NEMBERALA BEACH RESORT

The Region:

The Nemberala Beach resort is located on the small island of Roti (1.214 sq. km.), in the Nusa Tenggara region of Indonesia, just south west of Timor.  According to local legends the people here mixed with shipwrecked Portuguese hundreds of years ago.  In many ways the Timor region is unlike the rest of Indonesia.  The weather, the people, and topography are all unique. 

With Bali and Lombok far to the west, and Sumba out of reach, this is one of the most unpopulated wave zones in Indonesia.  The small island is sparsely inhabited and the local surf population hovers around 1.  Located on the corner Southwest side of Roti, Nemberala and the surrounding area is totally exposed to the sweeping swells of the Indian Ocean.  Blessed with warm dry trade winds from April thru November, the weather is similar to the lee sides of Oahu or Maui.  There is very little rain and the temperatures vary between 80 in the day and 72 at night.  Humidity stays low so it is not hot and sticky.

The Timor region’s perfectly formed reefs and offshore winds greet lined up ground swells that have traveled over 4000 miles from huge winter storms off Antarctica.  The water is warm and clean and 60 ft. visibility is not uncommon.  Nemberala Beach Resort is optimally located right in front of the longest left (which can break for over 300m long) and has shuttle boats to take guests to the line up (which is 800m offshore) as well as a handful of other breaks nearby and other offshore islands.

One of the amazing parts of Indonesia is that it’s home to some of the oldest tribal cultures in the world.  These cultures still rely on their ancient methods of subsistence.  The village at Nemberala is alive with the local culture and is walking distance from the resort. Visitors are always welcome to the weekly open market or to visit one of the shops which weave local tapestries.  The eagerness of the locals to greet visitors is seen on their smiling faces and pleasant welcoming demeanor.

To add to the surf and sun, the Timor Sea has some of the best game fishing in the world.  Due to very little commercial fishing, the ocean is abundant with numerous varieties of fish.  The most common game fish include yellow fin tuna, dog tooth tuna, wahoo, traveli, Spanish mackerel, sailfish and marlin.

The beaches on Roti are internationally recognized as some of the most beautiful in the world.  From the resort, you can make your way out on the reef at low tide or walk almost endlessly on the unspoiled white sand beaches in either direction.  Just off the shores of Roti, there are various unpopulated picturesque islands that are accessed by small resort boat.  These islands offer even more incredible shelling, hiking and snorkeling.  With a little exploring, you can find your own private beach. 

The Resort

The newly constructed duplex bungalows feature private and spacious outdoor baths, gardens and porches.  All the new units are built with locally quarried stone, exposed regional hardwoods and traditional Rotinese alang roofs.  They feature ocean/surf and pool views.  Theduplex units can be joined by an interior door to more conveniently accommodate families or groups of friends.  The pool and large stone deck are ocean front adjacent to the bar and restaurant.  It’s perfect for sunning and lounging around under the poolside palms.  With comfortable, clean and exotic accommodations nestled against the ocean and the pool, it’s hard to imagine a better place to call home during your vacation. 

The resort also features an open air restaurant, bar and lounge.  At the restaurant guests can relax and enjoy local seafood and sashimi from the days catch.  The beach bar offers an inviting spot to sit back and enjoy a cold beer or imported wine and spirits with your friends or family.  All this can be enjoyed while watching the surf or taking in a spectacular Indonesian sunset.

As the saying goes “a picture is worth a thousand words”; please review the photo gallery for a better visual impression of the resort, culture and surrounding area.