Where Legendary Waves Find Perfect Solitude.
Ndao
One of the longest right handers in Indonesia. A big, smooth carving right hand reef break on an island not so far away.
T-Lands
One of the longest left handers in Indonesia, epic walls and almond shaped barrels.
Boa
Could be one of the best right handers in Indonesia, Barrels, carves and floaters.
Brisbane to Denpasar Flight Options
Direct Flight Airlines
Three airlines operate direct flights from Brisbane to Denpasar: Jetstar, Virgin Australia, and Batik Air Malaysia. All flights depart from Terminal I at Brisbane International Airport and arrive at Terminal I at Ngurah Rai International Airport in Denpasar
Best Airlines & Pricing
1. Jetstar (Budget Option)
Currently the cheapest option with return flights from $500 - 800 ( gets more expensive for Surf boards)
2. Virgin Australia (Full Service)
Average price around $800
Better service and inclusions compared to budget carriers
3. Batik Air Malaysia
Recent deals from $500 - 800 ( early flights and not everyday)
Great airline and I have flown numerous times
For minimal layover Book inbound flights on Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday
For minimal layover Book Outbound flights on Tuesday/Thursday/Saturday
Recommended Routing Inbound:
Brisbane departure: 4:30pm → arrive Denpasar 8:50pm ( must link Denpasar to Rote flight day as its every second day only)
Stay overnight in Denpasar
Next morning: Denpasar 11:05 AM → Kupang 12:45 PM (Lion Air JT924)
Same day: Kupang 3:35 PM → Rote 4:05 PM (Wings Air IW-1937- if afternoon schedule)
Taxi: Rote Airport 4:35 PM → Rote Island Huts 5pm - (potential Twilight surf Out front or at Lifu Lada - depending on tide )
Monday, Wednesday, Friday: Wings Air operates Kupang → Rote
(Always fly from brisbane to denpasar on Sunday/Tuesday/Thursday to get connecting flights the next day)
Recommended Routing Outbound:
5:30 AM: Taxi - Leave Nembrala (30 min drive to airport)
7:25 AM - 7:55 AM: Rote IW-1934 → Kupang (30 minutes flight)
12:35 PM - 2:25 PM: Kupang JT-271 → Denpasar (Lion Air afternoon flight)
9:30 PM: Jetstar JQ60 Denpasar → Brisbane (overnight flight)
5:20 AM: Arrive Brisbane
The Tuesday/Thursday/Saturday departures from Rote offer the most reliable same-day connections back to Brisbane.
Internal Flights
Denpasar to Rote ( via Kupang ) Flight Options
Use Traveloka app for booking as airlines struggle with foreign payment cards
Daily Lion Air Connections:
Bali → Kupang is available daily:
Lion Air flight JT924 departs Denpasar at 11:05 AM WITA and arrives Kupang at 12:45 PM WITA daily
Wings Air Schedule (Kupang → Rote):
Current operating days:
Kupang to Rote – Every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 3:35 PM
Wings Air operates 4 weekly flight
Rote to Denpasar ( via Kupang ) Flight Options
Use Traveloka app for booking as airlines struggle with foreign payment cards
Current Schedule Options:
Using 7:00 AM Rote departure:
7:00 AM: Rote → Kupang (Wings Air)
7:30 AM: Arrive Kupang
1:35 PM: Kupang → Denpasar (Lion Air)
Same day arrival in Denpasar
If using 7:00 AM Wings Air:
Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday: Complete journey Rote → Denpasar possible-
Taxi Service from Rote Airport to Nembrala
Most accommodations offer airport pickup services:
We will send a car to collect you from the airport this side, and then it is a one hour drive to reach us. This costs 350,000IDR
Payment:
Cash only: Indonesian Rupiah (IDR)
When to pay: Directly to the driver upon arrival
Pro Tips:
Pre-arrange pickup through your accommodation for guaranteed service
Have exact change in IDR if possible
The drive gives you scenic views of Rote Island
Bottom line: Budget around 350,000 IDR ($23-25 USD) for the 30-60 minute taxi ride from Rote airport to Nembrala.
Accomadation
Rote Island Huts
$45 - $80 per person per night
Stay in a 6-bedroom villa with personalized meal services. Includes breakfast and one daily boat ride to the surf breaks.
Booking: Contact Matt and Nat (owners) for invoice
Website: www.roteislandhuts.com
Includes: Breakfast, daily boat transfers, intimate home-style dining with fresh local dishes
Best dishes: Overnight oats, Dragon Fruit juice, Kentucky Fried Fish, Mahi Mahi Curry, Fire cooked chicken on the beach.
Scooter Hire
Scooter rental: $7 per day (highly recommended)
Boat Harbour
Distance: Approximately 5-10 minutes by scooter from Rote Island Huts to Nembrala boat harbor ( to catch boat to surf T-Lands or all the other outer islnd spots )
Terrain: Mostly flat coastal roads with some sections of packed dirt/sand
Navigation: Easy to follow, well-traveled route that locals can direct you to if needed
Lifulada Beach
Distance to Lifulada: Approximately 5-7 minutes by scooter from Rote Island Huts
Walking time: About 15-20 minutes on foot along coastal paths
Access: Easy access via main coastal road, with a small turn-off to reach the beach
Surf conditions: Good beginner to intermediate wave, works best on mid to high tide ( not surfable on low tide )
Oeseli Beach
Distance to Oeseli Beach: Approximately 30-40 minutes by scooter from Rote Island Huts
Road conditions: Mostly paved with some sections of packed dirt road ( watch out for rocky sections, horses, goats, pigs, chickens,dogs and fast moving trucks)
Features: Awesome left hander that breaks on big swells, also the entrance to Nirwana
Island Food
Indika Heath Store
Rated 5/5 with 20 reviews
Located on Jl. Raya Nembrala
Specializes in healthy food with Buddha Bowls, Fish Bowls, wraps, and uses ingredients from their own garden.
Known for excellent coffee, banana bread, and ceviche
The Pasar (Bakery/Restaurant/Cafe)
The Pasar is a newly opened cafe in 2024 that serves as an open air cafe with great coffee and a range of food throughout the day.
They have a bakery making daily fresh breads, croissants and all sorts of goodies.
The Pasar has great coffee and freshly baked croissants and breads, making it a perfect breakfast/lunch spot that also does dinner
Rote Island Huts
Dining Setup:
Rather than being a standalone restaurant, Rote Island Huts provides personalized meal services as part of their accommodation package, with staff preparing fresh local dishes including fresh fish and creative salads.
It's more of an intimate, home-style dining experience for resort guests rather than a public restaurant.
Best Dishes: Overnight oats, Dragon Fruit juice in the morning, Kentucky Fried Fish, Mahi Mahi Curry, Fire cooked chicken ( on the beach while watching sunset )
Local Farmer's Market
There's also a traditional local market (pasar means "market" in Indonesian). The local farmer's market is on Tuesdays and you can buy the freshest fruits and veggies here!
There is literally a stall for EVERYTHING ranging from flip flops to electronics to rice cookers.
Be sure to arrive early around 6am as most things are sold out or closed by 9am.
This weekly market is a great way to experience local life and get fresh produce at local prices, much like the traditional Indonesian pasar found throughout the country.
It's a more authentic, local experience compared to the tourist-oriented restaurants in Nembrala.
Narrow Restaurant
Rated 4.5/5 with 66 reviews
Located on Jl. Oenggaut, Nembrala-Boa
Offers both Asian and Western food (including Mexican), described as having "some resemblance to Potato Head on Bali"
Friday Night Satay Chicken specials
Also features Massage and spa services
Indika Pulled Pork
Indika
Indika
Indika
The Pasar
The Pasar
The Pasar
The Pasar
The Pasar
The Pasar
Narrow
Narrow
Adventure Activites
Water Sports & Marine Activities
Diving & Snorkeling: Be amazed by the warm and clear blue waters full of varied marine fauna. Enjoy the privilege of diving knowing that we will be the only explorers of multiple immersion sites, many yet to be discovered. Great diving at Jurassic park where you can see oceanic manta ray and very nice soft and hard coral.The crystal-clear waters and vibrant marine life make it ideal for snorkeling and diving, particularly around Nemberala Beach.
Fishing: A place that still remains a secret, Rote and its surrounding islands offer countless possibilities for fishing with a highly experienced professional.These island channels are, for the most part, unexploited by sports fisherman, offering trolling, bottom fishing opportunities and spear fishing. Guests catch sashimi quality Spanish mackerel and Tuna, as well as BBQ bounty of Travels and Barracuda.
Kitesurfing: Kite boarders will find their paradise on a three kilometer strip of sand known as "Kite Beach", with daily 18-24 knot winds throughout the regular dry season.
Stand Up Paddleboarding & Kayaking: Mangroves adventures by kayak or stand up paddle board. Explore one of Indonesia's most beautiful ecosystems and kayak your way through the dense mangroves. The mangrove SUP tour is a must with clear blue water, rock overhangs and enchanting mangrove forest.
Sailing: Sailing on a 34 foot Warram Catamaran is a once in a lifetime experience with the steady trade winds.
Land-Based Adventures
Hiking: For those seeking adventure, hiking up Mando'o Hill offers a rewarding experience with panoramic views of the lush landscape. The hike involves climbing 300 steps but provides a stunning vista at the summit. Batu Termanu is a striking rock formation where you can hike up for amazing panoramic views of the island and surrounding sea, especially around sunrise or sunset.
Cycling & Motorbiking: Bicycles are available to take you through the village roads and up into the island for sweeping views and isolated white sand beaches. Motorbiking allows for easy exploration of quaint village roads that curve through small beachside villages.
Island Exploration
Island Hopping: Wander among mangroves, white sand shores, heavenly corners full of beauty and silence. Nearby islands like Do'o Island, Ndao, and Landu offer great day trips for beach picnics, snorkeling, or simply to experience their untouched beauty.
Cultural Experiences: Visit Oeseli Village in the southern part of the island, known for its sasando music played using a traditional Rote musical instrument made of bamboo and palm leaves. You can meet local artisans who still make these instruments by hand.
Lake Exploration: The island is home to two beautiful lakes: Danau Oetalus and Danau Laut Mati. These saltwater lakes are ideal for peaceful explorations, birdwatching, and appreciating the unique flora and fauna.
Other Activities
Local Markets: Visiting the local markets in Ba'a gives you a glimpse of the island's day-to-day life. You can find fresh produce, handmade crafts, traditional textiles, and local food.
Beach Activities: Beaches are famous for breathtaking sunsets, and Nemberala Beach offers long stretches of white sand, palm trees, and incredible views of the Indian Ocean.
Rote Island truly offers something for every adventure seeker, from world-class surfing and diving to cultural immersion and peaceful exploration!
Surf Spots
Main Surf Spots Around Nemberala.
Surf Spots
T-Land (Besialu Reef) - The Crown Jewel
T-Land is one of the longest lefts in Indonesia (600-1200ft/400+ meters), often compared to G-Land but more accessible and maneuverable. This wave features three distinct sections: The Peak, The Pyramid, and The Mountain, accommodating surfers of varying skill levels. T-Land breaks consistently through the peak season, making it an everyday surfer's paradise with significantly fewer crowds than other Indonesian waves like Uluwatu or Desert Point
Location: One kilometer from Nemberala beach, accessed by boat
Type: Left-hand reef break
Size: 2ft to 15ft (0.5m to 5m)
Best conditions: All tides, offshore during dry season
The Bombie
A more advanced wave that breaks to the left and right. This wave needs a bigger swell and has a strong current at times. Best early morning or on days without much wind, popular on low tide for tow foilers.
Squealers - The Beginner's Paradise
Contrary to its name, Squealers is Rote's beginner's spot with mostly easy waves. It was called so due to the frequency of female screams catching their first waves. Usually works at low tide, or during a big swell at high tide.
Premium Right-Hand Breaks
Boa - A Dream Right-Hander
Another of Rote Island's pumping rights, Boa is a dream wave for surfers seeking powerful right-handers. An advanced right-hand wave with a perfect tube when it's on. The best time to experience it is during the shoulder seasons when the winds blow onshore in Nemberala but offshore in Boa
Location: About 10 minutes by land South of Nemberala village
Best tide: Mid tide
Access: Beach, motorbike, or boat
Suckies (Sucky Mamas/Sakunamo/Peanuts) - The Advanced Right
One of the very high quality right-handers on the island. Suckies breaks far out on a reef pass a few KMs north of Nemberala. Short, intense and powerful right-wave. In our opinion, it is the best right of the island, very funny wave with good barrels, breaking at mean mid and high tide. You'll hardly find anybody there
Location: Around four kilometres north from Nemberala beach harbour
Access: 10 minutes by boat, which is the only access
Skill level: Advanced to expert only
Secret & Remote Spots
Do'o Island
Do'o is accessed only by boat. It takes about 20 minutes from T-Land Resort. An uninhabited island with a hollow right, breaking off the end of a sharp and shallow coral reef.
Dana Island
Dana Island has a couple classic secluded breaks enjoyable day out on Te Aila catamaran
Petrol Bombs
Petrol Bombs (not for the faint hearted) is one of the very good barreling rights you'll find though details are kept deliberately vague to preserve its secrecy.
Oe Mau Reef
Oe Mau Reef at Boa. A classic Indonesian right perfection on its day. Eight kilometre travel by road
Hidden Gems & Outer Islands
The surf community around Rote is quite protective of their secret spots. Don't be surprised to stumble upon a variety of secret left and right-handers dotted along the coast where you'll experience Rote Island surf perfection and waves you'll remember for a lifetime
There are a good number of mapped and named surf breaks in the region and countless unmapped waves that have yet to be discovered and surfed. Many resorts mention a few other 'secret' spots here on Rote but deliberately keep locations confidential.
Best Conditions & Timing
During the dry season from May-August, the east-southeast trade winds blow offshore in Nemberala from dawn till dusk, meaning spots like T-Land are offshore all day everyday. In the 1-2 months before and after the trade winds start and finish, the wind in Rote is very light and variable, making for some of the glassiest surf conditions you will find anywhere in the world.
The key to accessing the secret spots is staying at one of the surf resorts that offer boat services and have local knowledge of conditions and access. Many of the best breaks require boat access and local guides who know the reefs and currents intimately.
