SavuAbout Savu
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.
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.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Good | 25° - 31° | 31° | 254 mm | overcast | 80% | 2.9 m/s | 2.7 extreme | 12.5h |
| February | Good | 24° - 31° | 31° | 237 mm | overcast | 80% | 2.8 m/s | 2.9 extreme | 12.3h |
| March | Good | 24° - 31° | 31° | 205 mm | partly cloudy | 78% | 2.1 m/s | 2.7 extreme | 12.0h |
| April | Very Good | 24° - 32° | 31° | 49 mm | some cloud | 76% | 2.4 m/s | 2.5 extreme | 11.8h |
| May | Ideal | 24° - 31° | 30° | 25 mm | mostly sunny | 75% | 3.1 m/s | 2.1 extreme | 11.5h |
| June | Ideal | 23° - 30° | 27° | 0 mm | mostly sunny | 73% | 4.3 m/s | 1.8 very high | 11.4h |
| July | Ideal | 23° - 30° | 26° | 1 mm | mostly sunny | 73% | 4.3 m/s | 2.0 very high | 11.5h |
| August | Ideal | 22° - 30° | 26° | 1 mm | clear | 71% | 3.5 m/s | 2.3 extreme | 11.7h |
| September | Ideal | 23° - 32° | 30° | 11 mm | clear | 74% | 3.0 m/s | 2.7 extreme | 11.9h |
| October | Excellent | 24° - 33° | 32° | 42 mm | mostly sunny | 73% | 2.7 m/s | 2.8 extreme | 12.2h |
| November | Very Good | 25° - 33° | 34° | 89 mm | some cloud | 73% | 2.3 m/s | 2.9 extreme | 12.5h |
| December | Acceptable | 25° - 32° | 32° | 207 mm | overcast | 77% | 2.1 m/s | 2.7 extreme | 12.6h |
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.