Getting to Rote, the slow way
There are no direct international flights to Rote, and that is good: it keeps the island uncrowded. Fly to Kupang, then cross by ferry or a 30-minute flight.
Fly to Kupang
Book a flight to El Tari International Airport (KOE) in Kupang, the capital of East Nusa Tenggara. Several airlines fly there daily from Jakarta, Bali, Surabaya and Makassar.
Kupang to Rote, four ways across
Two ferries and two airlines connect Kupang with Rote. Wind and waves can change ferry schedules, so check before you travel.
Express Bahari
Daily from Tenau Port in Kupang to Ba’a Port on Rote. Regular seats or a “VIP” inside cabin with a toilet (don’t expect luxury). Both are cheap, and Express Bahari has an app. Takes boards.
ASDP car ferry
Daily from Bolok Port, carries vehicles, and is the cheapest option. Buy tickets at the port and arrive early in peak season.
Wings Air
Daily afternoon flight (usually around 15:35) from Kupang to Rote (RTI). Book on lionair.com. Surfboards are accepted up to a certain length; check the latest rules on their website.
Susi Air
Small propeller plane, morning flight around 07:00 on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. No surfboards, 10 kg hand luggage only, and excess baggage is expensive. Tickets via WhatsApp: +62 811 2021 3235 (Kupang–Rote) or +62 811 2001 1917 (Rote–Kupang).
The road to Sedoen
From the airport or Ba’a port it is a scenic drive across the island, past salt pans and lontar palms, to Nemberala and the villa in Sedoen. If you stay at WaveHaven we help set up your transfers both ways, and may be able to arrange bag and board collection for the fast ferry.
- Our tip: send bags and boards with a taxi driver to the fast ferry, and fly Susi Air yourself
- On the island: rent a scooter for a few US dollars a day, or use an ojek (motorbike taxi)
Good to know
Practical notes for planning your trip to Rote.
Most visitors use a Visa on Arrival (VOA) or e-VOA, both valid for 30 days and extendable once by 30 days. Your passport needs more than six months’ validity, and you need a confirmed ticket out of Indonesia.
WaveHaven has Starlink (around 75 Mbps) with battery backup. Telkomsel rolled out fibre on Rote in 2024; a local SIM covers mobile data.
Island power can go off; the villa has a full battery backup system. Standard Indonesian sockets (type C/F).
Dry season roughly April to November; wet season December to March, with rain showers, more heat and humidity.
Reef booties, a rash guard and reef-safe sunscreen.
Bring cash; ATMs are limited outside Kupang.
Central Indonesia Time (WITA), UTC+8.
Check with your doctor about recommended vaccinations and malaria precautions for the region.
Bahasa Indonesia and local Rote languages; English is spoken at the villa.
Getting here FAQ
Can I fly directly to Rote Island?
Not from abroad. Fly to Kupang (KOE) first, then take Wings Air or Susi Air (about 30 minutes) to Rote airport (RTI), or the ferry to Ba’a.
How long is the ferry from Kupang to Rote?
About 2.5 hours on the Express Bahari fast ferry from Tenau Port, or about 5 hours on the ASDP slow ferry from Bolok Port. Both run daily, weather permitting.
Can I take my surfboard to Rote?
Yes, on the ferries and on Wings Air (up to a certain length). Susi Air does not take surfboards and allows only 10 kg of hand luggage.
Does WaveHaven arrange transfers?
Yes, for guests we help set up transfers from the airport or port to the villa and back.
Do I need a visa for Indonesia?
Most visitors need a Visa on Arrival or e-VOA, valid 30 days and extendable by 30 days. Check the current rules for your nationality before you fly.
Come for the long lefts
WaveHaven is one villa, so we only host one group at a time. Tell us roughly when you’d like to come and who’s travelling, and we’ll reply ourselves.
- Mar – Nov
- Dry season & Surf season
- 2 bedrooms
- Both ensuite
- 4 spots
- In view of the deck