Alor

Off-the-beaten-path destination promises world-class diving far from the crowds

The Hidden Gem of Eastern Indonesia

Tucked away in the far eastern reaches of the Indonesian archipelago, Alor is a pristine and remote paradise, renowned for its rich marine biodiversity, dramatic underwater topography, and vibrant cultural heritage. Part of the Alor Archipelago in East Nusa Tenggara, this off-the-beaten-path destination sailing with Alor liveaboard promises world-class diving far from the crowds, making it an essential stop for divers and liveaboard explorers alike.

Main Access Point

Maumere (Flores) or Kupang (Timor)

BEST SEASON TO VISIT

September to November

GETTING THERE

Bali (DPS) – Kupang (KOE) – Alor (ARD)

Jakarta (CGK) – Kupang (KOE) – Alor (ARD)

MARINE BIODIVERSITY

Pristine reefs with diverse macro life, pelagics, and rare species

Why Visit

Alor

Alor is a must-visit for divers and liveaboard travelers seeking raw, untouched beauty and some of the most exhilarating diving in Indonesia. Nestled within the Coral Triangle, Alor boasts over 70 spectacular dive sites that range from vibrant coral walls and volcanic slopes to world-famous muck diving spots.

For those exploring by sea, Alor offers tranquil anchorages, breathtaking island landscapes, and dive sites so remote you may have them all to yourself. Its isolation, thriving ecosystems, and sense of true adventure make Alor one of the most rewarding and memorable dive destinations in the country.

Diving in

Alor

Kal's Dream
Kal’s Dream

A submerged pinnacle renowned for its vibrant coral coverage and thrilling currents. Expect sightings of reef sharks, barracudas, and schools of fusiliers.

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Clown Valley

A beloved site filled with dense anemone gardens and lively clownfish, creating a vivid and playful reefscape ideal for all divers and underwater photographers.

Beang Abang
Beang Abang

A world-class muck diving site along a volcanic shoreline, known for rare critters like rhinopias, mimic octopus, frogfish, and nudibranchs—a dream for macro enthusiasts.

Kalabahi Bay
Kalabahi Bay

Situated near Alor’s main town, this calm, black-sand bay is a macro hotspot. Divers often find wonderpus, mandarinfish, pipefish, and other rare species hidden among the volcanic sediment.

Rhinopias
Rhinopias

Vibrant, rare, and beautifully textured, these iconic scorpionfish are a top highlight, especially at Beang Abang.

Mimic Octopus
Mimic Octopus

Masters of disguise, capable of impersonating lionfish, flatfish, and more—one of Alor’s most sought-after macro subjects.

Mandarin Fish
Mandarin Fish

Dazzling in blue and orange, these shy fish perform mesmerizing mating dances at dusk in sheltered reef zones.

Blacktip Reef Shark
Reef Sharks

Blacktip and whitetip reef sharks are frequently spotted in the deeper reef walls and fast-moving channels of the Pantar Strait.

The water temperature in the Forgotten Islands ranges from 26°C to 29°C throughout the year, with occasional thermoclines dropping to 24°C during June to September in southern area
Steep coral walls, slopes, pinnacles, and sandy bottoms dominate the remote terrain, with depths from 5 m to over 40 m.
Expect strong and changeable currents, especially around deep channels and seamounts. These conditions bring big fish and action-packed drift dives, but are best suited for confident and experienced divers. Dive planning is key, and local guides will time entries for the safest and most exciting experience.
Alor Map-01

 
Bali (DPS) – Kupang (KOE) – Alor (ARD)

 
Jakarta (CGK) – Kupang (KOE) – Alor (ARD)

How to get to

Alor

Despite their remote and undeveloped charm, the Alor Islands are surprisingly accessible. You can fly into Kalabahi’s small airport or arrive by boat, making the journey part of the adventure.
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By Plane
Fly to Alor’s Mali Airport (ARD) via a connection through Kupang (KOE). Major cities like Jakarta, Bali, and Surabaya offer regular flights to Kupang, with local carriers like Wings Air and NAM Air operating onward flights to Alor.
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By Ferry
Pelni ferries run several times a week between Kupang and Alor, with an approximate journey time of 20 hours. Though long, this route is a budget-friendly and scenic alternative for those with time to spare.
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By Liveaboard
The most immersive way to explore Alor is by liveaboard. These voyages offer seamless access to the region’s most remote and varied dive sites from the coral walls of the Pantar Strait to the macro havens of Beang Abang and Kalabahi Bay.

Explore

Alor

Liveaboards

Raja Ampat

Komodo National Park

The Forgotten Islands

Ambon Moluccas

Banda Sea

Wakatobi