Savu South Alor

SAVU South Alor is a remote, solar-powered resort situated on the southwestern tip of Alor, Indonesia. Positioned within the Pantar Strait marine protected area and near the Savu Sea National Marine Park, the centre provides access to some of the most biodiverse waters in the region, home to 21 species of cetaceans.

Established in 2018, the resort operates with a deep commitment to environmental stewardship. The site is almost entirely self-sufficient, utilising solar energy, deep wells, and a permaculture farm to provide fresh, organic produce for its guests. It is a destination designed for those who want to immerse themselves in nature without sacrificing comfort.

The centre was founded by Johannes and Liliane Hennicke, both of whom bring extensive experience from the Indonesian diving industry. Their approach is deeply integrated with local conservation efforts, including the SAVU turtle sanctuary and the Planet Deep foundation, which focuses on whale and dolphin conservation.

While specific staff numbers are not listed, the centre's philosophy is built on personalised experiences and environmental respect. The resort's location and operations are designed to support the local ecosystem while providing a high standard of service for divers and marine life enthusiasts alike.

The centre focuses on exploration and recreational diving. While the specific course catalogue is not detailed, the availability of Nitrox 32% indicates that the centre caters to divers looking to optimise their decompression limits and bottom times.

For those looking to begin their journey, the centre is equipped to host divers looking to explore the local reefs. All diving is conducted within a highly regulated marine protected area, ensuring a high standard of environmental awareness during every excursion.

Dives are conducted from a catamaran that facilitates easy access to the surrounding reefs. The vessel provides snacks and refreshing drinks on board to keep you comfortable between dives.

Nitrox is available for divers on the boat, allowing for extended bottom times on the area's many reef walls and slopes. The catamaran serves as the primary platform for exploring the diverse marine habitats of the Pantar Strait.

The centre provides standard 12L air cylinders for all dives, with Nitrox 32% available for certified Nitrox divers. Weights are included as part of the diving service.

While full kit hire is available, divers looking for specific upgrades, such as 15L cylinders, should note these are offered as an additional option. The resort is designed for a seamless transition from the water to the accommodation, with facilities that support an eco-friendly lifestyle.

The waters surrounding Alor are incredibly productive, with frequent sightings of dolphins (Delphinidae) and various pelagic fish. Depending on seasonal patterns, you may also encounter whales, including blue whales and sperm whales. The area is a significant habitat for sea turtles, including green sea turtles and hawksbill turtles.

The reef architecture supports a vast array of colourful reef fish, snappers (Lutjanus), and butterflyfish (Chaetodon). You will often see larger predators patrolling the walls, such as reef sharks (Carcharhinus), blacktip sharks, and grey reef sharks (Carcharhinus amblyrhynchos). Large trevally and tuna (Thunnus) are also common in the currents.

For macro enthusiasts, the biodiversity is exceptional. The reefs host a wide variety of nudibranchs, including Janolus nudibranch, as well as flamboyant cuttlefish, pygmy seahorses (Hippocampus bargibanti), and various species of rhinopias and rhinopias scorpionfish. Look closely for ghost pipefish (Solenostomidae), mandarinfish (Synchiropus), and several types of octopus, including the wonderpus octopus and mimic octopus.

Smaller residents such as harlequin shrimps, cleaner shrimp (Lysmata), and various species of shrimp (Caridea) can be found amongst the corals. The presence of sea snakes (Hydrophiinae) and various scorpionfish (Scorpaenidae) adds to the complex biological tapestry of the Pantar Strait.

Diving in Alor is best experienced from April to December. During this period, the conditions are most reliable for exploring the region's marine life.

The area is known for its dramatic underwater topography, including steep walls. You can expect gentle currents to flow along these abrupt walls, which often brings in the nutrients that support the local pelagic populations.