Accommodation in Rote

Anto's picture
Anto started the topic in Wednesday, 10 Jun 2015 at 11:48am

Hi everyone,

I'm planning a trip to Rote next year for the early season (March-April). I'll be travelling with the wife and our young daughter and have been looking at places to stay in Nambarella and Boa.

Does anyone knows of a mid-range place to stay orund this area? The Tland resort and Malole surf house are both well over $300/night for both of us which is way over our budget. would probably pay up to $200/night...

Any ideas are welcome1

Cheers,
Antonio

indo-dreaming's picture
indo-dreaming's picture
indo-dreaming Sunday, 9 Aug 2015 at 12:29pm

I remember years and years ago, a guy that worked at a resort at there told me how a charter boat use to sit at the wave all the time. Imagine that spending good money to spend most of your trip at a wave you can surf from land easily.

btw. Dean master I don't doubt what you say, but I've got a feeling a lot the infustructure like roads might be from the main government, it's been amazing to see the improvements in infustructure under the previous government and current government, I've noticed huge improvements in the main areas of mentawais and telos and nias, heaps of new roads where it was a dirt track even in very remote islands, new schools and narrow concrete roads/paths where there was nothing, and break walls to protect villages, sometimes it kinda sucks from a visual tourist point of view but for living standards of the people it's a good thing.

I think it's happened because in the past the remote areas of Indonesia have complained all the money gets spent in Java will a lot if areas contribute a lot especially areas with mining and logging etc

eat-your-vegies's picture
eat-your-vegies's picture
eat-your-vegies Sunday, 9 Aug 2015 at 5:20pm

yep "dream master" I was being sarcastic. but good post . glad there charging mooring fees.

deanmaster's picture
deanmaster's picture
deanmaster Monday, 10 Aug 2015 at 12:49pm

No worries I figured as such eat your veggies regarding westerners affecting the local land prices,one thing must be understood the Indonesians nominate the price, we are the ones that pay it so really the Indos are the ones to blame for land prices going through the roof.
I myself am not in favour of people buying land from a poor uneducated Indonesian because generally after a year or so, they have spent all the money and then realise they also have lost their land.

I believe and its only my opinion land leasing is the better option for both parties concerned providing the lease agreement and cost of the term isn't to expensive,as this allows the westerner to build per say a small holiday home or business which intern creates work in the building stage and then generally on going work for pembantu then at the end of the day the land owner makes some money and at the termination of the lease he or she can live in the property or lease it out again to another westerner or Indonesian

eat-your-vegies's picture
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eat-your-vegies Tuesday, 11 Aug 2015 at 7:28am
indo-dreaming wrote:

I remember years and years ago, a guy that worked at a resort at there told me how a charter boat use to sit at the wave all the time. Imagine that spending good money to spend most of your trip at a wave you can surf from land easily.

btw. Dean master I don't doubt what you say, but I've got a feeling a lot the infustructure like roads might be from the main government, it's been amazing to see the improvements in infustructure under the previous government and current government, I've noticed huge improvements in the main areas of mentawais and telos and nias, heaps of new roads where it was a dirt track even in very remote islands, new schools and narrow concrete roads/paths where there was nothing, and break walls to protect villages, sometimes it kinda sucks from a visual tourist point of view but for living standards of the people it's a good thing.

I think it's happened because in the past the remote areas of Indonesia have complained all the money gets spent in Java will a lot if areas contribute a lot especially areas with mining and logging etc

yep Dreaming.
he parked his charter boat off the left for the whole charter to save costs LOL.
that was why he was called captain shipwreck.
he was a prick in the water too.

spidermonkey's picture
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spidermonkey Tuesday, 11 Aug 2015 at 11:11am

Gary new that area as good as anyone,actually probaly better.Sure He used to sit in the lagoon,but there's a reason for that,most of the time T Land is in fact the only option.The trades wreck other spots in the area.When conditions allowed He put his Customers on the best waves ,for years He had the only decent fast surf tenders around.Also Gary spent some time sussing out other waves north of Kupang and there is a few,but again extremely fickle.He always did alright by us on our little sailing boat,and gave away a few of his genuine secret spots to.

deanmaster's picture
deanmaster's picture
deanmaster Wednesday, 26 Aug 2015 at 5:56pm

spider monkey you are correct in what you say about Garry Burns,he was the first person to have fast runabouts in Nemberala and 100% he did get his clientele into the best waves offered on any given day in and around the islands of Rote and also the ones surrounding Rote.I myself was also lucky enough to be shown some of these waves and they truly are world class set ups ,there are a few hotels and villas that can get people onto these waves when they are on because they have good fast boats and long term local knowledge as to what conditions these waves need ,again the bottom end traveller will probably not get the opportunity to surf these waves as they have no access to fast boats.people intending on going to Rote are better off staying mid range or top end to really appreciate what waves this part of Indo has to offer,otherwise its surf T-LAND or Boa only, seems like a wasted trip to just surf these two waves considering the high expense of getting from Bali to Rote and back again.

jillmick's picture
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jillmick Monday, 28 Sep 2015 at 7:19pm

Just stayed at Villa Santai with 2 friends of ours, another couple. We all surf and have a had the BEST time. Dean and Sharon run an awesome guest house. Fantastic food, plenty of cold beer iced down at the end of your day, tea and coffee whenever you feel like a cup and they were accommodating with all our needs. They have a great boat with twin 40s on the back so you can get to other spots with comfort and speed. Out the front to T Land and close by there is no charge for your surf trip. Further a field and if you want to go out fishing for a few hours its $70 per hour. The rooms are $110-$120 per person per night, kids less. (...and all this is quoted in Australian dollars...not US like the resorts) They also have some mountain bikes to go for a few rides and you can rent scooters to go to Boa.
I can't speak highly enough of Dean and Sharon, their staff and their gorgeous dogs. We have been to Rote a few times and have stayed in both spectrums of accommodation...exy and cheap. Its Dean and Sharons for us from now on....best to book early though people are going to hear........

udo's picture
udo's picture
udo Monday, 28 Sep 2015 at 7:49pm

So lets call it $240 per night for a couple, that includes 3 meals ,tea and coffee ?

deanmaster's picture
deanmaster's picture
deanmaster Tuesday, 29 Sep 2015 at 9:54am

Villa Santai's new bungalow is coming along well,it will be ready to accommodate guests in 2016.
This is a midrange accommodation villa suitable for people who have their health in mind,the cleanliness and culinary service offered from the villas kitchen is second to none in Nemberala, as is the first class linen used through out the bungalows.
Villa Santai Rote Island Indonesia Facebook page has regular updates as to what is happening in regard to special offers ,fishing and surfing in Nemberala or alternatively check out their website www.surfroteisland.com

deanmaster's picture
deanmaster's picture
deanmaster Thursday, 8 Oct 2015 at 10:04am

Starting today wings air have announced they are providing daily flights to Rote Island from Kupang ,the cost is Rp155000 plus Rp200000 per board and check in luggage is 10kg, every kilogram over 10 kg will incur a fee of Rp12000.

deanmaster's picture
deanmaster's picture
deanmaster Wednesday, 28 Oct 2015 at 10:12am

Wings Air have announced that they will continue their flight schedule through out the wet season,great news for any surfer wanting to surf Rote Island at this time of the year, as the fast ferry service generally doesn't run often at this time of the year,the plane is a great alternative.

travellingstar76's picture
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travellingstar76 Thursday, 29 Oct 2015 at 12:35pm

I travelled to Rote Island in October 2015 after many years of hearing about this island paradise and I can say that the landscapes, people, food and my hosts at Villa Santai exceeded all my expectations!

My hosts Sharon and Dean and their family of local staff make you feel so welcome and cannot do enough for you. Whether it’s the amazingly organic fresh food and seafood served three times a day or the daily availability of activities such as boat fishing, island trips for exploring or snorkelling/diving as well as paddle boarding, mountain bike riding, yoga and of course world class surf breaks literally on your door step.

If your travelling with your partner and/or children Villa Santai is the perfect place to base yourself while you enjoy the surf – Villa Santai really is a hidden gem but probably not for too much longer - I'm already planning my 2016 trip before it's all booked out!

lostdoggy's picture
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lostdoggy Thursday, 29 Oct 2015 at 2:53pm

Is this the Villa Santai testimonials page?

indo-dreaming's picture
indo-dreaming's picture
indo-dreaming Thursday, 29 Oct 2015 at 2:58pm

Villa Santai :D I thought that name would have been taken in Bali long ago.

Villa Santai= Villa Relax

deanmaster's picture
deanmaster's picture
deanmaster Thursday, 29 Oct 2015 at 3:28pm

Thats right it means Villa Relax indo-dreaming ,there a quite a few Villa Santais around The archipelago of Indonesia but there are different rulings in Indonesia regarding naming rights.
I think if the separate businesses are located in a different province there is no issue.

sypkan's picture
sypkan's picture
sypkan Friday, 30 Oct 2015 at 10:42am

on the payroll travellingstar76?

or just another well healed traveller that's so polite, well employed, well reared and well written their posts read like professional advertorials.

the places I stay have cold bintang, friendly hosts and organic food as well, yet they seem really cheap. Indonesia has had fridges for a long time, the people are lovely, and 'organic food' is the natural food sourced from village markets. it's not that conplicated

who would've thought those poor Indonesians would be up to speed with western luxuries like organic food and free range meats? they are really catching on

boatbuilder's picture
boatbuilder's picture
boatbuilder Friday, 30 Oct 2015 at 2:10pm

First went roti in 89 and a few years after that only a few places to stay
tirosa or a bloke called mr thomas think he was the local school teacher.
half a doz in the line up max good wave can hold some size . Thinking of heading back
but i dont think i will be the only one 93 was the last there could be in for a shock .
Whats a horizon pool.

udo's picture
udo's picture
udo Friday, 30 Oct 2015 at 2:29pm

Horizon pool ...see w.o.t.d pic.

sypkan's picture
sypkan's picture
sypkan Friday, 30 Oct 2015 at 2:34pm

talk to deano and shazza at villa santai boat builder, they'll sort you out

they're on the internet

deanmaster's picture
deanmaster's picture
deanmaster Friday, 20 Nov 2015 at 9:14am

Boatbuilder,Mr Thomas is still going strong,he has retired now from teaching but still runs his small business its still the cheapest place to stay in Nemberala.
As far as how you surfed it in 93, it won't be like that at T-Land but if you can manage to have access to a good boat and a motorbike,you will still surf uncrowded waves,as long as there is swell and variable winds,there is a multitude of waves surfable on Rote.

deanmaster's picture
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deanmaster Tuesday, 2 Feb 2016 at 10:07am

Anto good idea to contact villa santai ,they have got some good deals running at the moment ,for March,April and May they should fit into your budget .

udo's picture
udo's picture
udo Tuesday, 2 Feb 2016 at 10:21am

About time you paid for some advertising on Swellnet Mr Deanmaster

deanmaster's picture
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deanmaster Monday, 8 Feb 2016 at 10:15am

Garuda Indonesia have announced from 1.4.2016 ,they are rescheduling their afternoon flight from Kupang to Denpasar to 6.15pm daily.
You can now get an extra morning surf in on your day of departure ,catch the 4pm Wings air flight to Kupang and connect with Garuda.

saltman's picture
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saltman Sunday, 10 Apr 2016 at 6:33pm
CouplaFunOnes wrote:

I was going to have a look at this place when I head over later in the year, we got quoted AU$180/room/night.
http://www.boavidarote.com/

Try $240 USD a night these days

dandandan's picture
dandandan's picture
dandandan Monday, 11 Apr 2016 at 9:49am
saltman wrote:

Try $240 USD a night these days

I'm a very late economic bloomer... but I've got no freaking idea how people can afford to spend that much money on accommodation a night.. Do you get guaranteed set waves for that price?

blindboy's picture
blindboy's picture
blindboy Monday, 11 Apr 2016 at 11:31am

Anugerah!

saltman's picture
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saltman Tuesday, 12 Apr 2016 at 6:35pm
dandandan wrote:
saltman wrote:

Try $240 USD a night these days

I'm a very late economic bloomer... but I've got no freaking idea how people can afford to spend that much money on accommodation a night.. Do you get guaranteed set waves for that price?

Dont know about set waves as haven't been - and not likely at that price -when you can stay 15 minutes away for $80

deanmaster's picture
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deanmaster Friday, 22 Apr 2016 at 8:29am

Garuda Indonesia,have now changed their flight schedual back to 5.15pm Kupang to Denpasar Bali .
This now means catching the morning fast ferry from Rote to Kupang ,if you want to catch the connecting after noon flight to Bali.
Alternatively catch the 4pm wings flight Rote to Kupang,spend one night in Kupang then catch the 1.30 pm Garuda flight to Bali.

deanmaster's picture
deanmaster's picture
deanmaster Thursday, 12 May 2016 at 12:22pm

Rote island is the quietest it's been for five years.
Many of the quality surf camps are currently offering some super good deals in Nemberala.
Deal direct and you should score a bargain.
Surfs looking good for the foreseeable future according to the charts.
If you've got the time and some coin,it's probably a good time to check Rote out.

Blowin's picture
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Blowin Thursday, 12 May 2016 at 12:25pm

Rote Island is the quietest it's been for five years.

Not if you have your way it won't be Deanmaster.

Back under your rock you parasite.

dandandan's picture
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dandandan Thursday, 12 May 2016 at 1:29pm

You know the way to my heart Blowin.

deanmaster's picture
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deanmaster Friday, 13 May 2016 at 12:16pm

Blowin you are Intitled to your own opinion.
Unfortunately it seems you have a big problem,with western people having businesses in Indonesia.
Perhaps you should ask the many locals that have really well paid and consistent employment here in Nemberala.
I have been living and visiting this part of the world for over 20 years and have seen what it's like for a mother not to have enough food to feed here children.
Currently there are numerous families that are and will continue to benefit ,from their brother sister farther or mother working with in the small tourist industry that exists here.
So for you to call me a parasite you ate welcome to do if that's what you really think of me.
Next time if or when you make it to Nemberala,maybe ask the locals or the church what sort of character I am.
Then maybe you will retract your remarks about me a person you know absolutely nothing about.

indo-dreaming's picture
indo-dreaming's picture
indo-dreaming Friday, 13 May 2016 at 12:45pm

Deanmaster, im sure the problem is not so much your business as such but the way you are promoting it (which many would consider spam)

And how you are doing it, in particular the line "Rote Island is the quietest it's been for five years."

No better way to overcrowd a surf spot or areas especially in Indo to continually make it seem its uncrowded, we have seen it time and time again in Indo.

Basically people/business blowing up spots for financial gain.

If your business is of quality and the waves etc of quality its better to let word of mouth or your website, facebook page, or even tasteful advertising speak for itself, if you have been there for so long then a decent percentage of customers should also be return customers and the need to spam to new possible guest not that high.

Blowin's picture
Blowin's picture
Blowin Friday, 13 May 2016 at 3:12pm

No, I'm not a fan at all of western businesses in Indonesia.

I am all for Indo's to own and run their own businesses, but when a westerner rocks up - late , I might add - to the party and sets up a business for his own gain , then gets greedy and detrimentally promotes a little slice of heaven to feather his own nest....then he can suck my cock.

In his church or out.

Just throw a few dollars the locals way as an investment or even a charitable act if you're as big hearted as you'd like me to believe.

In the mean time, shut your lips about how uncrowded such and such is.
http://www.swellnet.com/forums/wax/102041#comment-249376