The correct spelling of the Indonesian region "Nusa Tenggara" can be a bit tricky to decipher phonetically. The name is pronounced [ˈnusa ˈtɛŋɡara], with the first syllable rhyming with "goose-a" and the second syllable pronounced with a hard "t" and "ng" sound. The name refers to a chain of islands in the eastern part of the Indonesian archipelago, including popular tourist destinations such as Bali and Lombok.
Nusa Tenggara is a geographical region located in Southeast Asia, encompassing a group of islands mainly located east of Bali, Indonesia. It consists of two provinces, Nusa Tenggara Barat (West Nusa Tenggara) and Nusa Tenggara Timur (East Nusa Tenggara), which together make up the Nusa Tenggara Islands.
Nusa Tenggara is derived from the Indonesian words "Nusa" meaning islands and "Tenggara" meaning southeast. This term aptly describes the location of the region in relation to the rest of Indonesia. The region is known for its breathtaking natural beauty, diverse cultures, and rich history.
Nusa Tenggara is home to numerous islands, some of the largest being Lombok, Sumbawa, Flores, Sumba, and Timor. Each island possesses its unique charm and characteristics, including stunning beaches, volcanic landscapes, lush rice terraces, traditional villages, and diverse marine life.
The region is renowned for its cultural diversity, with various indigenous ethnic groups inhabiting the islands. These include the Sasak and Balinese in Lombok, the Sumbawanese in Sumbawa, the Manggarai and Bajau in Flores, and the Marapu and Lamaholot in Sumba, among others. Each group has its distinct languages, traditions, and customs, contributing to the vibrant cultural tapestry of Nusa Tenggara.
Nusa Tenggara is also blessed with remarkable natural wonders, such as the famous Komodo National Park, home to the endangered Komodo dragons, and Mount Rinjani, an active volcano with a stunning crater lake located in Lombok. Its diverse ecosystems, including coral
The word "Nusa Tenggara" is derived from two Indonesian words: "Nusa" and "Tenggara".
"Nusa" means "islands" in Indonesian and is derived from the Sanskrit word "nusa", which also means "island". It is a common term used in Indonesian geographical names to refer to areas composed of islands.
"Tenggara" means "southeast" in Indonesian and is derived from the Sanskrit word "tēgra", which means "to the right" or "southeast". The word "Tenggara" is used to indicate the location of the Nusa Tenggara region in relation to other parts of Indonesia.
Therefore, "Nusa Tenggara" can be translated as "southeastern islands" or "islands in the southeast".