Alor, Archipelagic regency in East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia.
Alor is a regency in East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia, spread across 17 islands including Alor and Pantar as the largest territories. This archipelago covers roughly 2,900 square kilometers (1,100 square miles) of land and around 11,000 square kilometers (4,200 square miles) of water, forming a wide scatter of inhabited and empty islands.
The Indonesian government created the regency on August 14, 1958, to formalize administration across the eastern islands. This step brought a separate administrative structure to the remote area within East Nusa Tenggara.
Residents practice traditional rituals and preserve the Moko, a bronze instrument still used during ceremonies and gatherings. The islands also house one of the oldest Qur'an manuscripts in Southeast Asia, a relic visitors can view in local collections that reflects the deep religious roots of the community.
Most travelers fly into Kalabahi from Kupang to reach the area. Boats and ferries then link the six inhabited islands, making it easier to explore the outlying dive sites and coastal settlements.
More than 50 dive spots lie scattered between Alor and Pantar, revealing coral gardens and marine life that attract divers in search of less crowded reefs. These waters host species rarely seen in more popular Indonesian sites.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
