NAGEKEO

Kabupaten Nagekeo has separated from Ngada in 2007. The capital (ibu kota) Mbay is a small and hot town in the north. Actually the name Nagekeo is a combination of Nage in the north and Keo in the southern half. A big part of the regency is dry and fresh water is sometimes a problem for the inhabitants. Mbay is only 75 minutes away from Riung (for the Marine Park 17 islands) but it is more lively. Mbay has a few decent hotels and you can take the jalan tengah, a beautiful road Mbay-Boawae (if heading for Bajawa). You will have wonderful views on Ebulobo volcano. The road from Aegela to Mbay is another beauty. Sunset is between 5:50 and 6:25 pm (depending on the time of the year) coming from the south heading to Mbay, the valley is in front of you with a red-pink-orange sky if you are lucky.

Most people rush through Nagekeo on their way from Moni or Ende to Riung at the northcoast. It seems a nothing to see regency also due to lack of information but there are some interesting things to see.

SLEEP

There are a few decent hotels in Mbay; the best one is Pepita hotel. Penginapan Wisma Keluarga is also a good choice. See this section

EAT&DRINK

In Mbay you will find plenty, mostly simple restaurants like Padang and warung for nasi goreng, soto ayam, bakso and so on. On jalan Soekarno Hatta is the cosy Nusantara Resto.
The largest supermarkets are Sahabat and Sinar Rembulan.

TRANSPORT also check this

FLIGHTS

Mbay unfortunately has no airport. The closest ones are in Ende and Bajawa both 2 to 2,5 hours by car with Maumere as an alternative via the north coast but still 5 to 6 hours away.

BUS LONG DISTANCE

Buses depart for Bajawa, Ende, Maumere and Ruteng. The ones that go to Maumere run via the northcoast but some of them are actually open trucks.

BUS WITHIN TOWN

Bemo/angkot Rp 5000

CAR WITH DRIVER

In Mbay there isn't yet a tourist scene and people are less prepared to standby. If you need a car with driver in Mbay feel free to contact me. Also check car with driver

TRAVEL

This is a kind of shared “taxi” (a big car or minibus which runs from door to door) and run between the same destinations as buses. Travels run to Ende, Maumere and Ende. See Transport section

OJEK (MOTORCYCLE TAXI) WITHIN TOWN

A motorcycle is quick and nice in hot Mbay. They will charge Rp 5000 to Rp 10.000 for a ride depending on distance and your negotiation skills.

BOATS

The nearest port is Marapokot, 8 kilometers north of Mbay. This port has no meaning yet in the tourism industry but there are plans I have heard.
There are ASDP ferries to Palu'e (a small island north of Flores) and Kewapante, harbour east of Maumere. For schedules best to check this page on Facebook

WHAT TO SEE IN NAGEKEO?

Although Nagekeo is one of the less visited regencies it definitely has competitive attractions like the roads Aegela to Mbay and Boawae to Mbay (jalan tengah). The traditional village Tutubhada is just off the same road. Nunungongo and Boamara village a few kilometers from the mainroad. Another traditional village is Kawa, around 7 kilometers from the mainroad Aegela to Mbay but best to reach with a motorbike.

The weekly market in Boawae is on Wednesday and worth a visit.

Coming from Ende turn left in Nangaroro to head for Tonggo for a greystone empty beach with coconut trees. No tourists here.

Wajo Village is a traditional village in the deep south of Nagekeo. Houses are built in a circle around the traditional centre on a low hill. Here also: no tourists so you will be the talk of the day. Life is simple here, far away from the "city". Women are collecting palmtree leafs, wood for cooking and betelnuts are drying in the sun. To get here, take the road between Aegela and Boawae near Pamakoe coming from Ende to the left.

Gunung Ebulobo (Puncak Keo) is the mighty active volcano that accompanies you on route at the Trans Flores highway. This 2.124 meters high mountain can be climbed. Best to stay is in Boawae where you will find a few basic hotels. For climbing the mountain you have to report with the kepala desa (head of) the village of Mulakoli, 12 kilometers and 25 minutes from Boawae. Here are guides available (Rp. 100.000 per person (2018) no English is spoken; ask for Zacharias in the warung) to accompany you to the summit, starting around 2 am in the morning (around 3 hours). Some English speaking and experienced guides from Bajawa (Santos) also can guide you to the Ebulobo.

From Boawae you can turn left through the mountains following the road to Mauponggo where you will find some nice beaches like Pantai Ena Gera and Pantai Ena Bhala. Not the easiest road but views are great while Gunung Ebulobo is watching you.

more photo's Nagekeo

If in case you overnight in Mbay on your way to or from Riung it is worthwhile to make a detour along the ricefields north of Mbay between Mbay and Marapokot. Then you will automatically pass the 7 palmtrees.
Also a nice spot for sunset.

Kotajogo Beach is at the northcoast with a few big white rocks, about 45 minutes drive from Mbay. Nobody there on weekdays.

North of Mbay is Rii Taa Island and can be reached through one of the small boatlandings north west of Mbay or from Marapokot harbour. The island is actually an atol, flat and empty, no trees, no plants, no nothing, only white sand in a turquoise blue sea. You should check in advance when the island can be reached as this depends on tides. And take protection with you for the sun like a hat, a sarung or some towels or even an umbrella as there is no shadow at all.

The small road from Mbay to Riung runs along yellow-green mountains with weird shapes like Wewo Rowet. A few kilometres further west kampung Nggolonio, a non touristic small village with 3 traditional houses worth a stop on your way to or from Riung.
Near Bekek you can climb a hill for an overview of the 17 Islands of the Marine Park. See section Ngada

Pantai Gusung is a nice beach near Wewo Rowet. It doesn't get more local, especially on Sundays.

Another quiet and beautiful road with views on Ebulobo volcano and a pleasant alternative the Trans Flores Road is from Boawae to Soa especially for those who want to bath in the Mengeruda hotspring (Ngada) which is more or less on the way to Bajawa. Recommended.