Maumere, the town and surrounding marine area

Maumere is shaped by hills and mountains, as well as a clear, aquamarine-blue sea. Fransiskus Xaverius Seda Airport is in Maumere, in Sikka Regency, East Nusa Tenggara Province, Indonesia. The islands and water activities in the nearby Teluk Maumere marine area complement the townscape.

The marine area and its activities

A description published in 2025 presents Taman Wisata Alam Laut (TWAL) Teluk Maumere in the surrounding area as a marine destination frequently visited by specialist interest groups who enjoy diving and snorkeling. Snorkeling, diving, fishing, photography, sailing, windsurfing, and water skiing are listed as suitable activities at the TWAL. A historical point of reference is the 2017 award: TWAL Teluk Maumere received the “The Best Dive Spot” award at Anugerah Pesona Indonesia; the award was organized by the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy.

Islands and coastal landscape

Taman Wisata Alam Laut Teluk Maumere is also known as “Gugus Pulau Teluk Maumere” and consists of ten large and small islands. Maumere’s coastal area connects land and marine ecosystems; several islands lie off the northern coast. Pulau Sukun has a saltwater lake in the area around Teluk Maumere.

Maumere’s trading history

The town’s history includes earlier names and trading connections. Before Dutch trading ships arrived in the 16th century, Maumere was known as Sikka Alok or Sikka Kesik. Traders from China, the Bugis, and Makassar came to Maumere to trade with the local population. These traders often stayed for several days near the Waidoko seaport.

Cultural destinations nearby

The village of Sikka is about 30 kilometers from Maumere and is known for handwoven Flores textiles. Demonstrations of ikat weaving, including dyeing with natural dyes, are described as available on request; check visiting options in advance. Sikka is also home to the Old Catholic Church, with its classical European architecture. Another distinct destination in the region is Watublapi. Its ikat textiles feature animal motifs such as lizards, horses, and birds, as well as geometric patterns.

About six kilometers south of Maumere is the Ledalero campus of a Catholic university. The Bikon-Blewut Museum there preserves, among other things, rare ikat textiles, Stone Age tools, musical instruments, Chinese ceramics, traditional weapons, and mastodon fossils. Check the current opening hours before visiting the museum. The traditional Geliting Market is also located in Kewapante District. Vendors from Sikka and other regencies offer agricultural produce and other products there. These destinations are outside Maumere city center.

More destinations

Discover more destinations: Ende Island, Loura, Komodo, Noemuti Timur, Kalabahi, North Ende, Kelimutu, Nggaha Ori Angu

Go to the main travel overview: East Nusa Tenggara.