Kupang
The provincial capital of East Nusa Tenggara in western Tim with
approximately 522 944 inhabitants makes it the large urban center
of the province. It is the centre of governmen business, trade,
and education. The only sandalwood oil factor in Indonesia is located
in this town. Here one can see the distillation of sandalwood oil
which is famous in East Nusa Tenggara.
The Museum in Kupang has on display items of historical and cultural
value.
Lasiana Beach
An ideal tourist recreation spot, where the beach faces westward
to watch beautiful sunsets.
Camplong
A lovely community about 45 km from Kupang with regular market
days and a natural swimming pool, where traditionally people bathe,
do their laundry, and sosialize. Camplong is also c forest reserve
where some scarce animals, such as deer (Cervus Timorensis), parrots,
monkeys, etc. in the reservation, are protected.
Semau Island
Thirty minutes by boat from Kupang and is certainly worth it to
stay there one whole day. No noise and uncrowded is what this island
place stands for. lt is a holiday village for everyone and a good
place to relax as it offers a haven for those from the city. The
surrounding waters is a paradise for snorkeling swimming, and other
water sports. Barbeque on the beach is desirable, Bamboo cottages
are available right on the white sandy beaches.
Soe
A town (110 km from Kupang) noted for its cool weather beautiful
flowers, and good fruits. Soe is, after all, a dull spraw of wooden
and corrugated-tin-roofed houses.
Maumere
A port town on the northeastern coast of Flores and a stopover
on the way to Ende or to Larantuka.
It is well connected by air with Kupang, Denpasar, and Ujung Pandang,
and noted for its good beaches. The bay of Maumere is considered
the best diving spot (Floras-Marine Resort ) as it promises extremely
rich marine life. The resort- is a paradise for all divers, underwater
photographers, and for everyone interested in marine biology.
Ledalero museum at the outskirts of Maumere has an interesting collection
of ethnological objects from the region. Visitors are welcome but
advance arrangements should be made. Ledalero is also a name of
a major catholic Seminary from where many of Florinese priests originated.
Ende
This town contains the home in-exile of former and first Indonesian
president, Soekarno, while in banishment during the early period
of nationalist movements in 1936. The house has been repaired and
is today a museum.
Kelimutu
East Nusa Tenggara's natural wonder and one of Indonesia'a most
mysterious and dramatic sights that can be found on top of this
mountain, some 66 km from Ende, or 83 km from Maumere. It has a
unique and spectacular view on its three crater lakes with their
respective colours. The colours, however, have changed continually
since the eruption of Mount Iya in Ende in 1969.
The surrounding villages are good places serving as bases for visits
to Kelimutu, particularly those who wish to have a more leisurely
pace and en joy the views along the road between Ende and Maumere,
or spend more time in Kelimutu. Those little villages are also known
for their excellent weaving-all hand-made, still using natural dyes.
Labuanbajo
A lime town inhabited by fishermen, lies at the extreme western
part of Flores. The town serves as a jumping-off point for the trip
to Komodo Island. lt is a beautiful area for water skiing, wind
surfing, fishing, and many other marine activities. Pede Beach is
an ideal place to do all this and from where sunsets are beautifully
visible.
Komodo Island
A small island of 280 square km, Komodo is located between the
islands of Sumbawa and Flores. The island is almost all hill and
barren except for palm trees and some wood but it is famous for
its giant lizards which are considered the last of their kind remaining
in the world today. To many modern naturalists, East Nusa Tenggara
is so particularly interesting, because of this unique species,
called the Komodo Dragon. Called "ora" by the local people,
Komodo dragon ( Varnus Komodoensis ) is actually a giant monitor
lizard. Growing up to 3 to 4 meters in length, its ancestors roamed
the earth up to about half a million years ago. Komodo lives on
carrions of goats, deer, and even the carcasses of its own kind.
The only human population on the island is at the fishing village
called Komodo who supplement their income breeding goats which are
used to feed the lizards. The Komodo is protected by law and though
they are considered harmless, it is advisable to keep them at a
distance. Komodo is now a nature reserve being part of a national
park. It is home to a number of rare bird species, deer, and wild
pigs, which are prey to the lizards as well. To see the lizards
in the day time, baits have to be set in the hinterland where local
guides are necessary. The sea surrounding the island offers vistas
of sea life, crystal clear waters, and white sandy beaches. The
only accommodation available is in simple guest houses in the fishing
village. lt is advisable to carry food supplies. The best time to
visit the island is between March and June, and between October
and December. Komodo is accessible from the sea only. Fly to Labuan
Bajo, from where it is about 3-4 hours by boat to the island.
Larantuka
A little port nestled at the base of a tall hill at the eastern
end of Flores, from where Solor, Adonara, and Lembata island ( the
small islands near by) are visible across the narrow strait. An
old Portuguese cultural heritage like the Easter Procession is held
in this town, and worth seeing.
Lamalera Whale Hunting
Lamalera on Lembata Island is a whaling village. The months of
May to September make up the whale hunting season for the people
of Lamalera. Using simple traditional tools as small row boats and
the handthrown harpoons, the hunters sail out to hunt these giant
creatures of the sea. The catch is either consumed or sold.
Waikabubak
A neat little town in Western Sumba, full of old graves carved
in motifs of buffalo- horns, man-heads, horses, nude men or women
symbolising social status or the wealth of the people.
Right in the capital city of Waikabubak, you can see the following
tombs: Kadung Tana, Watu Karagata, and Bulu Peka Mila. Tarung village,
an important ceremonial centre, is located on top of a hill, just
a half kilometre to the west of Waikabubak.
There are several megalithic tombs. The front of many traditional
houses are decorated with huge water buffalo horns from the animals
sacrificed during rituals of years gone by.
Anakalang
The village is about 20 km from Waikabubak with its large graveyard
Ithe largest megalithic tombs in Sumba ). The tombs are always with
unusual carvings. Anakalang is the site of the "Purung Takadonga
Ratu", an important mass mariage festival held every two years,
on a date determinated by the full moon.
Pasola
The most exciting ritual western of Sumba is to be witnessed right
here. Where else in the world can you see colourful horsemen trying
to kill each other.
The ceremony is in February in Lamboya and Kodi, and in March in
Gaura and Wanukaka. The main activities start several days after
the fullmoon and coincide with the yearly arrival to shore of strange,
multihued seaworms.
East Sumba
Although perharps 40% population of East Sumba follows the "
merapu " religion as their brothers in the western part the
out ward manifestations are not nearly as spectacular of frequent.
This region 14 better known for its "ikat" weaving. Near
Waingapu, Kuta Beach is a Good. place to relax, and further down
coast, near Baing (125 km from Waingapu), there is great surfing
at Kalala Beach. The waves are best from December to May.
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