Lamalera on Lembata island is home to traditional whalers who set out with their primitive wooden vessels in search of whales and other big catch, such as sea cows, manta rays, turtles and sharks.

The whaling season is from May through October when whales migrate south through the straits between Timor and Flores. The whalers of Lamalera catch about 25 (sperm) whales each year, enough for their subsistence.

The meat and blubber is traditionally shared among the villagers, while some is bartered for fruit and vegetables with other villages on Lembata.