Lembata

Lembata is an island in Indonesia’s East Nusa Tenggara province, located in the Lesser Sunda chain east of Flores and west of Alor. The island is inhabited and connected to regional ferry and ferry/boat routes that link it with neighbouring islands.

The island’s coastal settlements rely on fishing, small-scale agriculture and boatbuilding, and the south coast village of Lamalera is particularly known for its long-established traditional whaling practice. Coastal reefs and dive sites around the island support marine recreation, and the island has a mix of lowland settlements and volcanic highlands inland.

Lembata is part of the archipelago of eastern Indonesia and has been integrated into regional trade and transport networks for centuries. The island’s communities maintain local maritime cultures that are distinctive within the Lesser Sunda Islands.

The island sits in the Savu Sea within East Nusa Tenggara province; its main port and administrative centre is Lewoleba on the western side, and it lies between the larger islands of Flores to the west and Alor to the east.

• Local livelihoods: The island forms part of East Nusa Tenggara and has active coastal communities engaged in fishing, boatbuilding and traditional marine practices.
• Traditional whaling at Lamalera: Lamalera's traditional whaling is regionally well known; visitors should be aware it is a community practice with cultural significance.

What to See #

• Lewoleba (Larantuka) Harbour: Lewoleba is the island's principal town and harbour, serving as the administrative centre and main transport link to Flores and neighbouring islands.
• Lamalera whaling village: Lamalera is a south-coast village known for a long-standing traditional whale and dolphin hunting practice that continues to attract anthropological and visitor interest.