Nemberala Beach Resort
Island Hopping
There are three additional islands in close proximity to Rote: Donna, Do’o and N’Doa. Each of these islands is unique in some
manner, so a visit to all or one of them during your stay is an enjoyable excursion.
Donna
click image to enlarge
Donna is the second largest of the three islands and is largely limestone. Each side of the island has pockets of beach tucked in coves bordered by rocky outcroppings. Local legend has it that Donna is haunted by villagers who were slain by feuding Rotanese and tossed into the shallow lake in the center of the island; aptly named “Blood Lake”. We believe this must be true as Donna is one of only a few small islands in the region that has clean easily acceptable well water, wild dear and horses yet remains uninhabited.
Ask Danny your bartender and host about the history of Donna.
Donna has excellent walking trails and unbelievable shelling along its south coast. A small cove on the west coast provides a calm area for landing small craft, protected swimming, snorkeling, and more.
As Donna is the southern most island of Indonesia there is a temporary military camp on the island to protect Indonesia from invasion from the south???
Do'o
Do’o is the smallest of the three islands and comprised mostly of clean white sand and pandanis trees. Do’o probably offers the best snorkeling off its pristine beaches. Although largely uninhabited, nomadic fishermen will occasionally use the island as a base to fish the channel separating Do’o from N’Doa.
An afternoon on Do'o will give you the feeling of being on your own deserted island, be sure to bring food and water.
N'Doa
N’Doa is the largest of the three islands. Neither staff nor guests of Nemberala Beach Resort have spent much time hiking around the island or to the top of the small mountain in the center, but the island does host one semi large village (for the area). Villages of N’doa welcome foreigners as they are a rare site. If you are lucky, you may be able to visit one of the artisans weaving the local tapestries (Ekat), or jewelers who utilize salvaged Dutch coins which are melted and recast as rings or bracelets. Guests are welcome to take pictures in the village but it is courtesy to first ask permission.
