Travels in West Timor - Inside Indonesia

SIMON ANDREWARTHA discovers a quiet invasion by outsiders, even in the remotest villages.

ARTHUR KING

'This area used to be inhabited by Bunak people. When the Belunese moved here, the Bunak seemed to just fade away. People said they didn't like the smell of the fish the Belunese used in their cooking'. This was how one respected elder of the local community explained what happened to the Bunak tribe. Today, the Bunak are found on the mountainous East Timorese side of the border with Belu regency in West Timor.

Before the first Portuguese arrived in the sixteenth century, Belu lay at the heart of one of the most influential kingdoms on Timor, Waihale. But as the Bunak had to make way for the Belunese, so the Belunese were in turn to yield to a new intruder. The kingdom of Waihale became the first victim of the Portuguese explorers. After landing on the north coast of the island with a force of about 80 men armed with muskets, the Portuguese marched to Waihale on the south coast, and destroyed it.

There is no written record of armed conflict between the Belunese of Waihale and the Bunak. The local community leader's explanation for the mysterious decline of the Bunak could be as good as any other.

10 Things to Consider When Visiting Southeast Asia | Holiday Fans

10 Things to Consider When Visiting Southeast Asia | Holiday Fans

Komodo National Park

Balai Taman Nasional Komodo (BTNK), the operator of Komodo National Park (TNK), has temporarily closed its operation in the area since Wednesday, April 4, 2008. It means that no activities are allowed inside and around the Park. No further informations concerning this from local authorities. If you are planned to visit the Komodo Island and/or Rinca Island, please contact your tour operator or the nearest travel agents for more details.

Visit Indonesia 2008

The East Nusa Tenggara Province is now prepared to welcome 360.000 visitors from around the globe to support the Visit Indonesia 2008. This was said by the Head of ENT Provincial Office of Tourism and Cultural Arts at the East Nusa Tenggara Visit Indonesia 2008 Launching several days ago in Kupang.

East Nusa Tenggara : What, Where, and How

Provinsi Nusa Tenggara Timur or the East Nusa Tenggara (ENT) Province is located on the southernmost part of Indonesia (scroll down to see maps below). It consists of 645 islands, large and small, with several major islands which are Timor, Flores, Alor and Sumba. Administratively, there are 19 regencies and 1 municipality with Kupang as the capital.

Since it’s forms as an archipelago, the main transportation that able to connect all the islands is the marine tranportation with ASDP’s Ferries, PELNI’s vessels and privately operated large and small boats. Air transport is also available among islands. Several major airlines has choose Kupang, the capital of ENT, as the homebase of their aircrafts and crews.

The province is reachable by all means of transportations from Java or Bali Islands. Several airlines in Indonesia had marked some major towns in ENT such as Kupang, Maumere, Waikabubak, and Waingapu in their regular scheduled flights. And the PELNI’s vessels are available to choose, to connect you from almost anywhere in Indonesia because ENT has several major harbors in most islands. While land tranportations will connect you from Sumbawa in West NT to Flores Island

The ENT is positioned at the junction of Asia and Australia continent, down at the Wallace Line and next to West Nusa Tenggara and Bali, with a vast collections of natural beauty and wonders to offer. The province has tropical climate with dry season (March – October) and wet season (October – March).

The tricolor Lake Kelimutu, The Komodo Dragon, the Sea Garden of Maumere, Pasola Sumba, white sandy beaches of Kupang are just a few examples. While the culture and society are equally attracting. The beauty of Kain Tenun Ikat or the Tie-dyed Woven Cloth from each regions, the sound of Sasando—a musical intrument made of Lontar palm leaves originated from Rote—, the folksongs and dances of Timorese, the natural live of Sabunese, the bravery of Lembata whale hunters are not just a lip service.

Everything is ready and waiting for you to come and see it all.