Land Activities

About Alor Archipelago

an older alor man with freediving goggles and his fishing cage made of bamboo

Alor, located east of Bali and Flores in East Nusa Tenggara, is a remote and mountainous island spanning 2,884.5 square miles. Once a Portuguese territory, it was handed over to the Dutch in 1854. Despite its rugged landscape and limited coastal lowlands, Alor is home to a rich cultural heritage and one of the world’s most ethnically diverse populations.

With around 140,000 people spread across seven inhabited islands, Alor is divided into 50 tribes, each speaking distinct languages or dialects from seven different language groups. Some of these tribes practiced headhunting until the 1950s, using arrows tipped with chicken bones designed to cause severe wounds. While tribal disputes are rare today, Alor's traditional customs and warrior heritage remain an important part of its identity.

Alor is also known as the "Island of a Thousand Mokos.", where the name of our resort originate from. Mokos are small bronze kettledrums believed to have originated from Vietnam’s Dong Son culture, though their arrival in Alor remains a mystery. Many have been found buried in the ground, and locals still occasionally unearth them today. To see these fascinating artifacts, visitors can explore the Museum of a Thousand Mokos in Kalabahi, which also features traditional Alor handwoven textiles called Ikat

Cultural experiences

Traditional Abui houses in Takpala Village

Bampalola Village

Bampalola village is the tribe that is closest to the resort. just 20 minutes away up in the mountain, surrounded by a beautiful panoramic view over the pantar strait, here you can experience a different tribe from Tapkala with different traditions and ceremonies.

Uma Pura traditional hand woven village

On the small island of Ternate, Uma Pura Village is renowned for its traditional Ikat weaving. Crafted with patience and skill, this handwoven textile features intricate patterns unique to each weaver. What sets Alor’s Ikat apart is its use of natural dyes and motifs inspired by marine life, reflecting the island’s deep connection to the ocean.

Tapkala Village

Takpala Village, located in North-Central Alor, offers a glimpse into the island’s rich indigenous heritage. Home to the Abui people, the village features traditional pyramid-shaped houses made from bamboo and coconut leaves. The Takpala community proudly preserves their ancestral customs, from unique weaving techniques to traditional dances performed in ceremonial attire. Visitors can experience their warm hospitality, witness age-old traditions, and even take part in cultural performances, making Takpala a fascinating destination for those looking to explore Alor’s deep-rooted traditions.

Located to the south of Alor island, Liang beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in the area. featuring a long stretch of white sand, this is a perfect place to relax, swim and enjoy a lunch picknick. here you can also walk up the hill next to the beach to get a overview of the beach and the turquoise water

Island Hopping

Kangge Island

Located to the west of Pantar Island, this remote small island is perfect for a day trip. Here you can Snorkel, explore the island as well as see the traditional sustainable seaweed farming which is part of the villagers income. The seaweed is bought by Moko Alor Dive sister company, Rote Karaginan Nusantara, which is later exporter all around the wold as part of food and other consumer products. We have been working together with the villagers is Kangge for years and its part of our CSR preject. Find our more here

On this small island close to Moko Alor Dive, here you can also enjoy snorkeling, looking for dolphins from the beach, enjoy the sunset and explorign the island. Here you can also do cliff diving if you are adventurous. This is a short trip so can be easily be combined with other activities such as diving.

Liang Beach

Kepa Island

Hiking and other activities

Mataru Waterfall

This is an adventure for any nature lover and for those who want to see the remote parts of Alor Island. The Mataru Waterfall is most distinct as the tallest waterfall in Alor, and getting there involves a 90-minute car ride and a short hike through the lush forest alongside the river. Here is also a good place to look for birds and other wildlife.

Mount Sirung Volcano

As one of Alor's few active volcanoes, this is a great destination for those looking to explore the inland landscapes of Pantar Island. Though relatively short at 863 meters, the volcano offers a unique experience, with sulfur gases visibly escaping from its slopes. Getting there involves a boat ride to Pantar, followed by a local car transfer to the starting point of the hiking trail.

Bird watching

Birdwatching in Alor offers a unique chance to see diverse bird species in a pristine setting. From the rare Alor myzomela to yellow-crested cockatoos and Wallacean drongos, the island’s forests and coastlines are teeming with life. Early mornings are ideal for spotting kingfishers, sunbirds, and parrots. Whether exploring highland forests or mangrove shores, birdwatching in Alor is a peaceful and rewarding experience for nature lovers.

Hikers approaching Mataru Waterfall through lush forest

Tribe in Bampalola village singing and dancing in front of their traditional house

Artisan demonstrating Ikat weaving techniques in Uma Pura Village

Local seaweed farmer taking care of his crop in Kangge island

Pristine white sand beach on Kepa Island

Explore our Whale Watching Tours

In addition to world-class diving, Alor offers an unique experience to spot a variety of different crustaceans. we offer unforgettable whale-watching tours, giving you the chance to witness these majestic creatures in their natural habitat. Alor’s nutrient-rich waters attract a variety of marine mammals. With experienced guides and breathtaking ocean views, this is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for nature lovers and marine enthusiasts alike.

Year-round, we frequently encounter spinner and bottlenose dolphins, as well as pilot and melon-headed whales. These species sometimes form massive super pods of up to 200 individuals, creating an incredible spectacle. They are often seen in areas with strong currents, where they gather to feed.

From June to November, the annual whale migration brings pygmy blue whales and sperm whales through the Pantar Strait. During this season, blue whales can often be spotted right from our shores—even while relaxing by the pool or beach, you might witness one of the largest animals on Earth passing by.

To book a whale-watching tour, please let us know in advance so we can plan your trip accordingly.

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Explore our resident Dugong, Mawar

As part of our land excursions, you’ll have the unique opportunity to meet Mawar, our famous neighborhood dugong. His name means "rose" in the local language, and he’s known for his friendly nature and curiosity about people and boats.

Mawar's territory is a seagrass bed near the airport, about a 30-minute drive from Moko. From there, we take a small fishing boat with local fishermen who know the area well. If Mawar is nearby, they will call for him, and with a bit of luck, he will approach the boat, offering a rare and unforgettable encounter.

Next to the seagrass bed is Sikka Island, a perfect spot to relax, enjoy a picnic, and snorkel in its clear waters.