East Nusa Tenggara is a province in eastern Indonesia, in Southeast Asia, made up of hundreds of islands. Among them are Flores and Timor, the two largest, and the province is a destination for travellers who want to see a part of Indonesia that is less crowded than its western islands.
What to expect
- Diverse cultures: The islands are home to many distinct communities, each with its own customs, languages and traditions, and visitors can see this variety from one island to the next.
- Traditional textiles: The province is known for its hand-woven cloth, and the patterns and techniques are a good reason to look around local markets and villages.
- Komodo dragons: The province is known for the Komodo dragon, the large lizard found in its islands, making it a notable draw for wildlife-minded visitors.
Planning a visit
Because the province spans so many islands, travel between them takes planning, and a trip often focuses on one or two islands rather than the whole region. Flores and Timor are the places most people start with, as they are the largest and offer the widest range of places to stay and things to see.
Visitors who enjoy slower travel, cultural encounters and a sense of remoteness will find East Nusa Tenggara a rewarding choice. It suits those willing to move at a steady pace and to take an interest in the textiles, traditions and landscapes of the islands.
