Savu
Island East Nusa Tenggara island noted for ikat textiles
An East Nusa Tenggara island known for Savunese ikat weaving, megalithic customs and timber houses, with coastal reefs used by local fishers and snorkelers.
.jpg?width=1200)
Savu (also spelled Sawu) is an island in the East Nusa Tenggara province of Indonesia, part of the Lesser Sunda Islands. The island is traditionally inhabited by the Savunese and is noted for its woven ikat textiles.
The landscape is relatively dry compared with many Indonesian islands, with low hills, coastal plains and seasonal rainfall that shapes local agriculture and settlement patterns. Small fishing villages and towns are scattered along the coast.
Local production of ikat cloth and customary architecture are cultural highlights; the island’s communities maintain distinct languages and traditions. Transport connections are by ferry and small regional flights to larger nearby islands.
Geographically, Savu lies between Sumba and Timor in the eastern Lesser Sundas, within East Nusa Tenggara province and reachable by sea from regional ports.
- Location in archipelago: Part of the Lesser Sunda archipelago, located between the islands of Sumba to the west and Timor to the east.
- Culture: Known locally for traditional ikat textiles and distinct cultural practices of the Savunese people.
How to Get to Savu #
Savu is served by small regional flights from Kupang or by inter-island ferries; timetables can be irregular and weather-dependent. The island has limited tourist infrastructure-book transfers and accommodation in advance and coordinate with local hosts for boat transport.
Tips for Visiting Savu #
- Respect local customs: Savunese villages often have strong customary legal systems and social protocols-ask before photographing people or sacred sites.
- Sea conditions can be rough outside the sheltered bays-book boat transport with reputable operators and confirm weather windows.
- Try local foods such as jagung (corn) dishes and grilled fish, and visit traditional weavers if possible-textile patterns are part of local identity.
Best Time to Visit Savu #
The dry season from May to October provides the most reliable conditions for travel by boat and on land.
Weather & Climate near Savu #
Savu's climate is classified as Tropical Savanna - Tropical Savanna climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 22°C to 33°C. Abundant rainfall (1121 mm/year), wettest in January with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is hot, feeling like 31°C with oppressive humidity. The wettest month with heavy rain (254 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
February
February is hot, feeling like 31°C due to high humidity. Heavy rain (237 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
March
March is hot, feeling like 30°C due to high humidity. Heavy rain (205 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
April
April is hot, feeling like 31°C due to high humidity. Moderate rainfall (49 mm).
Comfort
Weather
May
May is hot, feeling like 30°C due to high humidity. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.
Comfort
Weather
June
June is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 23°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and mostly sunny skies.
Comfort
Weather
July
July is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 23°C. Almost no rain and mostly sunny skies.
Comfort
Weather
August
August is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 22°C. Almost no rain and clear sunny skies.
Comfort
Weather
September
September is hot, feeling like 30°C due to high humidity. Light rainfall and clear sunny skies.
Comfort
Weather
October
October is hot, feeling like 32°C due to high humidity. Moderate rainfall (42 mm) and mostly sunny skies.
Comfort
Weather
November
November is the hottest month, feeling like 34°C due to high humidity. Regular rainfall (89 mm).
Comfort
Weather
December
December is hot, feeling like 32°C due to high humidity. Heavy rain (207 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
_123.05527E_10.71620S.png?width=600)
