Five Reasons Sabu Island in Indonesia’s East Nusa Tenggara is Worth a Visit

KOMPAS.com – Outdoor enthusiasts who are looking for natural beauty or to take pictures of the landscapes in Indonesia’s East Nusa Tenggara may take time to experience what Sabu Island has to offer. Two or three days is not enough.

Visitors have choices of must-sees on their itineraries while in Sabu Island. From attending a thanksgiving traditional ceremony in Sabu Raijua regency to enjoying a rainbow hill in Kelabba Maja to walking on a white sand beach in West Sabu, this island will keep its guests busy capturing the moments.

Hand-made woven fabric is also a must-buy East Nusa Tenggara souvenir.

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Here are the things to do in Sabu Island:

1. Rainbow Hill in Kelabba Maja

The hill is located in the Hawu Mehara sub-district in Sabu Raijua regency. Visitors’ eyes will be pampered with the hill’s natural four colors of white, brown, blue, and red. Some may  regard it as Indonesia's version of the Grand Canyon.

Kelabba Maja has a stretch of valley and several cliffs with unique shapes. The hill also features balanced rocks that stand firmly at the end of the cliff. The locals believe that this is the abode of the gods and goddesses.

2. Traditional ceremonies

The people in Sabu Raijua district have various traditional ceremonies such as the thanksgiving ceremony. Locally known as hole, the ceremony takes place a few days after the full moon. Visitors can see the procession of a small boat being released into the sea. The boat carries various offerings from all the villages.

The ceremony is followed by a cockfighting ritual and horse dance or locally known as pehere jara.

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3. Napae Beach

One of the tourist attractions on the island is the white sand beach and a calm blue sea. After swimming, beachgoers can relax under the gazebos and enjoy the tranquil nature as the waves on Napae Beach are quite calm.

4. The local way of life

East Nusa Tenggara has many traditional villages, including the Namata traditional village in Raeloro in West Sabu district. Tourists are required to wear traditional clothes when entering the traditional village as a sign of respect. The village features piles of megalithic stones as a place to perform traditional rituals and worship the ancestors.

Tourists can visit the village leaders and chat them up on the culture and rules that have been upheld for a long time. Visitors can also follow the daily activities of the villagers while visiting the traditional village.

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5. Signature woven cloth

Sabu Island is also known for its woven fabric processed using techniques handed down through generations. The motifs are varied from geometric shapes to flora and fauna decorations.

As the outdoor tourist attractions have been reopened in Indonesia, visitors are urged to follow the health protocols to contain the spread of Covid-19. Tourists are required to wear a mask, wash hands properly by using soaps, and maintain physical distancing. Those who have fever or body temperature above 37.3 degrees Celsius must avoid traveling.

(Writer: Nabilla Ramadhian | Editor: Anggara Wikan Prasetya)

Source: https://travel.kompas.com/read/2020/08/14/133700927/5-alasan-kamu-harus-berwisata-ke-pulau-sabu-di-ntt?page=1.