Lembata Island is a place not visited by many tourists.
Therefore, no major damage has been done to the traditional practices and nature here. It is the largest island in the Solor archipelago in the Lesser Sunda Islands of Indonesia.
There are many sights and experiences here that are intriguing to outsiders. Trekking to the Panter Volcano, Alor, one of the best dive destinations in the world, beautiful beaches, etc. are all attractions here. But the most refreshing experience of all is a trip to Lamalera, a traditional whaling village in Lembata.
Around the world, the village is known as the home of traditional whaling. Portuguese records dating back to 1643 mention that people here hunted whales centuries ago. They hunted not only whales, but also large whales and even dolphins. All these hunts were mainly for food. Also, it was their main source of livelihood.
There is a worldwide ban on hunting these marine creatures. However, the people of Lamelera are exempt from the international ban on whaling. This is in view of the fact that this practice has been traditionally followed by them and the fact that hunting marine life helps support the livelihood and economy of the villagers.
Every year, between May and October, whales migrate between the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean. As they pass the Savu Sea at the doorstep of Lembata Island. It’s festive season for the islanders.
All the boats piled up on the beach are launched into the sea with great noise. The entire village will rejoice at this time. The months-long whaling season begins on May 1 and ends in July.
The actual whaling is still done in traditional wooden boats known as peledang. They are managed by several people, each with specific duties. The most agile of the team will stand at the front with a whip.
When a whale or dolphin is seen, the whip is thrown at it. Then the rest raise their whips one after the other. Finally, when it stops moving, all the team members pull it to the boat together.
There are other whaling villages in the archipelago. However, Lamalera village is the most famous among them. In one season, the islanders catch 15 to 20 whales. Even so, they have their own set of rules when it comes to whaling. For example, hunting of pregnant whales, baby whales and mating whales is prohibited.”
Lembata Island is 190 km north of Kupang, the capital city of East Nusa Tenggara. Loveleba is the largest city on the island of Lembata.
It is located on the southern coast of the island. To get to Lowellaba, first go to France Seda Airport in Maumer from Bali or Lombok.
From Maumere you can take a bus to Larentuka. From Larentuca, there is a ferry to Lamalera.
The village of #Lamalera on the island of Lembata on #Flores is known as the home of traditional whale hunting. Portuguese documents dating back to 1643 already mention that these heroic hunts were sighted then.
In Lamalera, villagers hunt large sea animals, like whales, manta rays and sometimes dolphins to provide food and a living for the entire village, which they undertake on simple sailboats and following ancient beliefs, taboos and tradition.
It is for these reasons, therefore, that the Lamalera whale hunts are until this day exempt from the international ban on whaling, considering the traditional way this is still done and the fact that hunting these giant ocean creatures help villagers support their subsistence economy.
Annually, #whales migrate between the Indian Ocean and the Pacific during May through October, when these giant sea animals pass the #Savu sea right at the doorstep of the island of Lembata. For #Lembata, therefore, whale hunting starts on 1 May reaching its peak in July.
When a whale hunt is decided, a number of boats parked on the beach are released from their simple shelters, cheered on by the entire village , and a troupe of boats will set sail together to catch their harvest.
#travel #pesonaindonesia #whalehuntinh #whale #spermwhale #indonesia #wanderlust #floresisland