 2.0 very high | 11.6h |
| August | Ideal | 17° - 25° | 21° | 16 mm | clear | 63% | 3.4 m/s | 2.4 extreme | 11.7h |
| September | Ideal | 17° - 26° | 22° | 14 mm | clear | 63% | 2.7 m/s | 2.7 extreme | 11.9h |
| October | Ideal | 18° - 27° | 23° | 47 mm | mostly sunny | 63% | 2.2 m/s | 2.8 extreme | 12.2h |
| November | Very Good | 20° - 28° | 24° | 173 mm | some cloud | 67% | 2.2 m/s | 2.8 extreme | 12.4h |
| December | Good | 20° - 27° | 23° | 278 mm | overcast | 77% | 2.1 m/s | 2.6 extreme | 12.5h |
How to Get to Alor Island
Access is usually via flights to Kalabahi (Alor’s main town) from Kupang (on Timor) or via sea connections. Regional ferries and small prop planes service the route; schedules vary seasonally.
Tips for Visiting Alor Island
- Domestic flights to Alor's central town (Kalabahi) connect from Kupang; book seats early during holiday periods.
- Hire a local boat to explore the archipelago - snorkeling is excellent and reefs are close to shore.
- Respect local customs: Alor has a mix of Muslim and Christian communities with conservative dress codes in villages.