The Last Whalers of Lembata - 5 days

Individual Private Tour - Tour Details & Information, Tour Code: SI-NTT-05

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Begin of Tour Lewoleba (Lembata) - Lamalera (L/D)

Arrival in Lewoleba on Lembata island, then drive about 3 hours to Lamalera. Lamalera is a fishing village located on the southern tip of Lembata island. It is known to be the home of a traditional whale hunting community. Overnight at a local family house, a very basic guesthouse.

Day 2: Lamalera (B/L/D)

On your way to the jetty in the morning you can see the daily life activities of the village people. Accompany the fishermen on their daily tour along the coast. Search for dolphines, turtles or other animals on the way. The locals have a long tradition of hunting whales with hand made equipment. The spears, ropes and boats were all made in the village. Sperm whales (Physeter catodon), whale sharks and other big fish are hunted with wooden sailing boats and the strength of muscle of the harpooner. He has to jump off the boat to implant his harpoon in to the whale to ensure success. If the hunt was successfull all parts of the whale are either consumed or traded with other islanders. The boats will return to the village with the sea breeze in the afternoon.

Day 3: Lamalera - Lewoleba (B/L/D)

Traditional whale hunting is hard work and one needs a lot of patience. Go for a second boat ride with the fishermen on the search for whales. You have to be patient while you watch the surroundings. The fishermen will do the same. Some might handle the sails and some might trail fishing lines for smaller fish. The shoutinf of "Baleo…Baleo…Baleo" is a good sign. It means that a whale is near. Everybody will be at their post. The oarsmen will start woring in a fast rhythm and the harpooner will get the spear ready. A successfull hunt is a reason for a celebration for the whole village. In the afternoon return to Lewoleba with an enroute visit of unexplored beaches. Overnight at guesthouse.

Day 4: Lewoleba - Maumere (B/L/D)

Early morning boat ride to Larantuka at the eastern coast of the island of Flores. Continue by car to Maumere. Lunch enroute. Some stops will be made on the way. Overnight at hotel.

Day 5: Maumere - End of Tour Maumere (Flores) (B)

Free program until transfer to the airport Maumere for onward journey.

Hotels, Rates & Information

Hotels for this Tour
(Changing the hotels according to your wishes is no problem!)
LocationComfort Hotels
LamaleraAbel Beding
Homestay/Guesthouse
LewolebaPalm Indah
Homestay/Guesthouse
MaumereSylvia Hotel

Rates
Options Comfort
Rate per person On request
Based on individual private tour, min. 2 travellers in double/twin room
Changing or adapting this tour to match your personal needs, interests and wishes is, as always, possible. Please contact us! Group rates (closed groups only, min. 4 Pax) on request.
Single Supplement On Request
Single Traveller On Request

Use our travel bag to remember tours and quickly access them later through the Travel Bag Menue (, comes up as soon as you add a tour) - Or to add them to a tour request for an individual offer.

Add to your travel bag list
Map

In progress

Information, Services, Remarks
Depart/Arrive:

Lewoleba (Lembata) / Maumere (Flores)

Hotel/Airport Transfers:

Transfers are inclusive from and to above mentioned airports and hotels of the immediate area.

Services (included):

Private tour
English speaking guide
Air-conditioned car
Accomodation: DBL room hotels (or similar)
Transfers and entrance fees as per itinerary
Meal Plan as stated:
4x Breakfast 4x Lunch/Lunchbox 4x Dinner

Not included

Own expenses
Additional services (marked 'optional' above)
Programme not mentioned above
Season Surcharges

Best Season(s):

April - November

Important Remarks:

Min. 2 Persons. Single traveller rates on request.
Important information for traveler: Outside of highly touristic regions like Bali there is only a limited touristic infrastructure available. Regular flight connections, restaurants and hotels (all classes from simple to high end) are limited. Flight cancellations and delays are quite common. Please don't expect amenities like warm water, air-conditioning and even comfortable beds at all hotels and homestays during the round trip. This applies especially outside of bigger cities.

Important information: All programmes and transfers by boat are on seat-in-coach base (group). You may be in a small group with other people.
Please pay attention to the Travel Information provided.
When travelling islamic countries there can be interference during the month of Ramadan, other high holidays and fridays.
Volcanism: The Sunda Islands and the Sunda Archipelago are of volcanic orgin and show high volcanic activity. Accrodingly it may be possible that tours, routings and activities (especially those involving or near volcanoes) need to be altered in case of high activity or order by the government.
This tour is not soutable for people with reduced mobility. If you are unsure if you meet the requirements please contact us! We will try to find a solution for your individual needs.