During World War II, the city of Kupang, formerly known as Koepang, on the island of Timor, was the hub for refueling and landing for long-haul flights from Europe to Australia. The historical El Tari airstrip that was first landed by an American pilot, Lamij Johnson, in 1928 holds many stories, more than being a mere transit lounge and fuel depot for the few fliers back then. Today, when visitors step on to the modernizing city, one can still find traces of Dutch occupation as well as a Portuguese inherited aura. For since long before Indonesia’s Independence, Timor’s western part had been colonized by the Dutch while the islands eastern part by the Portuguese. This division originated from the time when these two powers fought for hegemony in the lucrative spice trade.
Today, Kupang is the capital city of the province of East Nusa Tenggara, perched in the southwestern part of Timor Island. As one of the three largest islands in East Nusa Tenggara (comprising Sumba, Flores and Timor), Timor island is now shared by two independent countries. The island’s eastern part being the newly independent East Timor – or Timor Leste, while the island’s western part is Indonesian territory. Its favorable position in the south-eastern most part of Indonesia, has made the city of Kupang into the first port of entry in Indonesian waters from Australia, if not yet as a tourist destination in its own right.
The Nusa Tenggara is a string of islands to the east of Bali, while Timor is its easternmost island in that string. Topographically, Timor differs from the rest of the East Nusa Tenggara islands. For the line of volcanoes that runs from Sumatra, Java, and on to other Nusa Tenggara islands, skips Timor and continues north to Maluku or the Moluccas. The cause of this is that unlike other Nusa Tenggara islands, Timor is in fact geologically related to Australia, and therefore has no volcanoes. While it geographical location and long history and tradition make it culturally Indonesian.
Being closest than any Indonesian cities to the marinas of Australian yachts in Darwin, the lighthouse at the seaport of Kupang stands as the first milepost for participating yachtsmen in the annual Sail Indonesia event. Each year, hundreds of yachts cross the open seas from Darwin, Australia sailing to Kupang, and from here to visit many known as well as remote Indonesian islands, to finally dock in Singapore. The annual Sail Indonesia has brought the name of Koepang to the fore, recalling its fame in the early twentieth century.
“Indonesians laugh a lot”, said Prooke of Marlborough, UK. It’s the land of laughs and smiles.
People in Timor are friendly. They love to laugh as do most Indonesians on the whole. Traditionally, people in Kupang and West Timor were distinguished by their social positions. The nobility here used to be called Amaf, the rulers Atupas, the commons Too, and slaves Ata. Today, ata no longer exist. Each of the social class had its own role to play in society. Yet, these classes share a mutual sentiment when it comes to tradition. The root of its heritage is so deep, making it difficult to trace. These deep rooted traditions even persisted through centuries of teachings of newer religions that were brought by traders or colonial rulers.
Look at the motives and patterns of their woven cloths called tenun ikat, and one can sense its age old heritage. Tenun ikat is the local craftsmanship in producing beautifully and sometimes mysteriously formed patterns on traditionally woven fabrics. Not only are the people proud of these cloths, but all Indonesians share the pride that these cloths are one of Indonesia’s most precious tangible national heritage.
Get There
Kupang is accessible by plane or ferries. Its historical airport, El Tari was formerly known as Penfui airstrip, having first served an American pilot, Lamij Johnson, in 1928. Penfui literally means ‘bush of cornfields’, since the airstrip’s surroundings were heavily covered with cornfields. El Tari connects western Timor Island with other large cities in Indonesia.
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Well, I just love Bali so much, and we fell in love with the culture, people, the food. Everything was just amazing. I feel like in Bali, you can find serenity anywhere, literally. It's our favorite place that we've been to on our entire trip.
Witness this rare moment captured by @watchluke; a monkey sitting in front of the landscape of Kelingking Beach in Nusa Penida. Nature has a way of showing us some extraordinary sights. So let it heal itself while you stay at home.
Inspire people to make their own #IndonesiaBucketList by sharing your past travelling moments in Indonesia on your social media. Don’t forget to use hashtag #IndonesiaBucketList and mention us @indtravel or add hashtag #WonderfulIndonesia for a chance to be featured.
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Literally translated as "the boiling lake", Kelimutu has three craters that apparently change colors and alternating between green, red, and blue which always independent of one another. Located in Flores, East Nusa Tenggara, you can take public transportation from Moni, the closest small town, to get to the parking lot before Kelimutu’s peak. From there, hike to see the otherworldly spectacle from the top of the world.
📷: @thefreedomcomplex#Kelimutu#EastNusaTenggara#Indonesia#Travel#WonderfulIndonesia
This picture taken by @furstset shows the 47-meter-tall majestic Prambanan Temple in Yogyakarta. This temple is easy to get to; simply take a bus from Tugu Train Station or Halte Malioboro 1. Dream big. Never stop believing. The Earth is gradually healing. We are waiting for the best time for you to come and visit us.
Inspire people to make their own #IndonesiaBucketList by sharing your past travelling moments in Indonesia on your social media. Don’t forget to use hashtag #IndonesiaBucketList and mention us @indtravel or add hashtag #WonderfulIndonesia for a chance to be featured.
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Covered by thin mist all over the village, Wae Rebo in Flores, East Nusa Tenggara is deservingly holding the title "the town above the clouds". Reach this truly fascinating traditional village from Labuan Bajo Airport through Ruteng City and then proceed to Denge Village before trekking for 4 hours to Wae Rebo.
📸: @backpackertampan#WaeRebo#EastNusaTenggara#Indonesia#Travel#WonderfulIndonesia
How are you doing? We hope you're holding up strong and waiting to fulfill your desire to travel. Let this picture of Padar Island, by @justkay, spark your inspiration. It might not be safe to travel right now, but planning for the future is always good.
Inspire people to make their own #IndonesiaBucketList by sharing your past travelling moments in Indonesia on your social media. Don’t forget to use hashtag #IndonesiaBucketList and mention us @indtravel or add hashtag #WonderfulIndonesia for a chance to be featured.
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Stood over 2,329 meters above the sea level and situated 35 kilometers away from the city of Malang, Mount Bromo might not be the tallest mountain in the entire Java, but it sure delivers an otherworldly spectacle. Climbing to the summit takes about 20-30 minutes depending on how quickly you can haul yourself up the sandy slope. Dare to try the challenging experience?
A friendly reminder before visiting: a healthy lifestyle determines
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We understand that one needs a lot of patience to remain indoors and avoid traveling at this moment. But your strong patience is what’s needed the most to make this world safe to travel again. Although the site is still temporarily closed, let us add the beauty of Komodo National Park in East Nusa Tenggara to your timeline in the hope that it positively inspires you to create a #TravelTomorrow wishlist.
📸: @van_taylan •
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Spark positivity during these hard times by sharing your past moments #WheninIndonesia on your social media. Don’t forget to use hashtag #WheninIndonesia and mention us @indtravel or add hashtag #WonderfulIndonesia for a chance to be featured. #StayatHome#ThoughtfulIndonesia
Let this picture from @sashajuliard virtually transport you to Kenawa Island, West Nusa Tenggara while you keep lying in your bed and #StayatHome. Don’t worry. Soon you will be able to feel the tropical breeze touch your skin again. But right now, it’s time to rest for a while and distance ourselves from the outside world while the Earth heals. #StayatHome#TravelTomorrow