Nusa Tenggara Timur (NTT) is one of the provinces located in eastern Indonesia. The eastern region is well known for its abundance of tourist destinations, each offering stunning beauty and unique charm. In this article, we’ll explore 24 tourist attractions in NTT that you can visit.
Table of Contents
Here Are 24 Tourist Attractions in NTT
The following are 24 must-visit tourist attractions in NTT:
1. Pink Beach
The first tourist attraction in NTT is Pink Beach, located within the Komodo National Park area. As the name suggests, you can already guess what makes this beach so special. A stretch of pink sand combined with crystal clear blue sea will spoil your eyes. Besides enjoying the beach view, you can also do various activities here such as swimming, sunbathing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and of course, taking photos.
2. Kelimutu Lake
The next tourist attraction in NTT is Kelimutu Lake, located in Ende Regency, East Nusa Tenggara. This lake is also known as the “Three-Colored Lake” because, when you look at it, the lake has different colors, red, blue, and white. Interestingly, the colors of the lake often change over time.
To enjoy the beauty of this lake, you’ll need to hike Mount Kelimutu, which stands at 1,631 meters above sea level.
3. Padar Island
The next tourist attraction in NTT is Padar Island, which is part of the Komodo National Park. Padar Island is famous for its stunning landscape with rolling hills and a panoramic view of three bays, each with different colored sand, white, black, and pink. To reach the top and enjoy the breathtaking view, you need to do a short hike. Once you reach the summit, the view is truly worth it and often becomes a favorite spot for travelers to take iconic photos.
4. Komodo National Park
The most popular tourist attraction in NTT is Komodo National Park, located in West Manggarai Regency. This place is a source of pride for the people of NTT, as it has been officially recognized by UNESCO as one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature. That’s why your visit to NTT wouldn’t be complete without going to Komodo National Park. The main attraction here is, of course, the Komodo dragon, an endemic reptile of Indonesia that has drawn the attention of both local and international tourists. Before entering the Komodo National Park area, you’ll need to pay an entrance fee of IDR 300,000 for Indonesian citizens or IDR 600,000 for foreign visitors.
5. Lasiana Beach
There are many beach destinations in NTT, and one of them is Lasiana Beach. Lasiana Beach is located in the capital city of NTT, Kupang. This beach is relatively easy to access as it’s only 12 kilometers from the center of Kupang. When you arrive at the beach, you’ll immediately see rows of tall coconut trees that create a refreshing and beautiful coastal view.
6. Oesapa Beach
Another must-visit tourist attraction in NTT is Oesapa Beach. This beach is famously known as the “colorful beach” because of its vibrant facilities, everything from umbrellas and chairs to beanbags is painted in various bright colors. The best time to visit this beach is during sunset. The sunset view here is truly stunning, and it’s highly recommended for you to witness it when visiting Oesapa Beach.
7. Oetune Beach
Oetune Beach is located in Tuafanu Village, Kualin District, South Central Timor Regency, NTT. What makes this place unique is the stretch of sand shaped like waves, resembling a desert landscape. Not only that, this beach is also one of the best spots to catch the sunrise, so it’s best to arrive before dawn. There are also a few lontar and casuarina trees here, making you feel like you’re in Africa.
8. Wairinding Hill
If you love visiting hilly landscapes, Wairinding Hill is the perfect choice. This destination features a wide open savanna, making it a great backdrop for your photos. The best time to visit is during the dry season, when the savanna turns golden brown. But if you prefer lush green scenery, it’s better to come during the rainy season. This hill is located in East Sumba Regency, NTT.
9. Wae Rebo Village
Another must-visit tourist attraction in NTT is Wae Rebo. This village has been recognized as a world cultural heritage site by UNESCO since 2012. Often referred to as the “village above the clouds,” Wae Rebo sits at an elevation of 1,200 meters above sea level.
10. Love Hill (Bukit Cinta)
This tourist spot is located on the border between Kupang City and Kupang Regency, NTT. The name “Love Hill” comes from the history of the place, which was often used by couples as a romantic getaway. With its green hills and old Dutch caves in the background, this location is truly worth visiting. Plus, its proximity to the airport makes it very easy to access.
11. Pasir Panjang Beach
Pasir Panjang Beach in Kupang is located in the Pasir Panjang area, Kota Lama District, Kupang City, East Nusa Tenggara. If you’re a sunset lover, this beach is a must-visit. In the late afternoon, the beach comes alive with various activities, from people playing football to relaxing on the sand while waiting for the stunning sunset view.
12. Manikin Beach
Another beach you should visit in NTT is Manikin Beach, located in Tarus, Central Kupang District, Kupang City, East Nusa Tenggara. What makes this beach unique is the view during low tide in the afternoon, revealing a beautiful stretch of coral rocks. There’s also a small river that flows directly into the sea, offering a unique natural blend that’s perfect for nature lovers.
13. Batu Nona Beach
If you’re looking for a beach with a stunning sunset, Batu Nona Beach is the place to be. The beach is clean and lined with lontar trees, offering a serene atmosphere. The name “Batu Nona” (Maiden Rock) comes from a local legend about a girl who jumped off a cliff into the sea. After she disappeared, a coral rock in the shape of a girl appeared at the site, giving the beach its name.
14. Tablolong Beach
NTT is widely known for its beach destinations, and one of the most beautiful is Tablolong Beach. This beach is peaceful and exotic, perfect for a healing getaway. The combination of white sand, crystal-clear blue water, and sunny skies makes it an incredibly attractive place. Tablolong Beach is also a route for migrating fish, so you’ll see many fish swimming close to shore. During migration season, fishing while enjoying the ocean view is one of the most enjoyable activities here.
15. Oenesu Waterfall
If you want a break from the beach, Oenesu Waterfall is another great tourist spot in NTT. It’s only a 30-minute drive from Kupang City. What makes this waterfall special is its four cascading levels and natural holes within the tall cliffs. The water is crystal-clear and refreshingly cool, making it a perfect place to visit during the hot season.
16. Kera Island
Another unique and interesting destination in NTT you must visit is Kera Island. At first glance, you might think the island is full of monkeys (“kera” means monkey in Indonesian). But in reality, there isn’t a single monkey on this island. The name “Kera” actually evolved from the word kerang (shells), because the area was once known for its beautiful and natural seashells. Over time, locals began calling it Kera Island.
17. Crystal Cave (Goa Kristal Bolok)
Crystal Cave is a hidden gem in NTT that many travelers haven’t discovered yet, but its beauty is truly breathtaking. The cave gets its name from the crystal-clear spring water inside, which looks like liquid crystal. You can swim and explore the spring or simply soak in the cool, natural waters. With its untouched environment and sparkling water, Crystal Cave is a must-visit destination.
18. Kalong Island
Kalong Island is a small island with dense forests and clear blue waters. It’s home to thousands of large fruit bats (flying foxes), making it one of the most unique natural attractions in NTT. The best time to visit is during sunset, when the bats begin to leave the island in search of food, you’ll witness a dramatic scene as thousands of bats fly across the sky. Plus, the stunning sunset view adds to the magic of the experience.
19. Nihiwatu Beach
Your trip to NTT wouldn’t be complete without visiting one of Asia’s best beaches, Nihiwatu Beach. This beach features 2.5 kilometers of white sand, crystal-clear water, and scenery that will leave you in awe. Popular activities here include horseback riding, sunbathing, and swimming. The beach is located in Waikabubak, West Sumba, NTT.
20. Weekuri Lagoon
If you’re interested in saltwater lagoons, Weekuri Lagoon is a must-see. Surrounded by rocky cliffs, lush trees, and stunning emerald-green water, this spot offers an unforgettable view. The lagoon is located in Southwest Sumba Regency, NTT, and is perfect for a refreshing swim or a relaxing afternoon surrounded by nature.
21. Mount Inerie
Mount Inerie is one of the best tourist destinations in NTT for those who love hiking. Standing at 2,245 meters above sea level, this mountain is ideal even for beginner hikers. Despite not being too tall, the view from the top is breathtaking, thanks to the mountain’s lush natural surroundings. At the base of Mount Inerie, you’ll also find the famous traditional village of Bena. The mountain is located on Flores Island, in Ngada Regency, Bajawa, NTT.
22. Rangko Cave
Rangko Cave is located in West Manggarai Regency, NTT. This hidden cave is known for its stunning blue-water pool inside. Because it’s located in a rather remote area, not many tourists have discovered it yet. This makes Rangko Cave a beautifully preserved and untouched destination. You can even swim in the cave pool without worry, it’s free from bats and any dangerous animals. The best time to visit Rangko Cave is between 12 PM and 2 PM, when the sunlight shines through the stalactites and stalagmites, creating a magical, glowing effect inside the cave.
23. Tesbatan Waterfall
Tesbatan Waterfall consists of three cascading tiers, making it a visually spectacular site. Each tier has clear and refreshing water, perfect for cooling off and taking beautiful photos. Capturing moments in front of this picturesque waterfall is a dream for many travelers and the best part is, there’s no entrance fee!
24. Wae Nunung Waterfall
If you’re visiting NTT in search of a healing spot, Wae Nunung Waterfall might be exactly what you need. It’s located in the Colol Valley agrotourism area, East Lambaleda District, East Manggarai, NTT. This waterfall is believed to help relieve back pain. The method? Simply bathe under the waterfall. The natural water pressure from the 7-meter-high fall acts like a massage for your body. Many who’ve tried it say it truly works, so why not give it a shot yourself?
Read more: Komodo Island Complete Guide with IndonesiaJuara Trip
Let’s Explore NTT with IndonesiaJuara Trip!
Now that you’ve discovered these 24 stunning tourist destinations in NTT, it’s time to decide which one you want to visit first. Make sure to plan your trip by considering the location of your accommodation and your travel budget.
Dreaming of a vacation in NTT to explore its natural wonders? Don’t worry, IndonesiaJuara Trip is ready to take you on unforgettable journeys to some of the most popular destinations in NTT, including Labuan Bajo Tour and Private Trip Wae Rebo. No need to stress about planning, as we’ll handle everything from itinerary and transportation to cozy accommodations. So what are you waiting for? Let’s explore the beauty of NTT with IndonesiaJuara Trip!
