Nagekeo Attractions

Nangadhawe

As far as the eye could see, plain wide ground stretches out on which sea water is sundried. Though it is of a fine salt quality, unfortunately the salt farming project originally supported by the Ministry of Labor has stopped since 2005. It leaves the farm unattended and nowadays functions for shellfish and fish aquaculture.

Uniquely, once a year, Dhawe, the local indigenous community harvests the fish that are living in the lake since the old times when the lake was formed. A unique traditional ritual is preserved until now and is held before the harvest begins.

Taking a leisure walk along the broad expanse of the saline land, the vibes of Nangadhawe's beauty immerse in its simplicity. And wherever you look, each scene seems to remind you of salt farmers who once triumphed on this dry land leaving traces of crystallized salt on the black sand.

Dam Sutami

Dam Sutami, named after the dam's project chief engineer, Sutami, who initiated the idea of building it, forms an interesting part of Nagekeo's history due to the fact that Mbay formerly known by the name of Danga, is the biggest rice producing area in the Nusa Tenggara Timur province. The magnificent dam was completed in 1972 and statistics record that it is capable of achieving water discharge of up to 7.500 liters per second. Despite shrinkages in recent years, the water still flows through and provides abundant water for no less than three thousand rice fields in Mbay.

The dam is not the only site offered in Nagekeo. If you leave Mbay and take the local transmigration (Translok) path before the route to Riung, you have the opportunity to visit Nangadhawe. Nangadhawe was once known for its salt farming which takes the water from the natural Lake Nanga. People around the area usually get the salt on dry season. The lake itself is actually an open sea that also serves as a gate for those sailing and anchoring.

Rii Taa

You can reach Rii Taa within 1 hour by chartering a traditional boat operated by locals from the port of Marapokot where traditional fishing boats start sailing and anchoring. Charter rate is approximately Rp 300,000 - Rp 400,000.

Sitting on the wooden deck of the boat, breathtaking sea views indulge the senses with blue aquamarine painted on the sea. Nature's charm feels so welcoming as you arrive on a stretch of pristine white sand beach with no trees, resembling a narrow semi-circle strait of no more than fifteen meters width. As you walk, the pearly white sand softly caresses your bare feet. Sea urchin shells in different kinds and shapes spread on most parts of the island. Silence truly dominates in Rii Taa; Only sounds of waves, wooden boat colliding with the sea water and seagulls come to your ears. This island itself is an oasis for the seagulls, and becomes a charming attraction of its own.

Watu Ndoang (Twin Rock)

Not far from the farm, across the marsh, a black sandy beach forms a curving bay with large rocks named by the surrounding residents "Watu Ndoang"—meaning twin rocks. In some sections, clumps of mangroves still fill the edge of the beach. Those who like fishing, the reef has become a favorite site to get fresh fish. Watu Ndoang also has become the habitat for plants growing in savanna, such as bidara (Ziziphus mauritiana Lamk.), biduri (Calotropis gigantea), etc. Wild animals such as cuckoo birds, seagulls and also the stripy black and white sea snake are living around the rocks.