Settled by the Portuguese several centuries ago, Palau Andonara has still retained much of its Portuguese influence, moderated by hints of the Dutch and Islamic cultures. This can be clearly seen in the island’s beautiful buildings, temples and churches as well as the culinary creations of the people who live there.
Like much of this area, the waters around Pulau Andonara are popular with scuba divers and snorkelers. Beach bunnies will find a good number of stretches of sand to soak up the sun on, while those who enjoy adventure sports can trek through the jungle to discover waterfalls and caves.
There are a number of small villages on the island, and a great way to explore is by hiring a bicycle and using peddle power to journey along narrow winding roads beside lush rice fields and orchards.
Accommodation on Palau Andonara tends to be rather basic, so those who like to surround themselves with luxury might prefer to look elsewhere. However, this is a good place for those who want to escape the tourist scene and discover Indonesia’s natural beauty and culture.
Getting There & Away
Access for international visitors is from Denpasar, which has a large airport with connecting flights to surrounding countries. Visitors can take a connecting flight from Denpasar to Pulau Alor’s airport (1 hour) and then catch a ferry to Pulau Adonara to the port of Kalabahi on Pulau Alor (4 hours).
Onward Travel
- Waiwerang