Alor ” Land of Water “

My name is Katerina. Let me tell you a story from Alor. I found about this beautiful region from my acquaintanceship on Facebook with Lukas, a student who lives in Kalabahi.
From the photos on his wall, I saw an exotic and secluded land in a eastern equatorial country. Sea men, surrounded by mysterious forests, and inland tribes guarded by the spirits of their ancestors.
Lukas is a shy boy, and his English isn’t too good, but he looked very excited when he picked me up.
He became a language connection to the taxi drivers at the airport. I know that he is trying to be a good friend.

So this is Alor, a small island in northern west timor, at the end of the little archipelago of flores.
Sea gives all its wealth to humans, fish, biota and their beauties. Humans become the most prosperous creatures on earth. They can enjoy and even take for their needs. However, if it all started in greed, young humans will only become wasted generations.

For visitor who are concerned about creature comforts, it would be better to wait a while. There is nothing here, even close to star-rated accommodations. But there are local inns that have spring beds and hot water. Not four-star, but fine. Lukas introduced me to Marlon on that morning. He’s been working part-time as a guide for tourists. I think he’s the only one who speaks good English on the island.
At the bay where Kalabahi City ensconces, a dive boat, owned by an Australian rover, brought us out to Pura Island.
The voyage was two hours to the first diving spot, where we saw a lot of fish traps made of woven bamboo, called bubu.

These Alorese children, from generation to generation, learn from their natural environment.
They wear homemade goggles made of wood, pitch and salvaged glass chipped into circles.
They have learned to respect the future in a prudent manner. Taking as needed, and leaving for others. It’s simple, but not all can do the same.

These dive locations that have been explored up till now are concentrated around three islands lying between Alor and Pantar, Buaya Island in the north, Ternate Island in the middle and Pura Island in the South.
Most of the sites show excellent wall profiles, dropping to 50 meters or more. Soft corals, sponges and invertebrates cover the wall, like a a solid, multi-hued mass of life. Several reef fishes swam around, but others slept, oblivious to the humans.
The keen eyes of my dive guide, pick out Anemone shrimp look that like a mimic anemone, Clownfish and their sea anemone host and a shy porcelain crab. But my heart is stunned when I spotted a colubrine sea snake poke its head behind the sponge, in search of food.
Visibility is excellent, variying from a 15 meters to 40 meters horizontally. Most locations are suitable for divers, but some require experience, because of the strong current.

Since most of the dive sites are on the steep outer walls of fringing reefs, the access is usually just a matter of a short ride by a powered boat.
The dive boat currently used is a 14 meter by 4 meter traditional timber vessel, much the same as is locally used as an inner island ferry. It has been modified to include such comforts as toilet and diving ladders.

People call these bamboos ‘bubu’. A fish trap found only on this island. The principle is simple. Only fish of a have certain size can enter this trap. Thus, small fish are left to live and breed. Although, one day, they too might became human meals. That’s how nature works.

This Bubu is from their ancestors. They even don’t even know exactly when the first time this Bubu was here.
Since a long time ago the whole community have been using Bubu. This Bubu won’t damage the marine ecosystems.
It won’t damage the coral reefs. There are only certain fish that they catch. Thus, not all the fish.

Lukas is the present generation. He will inherit the beauty of the nature and the ocean as well as the future of this island. He has a dream to leave the island and continue his education at a college in Java. It will be his asset to build this island someday. It’s not impossible that someday he wants to be a fishery engineer.

Diving over a tropical coral reef has been compared to stepping into a time machine. You find yourself in a strange place, millions of years out of sync with the land. The myriad of fish and invertebrates that shelter among and encrust the rugged surfaces provided by clumps, shelves and branches of corals are overwhelming in their numbers, shapes and colors.
Nowhere else is there such a diversity of animal forms. The presence of large gorgonians, crinoids, and school of anthias indicates plankton-rich water, which can provide a spectacular concentration of marine life.
Reef building corals require large amounts of sunlight, and thus are only found in the tropics, and in shallow water. The indo-pacific region, centered around the islands of Indonesia, harbors most of the world’s coral reef.

Alor isn’t just the sea. This island has mountains and forests. Alor has a traditional village, Takpala.
Takpala can be reached by motorbike taxis. If by public transport, from Kalabahi Terminal we can get on a bus reached to Bukapiting and get off in Takalelang. The trip from Takalelang to Takpala takes around 15 minutes on foot.
Bapak Dores, the Indigenous Elder, is welcoming at the gate of the village. He might look scary with a hard face and a log beard. But really he is very friendly.

As a traditional village, Takpala has 12 custom homes and is a tourist destination of Alor that has been laid out pretty well. There is no admission fee at all for entering Takpala. A very simple life can be found here. The community rely on their daily needs on forest products. So, when visiting during the day, the atmosphere of the village seems deserted because all people go into the woods to look for life necessities.
If you like, there is a welcome dance performed en masse, holding hands in a circle. Drumming gong and moko to accompany in the dynamic movements of the dancers.

As you might expect, the road can climb to a height of 600 feet above the sea level. Nevertheless, the journey feels good. In addition to the cool air, the group’s eyes are spoiled by the green plantation of hazelnuts, cloves, coffees, teak, mahogany, johar and sandalwoods on either side of the road.

A marriage ceremony. In any part of the ceremony is interesting to watch. There is a kind of metal vessel that looks similar to the bubu, the bamboo trap. I asked Marlon about the object. He told me that no one knows where the objects come from. Yes, sometimes traditions emerge from hidden secrets.

Bubu harvesting process is a fun process for Alorese children. They are exicited to bring bubu to the beach, imagining the harvest from the fish caught. Some will be sold to the market, even some will become food for the family. Sometimes some of the fish are even released because they are not sold nor eaten. Nothing goes to waste. Kalabahi Market becomes the transaction place of the marine products from Alor. Including from Bubu

… life is a series of various events.. Ternate Island is a home to perseverance of famous woven fabric makers. When looking the beauty of a wofen fabric sheet. You understand that such care and depth of heart so that is required such stunning colors.

The underwater life is a voiceless beauty. It’s like meditation procession, silent to our ears but scattering colors in our eyes. Moving according to nature’s will.
The reefs here are basically untouched. A very little damage from fish bombing is visible, in part because the reefs are so steep and drop off so near the shore.
The variety of marine life here is excellent. Clouds of anthias swarm arround. A mantis shrimp, Some divers call these “ thumb-splitters “ in praying position just watching my move.
The strong current that continuosly sweeps the area bring nutrients to the invertebrates and small fish, which serve as good for medium size fish
The ecosystems is self-sustaining if we treat it wisely.

…time never changes. We interpret the changes.
Morning, noon, evening and night again. And morning again

Home, back to where we come from. So much time spent tracking that journeys and stories. From the colors of the ocean depths that give countless dimensions to the tribe’s wisdom in facing the many changes of civilization.
I just wish Lukas was here. Lukas I sthe one who brought me here. Introduced me to a new world that reflects so much diversity and wealth. For me, this is true civilization, when we still love and respect the environment.

( as told by Katerina )

29 November 2022 13:39:13
dinkartimes

dinkartimes

new england patriots dog jersey for cheap grace kelly wedding dress high society navratri dress for baby girl oakley oil rig sunglasses cheap elite jacoby jones mens jersey baltimore ravens super bowl xlvii 12 home purple nfl moncler coat cleaning
16 December 2022 04:44:51
digitalconstitutions

digitalconstitutions

pittsburgh steelers jersey nike nike air force 1 rebel pretty little thing ditsy floral dress iphone xs max wildflower case lioness heartbreaker dress mens alphaboost
16 December 2022 13:32:43
favagok

favagok

white party wear salwar suit pandora open bangle 40th birthday party dress s8 plus wallet case takeout shoes foamposites pandora disney frozen
17 December 2022 20:02:40
directchampagnes

directchampagnes

indestructible adventurer schuhe adidas nmd r2 homme blanc hombre light rosado zapatillas leopard print wrap vestido midi fashion scarpe summer 2019 silk boho maxi vestido
18 December 2022 15:11:46
theassetedge

theassetedge

psg strike tracksuit raid wind advanced salomon colorado avalanche retro jersey for sale mavericks jersey city edition womens loafers on sale us shoe to eu mens nike
19 December 2022 04:25:09
smtlrtcc

smtlrtcc

women nike seattle seahawks 80 steve largent game white nfl jersey sale dallas cowboys 29 demarco murray 2011 blue womens field flirt fashion jersey red bottom loafers cheap pandora chains for guys girls usa soccer jersey for cheap peacocks party dress…
21 December 2022 03:12:49
k-editions

k-editions

estate tiffany rings frock for 15 year girl oakley tinfoil frames ray ban rb3364 polarized wiggins warriors jersey g couture dresses
22 December 2022 12:01:45
hotelruf

hotelruf

charles barkley suns shirt kvinders nike air max 90 sort leather color changing nike air bracelet clasp opener jordan 3 blanc light bleu louboutin work shoes
22 December 2022 16:37:32
fracingsand

fracingsand

ray ban 2509 breast cancer dallas cowboys nike air parace 1 flyknit low verde eqt bask adv w ring crown pandora neiman marcus last call mother of the bride dresses
23 December 2022 19:08:09
tertogel

tertogel

balenciaga triple shoes blanc stephon gilmore super bowl 53 jersey limited chandler catanzaro mens jersey arizona cardinals 7 home red nfl nike air 270 sale noir wholesale nfl winter knit hats queen
24 December 2022 08:29:03
umafiesta

umafiesta

luulla dresses chocolate brown cap ray ban 1973 vieira 2 orlato flat louboutin shoe box sapatos magmur runner
25 December 2022 05:32:43
alhudahuda

alhudahuda

carolina reverse retro jersey grey trailblazer jersey jordan 6 rings fitness red tyler herro vice diamante high heels betty boop polka dot dress
26 December 2022 01:59:26
wmzvonmo

wmzvonmo

prada reissue leather blue prom dresses 2021 camille leather satchel michael kors classic 9fifty calvin klein nylon shoes snoopy coach wristlet
26 December 2022 18:48:21
koleji

koleji

adidas trefoil dress black george strait hat kleider partykleider nike legacy 91 golf cappello p cappelli new era diadora blancas hombre
27 December 2022 08:45:31
latharnya

latharnya

tj watt jersey cheap for cheap michael kors iphone xs case air jordan year taupe linen dress mybalzich hockey jersey for cheap gap wedding dress
27 December 2022 18:21:19
cotevapeur

cotevapeur

army navy game hoodie louboutin high heel boots nike free rn flyknit 2018 on feet black widow key caps polo neck top womens 2 heart tiffanys necklace
28 December 2022 09:52:45
hempessence

hempessence

colourful polka dot vestido reef donna zen love flip flop blanco cotton vestido golden goose azul velvet zapatillas navy and silver embellished maxi dress champion khaki hat
29 December 2022 04:29:42
dudukner

dudukner

new era blank camo chapeaux card slot for phone coque long plus size shirt robe michael jordan hats high neck waist defined maxi dress hanogram h眉lle iphone x
29 December 2022 09:29:00
tamrecording

tamrecording

mustard smock dress pandora koala surfing charm lulus long white dress aussie chiller headwear short formal dresses cheap lunette ray ban cats 5000
30 December 2022 19:41:34
fifaleague

fifaleague

iphone xr neon coque adidas v day dress kocca borse 2019 givenchy slides damen adidas nmd gum pack blanc love moschino glitter zapatillas
1 January 2023 03:20:32
erogero

erogero

ganni feather trimmed dress red wing moc toe black sole nike air max excee famous footwear san francisco giants spring training hat for sale plus gingham dress atlanta braves green hat zionsville indiana
1 January 2023 11:43:49
judgeforhire

judgeforhire

mango snake zapatillas for love y lemons embroidered vestido donna tie up ankle stivali prom vestido stores for plus size near me dr martens burgundy zapatillas formal dress with sweater
2 January 2023 00:03:57
openedges

openedges

plain noir spaghetti strap robe san antonio spurs heathered neo pop 39thirty cap zimmermann black dress rechargeable h眉lle for iphone xs max not for resale jordan 1 gelb infradito dottor scholl 2019
3 January 2023 06:55:01
pitbulltraining

pitbulltraining

red jersey dress with sleeves slouchy ponytail beanie damen holiday swing kleid san antonio spurs league 9forty adjustable berretto mets knit cappello grenson zapatillas 3
3 January 2023 17:45:50
ceosoul

ceosoul

volcom liberty 9fifty snapback berretto decathlon calzado de monta帽a brooks launch 5 homme chaussure milwaukee brewers chapeau logo wiseward smart wallet new balance marina militare 373 scarpe
3 January 2023 18:02:04
depiloecia

depiloecia

oval sparkle hoop earrings pandora puma mens axelion louboutin flip flops black so me spike red sole sandals black adidas zx flux black metallic gold torsion zx 8000 iphone 12 matte case
5 January 2023 01:55:50
hotelvitality

hotelvitality

mens crocodile briefcase nike air force 1 nba bianca e nero kansas city royals 47 mlb core 47 mvp casquette back coque nokia 5.1 blanc a line mini robe detroit pistons mitchell ness nba tonal short hook snapback cap
5 January 2023 11:25:33
branchandvines

branchandvines

jordan 12 retro ovo schwarz offspring donna scarpe coque iphone 7 plus etanche white lace dress long boho jacquemus shoulder borsa schwarz slip on pumps ladies
6 January 2023 04:54:10
chargefirst

chargefirst

ganni feather trimmed dress red wing moc toe black sole nike air max excee famous footwear san francisco giants spring training hat for sale plus gingham dress atlanta braves green hat zionsville indiana
6 January 2023 20:41:25
rdautogroup

rdautogroup

vestidos de blanco para fiestas xray uomo renton runner scarpe galace vestido for girl hombre brogue dealer botas white tulle wedding dress new era ca40289
8 January 2023 02:19:51
workyourpassion

workyourpassion

steve madden sandali argento oro sparkly mini vestido zuecos hosteleria mujer romper prom dress new york knicks heather metallic 9fifty snapback cap urban outfitters gelb kleid
8 January 2023 16:34:56
ebitize

ebitize

cowboy femme cc bonnet logo dooney and bourke drawstring bag new balance 996 marina militare bianca stalker chapeau cowboy galaxy a5 s view coque
8 January 2023 20:24:35
vpdf

vpdf

frock for 15 year girl black dunks outfit nike air force ones white grey gold nike tennessee vols jersey new pandora rings 2020 pandora rhino charm
10 January 2023 13:58:35
sleekclassified

sleekclassified

virginia tech golf chapeau firmung kleid dunkelblau au脽ergew枚hnliche handyh眉llen marrone adidas berretto pale azul wide fit zapatillas samsung a51 case waterproof
11 January 2023 00:01:46
costruth

costruth

elite mike adams womens jersey denver broncos 20 home orange nfl nfl salute to service 2018 bears real gucci airpod case grey ball dress kobe 6 yeezy elite philip wheeler mens jersey miami dolphins 52 road white nfl
12 January 2023 07:51:11
trustedwebcbd

trustedwebcbd

knit midi dress with sleeves sac 脿 dos en jean braun herren desert stiefel exklusive hochzeitskleider borsa da mare elisabetta franchi iphone 7 abdeckung
12 January 2023 16:31:08
pelvicworld

pelvicworld

zapatos mujer 24 horas ofertas maglia reggina 2020 21 30s fancy dress sac lafuma adidas basse donna tally weijl pantaloni bianchi
13 January 2023 09:11:15
workschon

workschon

gray pink adidas zx 750 sneakers canada dark pink shirt outfit female nike vikings aj5 fire red nike phantom gt elite 3d fg elite steve weatherford mens jersey new york giants 5 lights out black nfl
14 January 2023 09:38:24
cellustra

cellustra

iphone 12 schwarze h眉lle converse orange et noir el corte ingles lottusse maglioni norvegesi uomo lana bec and bridge white mini dress portefeuille homme sans porte monnaie
14 January 2023 19:59:45
dramony

dramony

wholesale st louis cardinals beanie interlocking circle necklace pandora waterproof case note 20 ultra boston red sox hat flex fit black kit name adidas neo cloudfoam white blanc ann taylor wedding dress
15 January 2023 15:52:00
rigwares

rigwares

rustic attire office wear designs what high heel shoes have red soles silicone iphone 6s mk shoes new arrivals
16 January 2023 20:30:04
atmosphile

atmosphile

adidas superstar womens black and white adidas kyrie marvel shield baseball casquette mantel kleid lang h眉lle f眉r huawei mate 10 pro adidas flat brim berretto
16 January 2023 21:28:01
lebfun

lebfun

moncler octavien jacket minnesota twins newborn hat patterns arsenal 424 hoodie travis scott x air jordan 1 high og cactus jack maroon jordan shoes cool shirtz fishing cap
17 January 2023 22:57:20
scifiindia

scifiindia

gray pink adidas zx 750 sneakers canada dark pink shirt outfit female nike vikings aj5 fire red nike phantom gt elite 3d fg elite steve weatherford mens jersey new york giants 5 lights out black nfl
18 January 2023 08:28:28
eolziwf

eolziwf

nike air zoom pegasus 34 black and blue minnesota twins cowboy hat bands nike oakland raiders 89 amari cooper white game womens jersey new york yankees hat london ny retro 6 on feet new balance 997 navy
18 January 2023 17:37:17
canpharmacyyc

canpharmacyyc

dress color white and gold gnome hat crochet pattern jordan 12 retro ovo schwarz maglia lacoste uomo manica lunga love couture dresses arkansas razorbacks charm adjustable cap
19 January 2023 02:06:37
reidmanor

reidmanor

nike zoom hyperfuse black 2014 blue sneakers with black jeans versace knit hat lyrics chanel cc cream shades every nba team new jersey kvinders nike air max 90 sort leather
20 January 2023 06:35:51
andylampert

andylampert

boston celtics nba hat for sale nba 1996 all star 35 grant hill green swingman throwback jersey nike roshe run mens all black red uk summer floral dresses short upside down pittsburgh pirates hat kit
26 January 2023 06:05:50
1inauspicious

2definition
27 January 2023 02:41:00
agencecodit

agencecodit

chivas long sleeve jersey elite andre ellington youth jersey arizona cardinals 38 home red nfl air max 90 sneaker men cheap all grey shoes real air jordan retro for sale scott kazmir 22 white authentic jersey sale old navy pintuck dress