Seventeen Islands

Kepulauan Tujuh Belas

An archipelago of pristine islands accessible from Maumere featuring untouched beaches, excellent snorkeling, and traditional fishing villages that see few tourists. The islands offer a peaceful escape with opportunities to spot diverse marine life and experience authentic island culture.

Things to do

• Snorkeling at Babi Island — Explore vibrant coral gardens and schools of tropical fish in the shallow, crystal-clear waters surrounding this island.
• Visit traditional fishing villages — Walk through authentic settlements on islands like Pulau Semau and Pulau Boleng to observe traditional boat-building and daily island life.
• Diving at Menjangan Island — Descend into deeper waters to encounter larger marine species, including reef sharks and groupers, amid pristine drop-offs and coral formations.
• Beach camping and sunset viewing — Stay overnight on uninhabited islands to experience solitude, bioluminescent waters, and unobstructed sunset views across the archipelago.
• Spot dolphins and manta rays — Join early morning boat trips during migration seasons to encounter pods of dolphins and seasonal manta ray aggregations in the channels between islands.
• Explore mangrove ecosystems — Paddle or wade through mangrove forests to observe bird species, juvenile fish nurseries, and unique flora adapted to tidal conditions.

Food to try

• Ikan Bakar (grilled fish) — Fresh-caught local fish grilled whole over open flames and seasoned with lime, garlic, and chili, a staple prepared in fishing villages daily.
• Tinutuan (rice porridge) — Warm, comforting rice congee cooked with coconut milk, turmeric, and shallots, often eaten for breakfast with fried anchovies and sambal.
• Cakalang (smoked fish) — Whole fish preserved through smoking and salting, offering concentrated umami flavor and long shelf life for island communities.
• Papeda (sago porridge) — Starchy sago staple boiled into a smooth, sticky porridge and served with savory fish broth and sambal, traditional to eastern Indonesian islands.
• Fresh seafood with sambal matah — Locally-caught prawns, squid, or crab prepared simply and paired with raw sambal made from shallots, garlic, chilies, and lime juice.

Local customs & good to know

• Respect fishing schedules and seasons — Plan visits around local fishing cycles; fishermen work specific tidal patterns and may be unavailable for interaction during peak working hours.
• Ask permission before photographing — Always request consent from residents and fishermen before taking photographs, particularly in villages and during daily work activities.
• Dress modestly in villages — Wear shirts and long pants or sarongs when visiting inhabited islands to show respect for conservative Muslim communities living there.
• Learn basic Bahasa Indonesia — English is rarely spoken on remote islands; knowing simple greetings and phrases like 'selamat pagi' (good morning) builds rapport with locals.