Directly bordering the neighboring country of Timor Leste, the Belu Regency in East Nusa Tenggara Province successfully held the Atambua Adventure Off Road 2017 that took place on 22nd to 23rd April 2017. Centered at the regency’s capital city of Atambua, the event was aimed to promote better relations with the neighboring country and to bolster Belu Regency as an emerging adventure destination at the border with Timor Leste.
The Atambua Adventure Off Road 2017 is the first international event held on Timor Island, although Atambua had early regularly played host to national off-road events every two years.
Over 50 off-roaders participated in this year’s event. These came from Kupang City (30 participants), South Central Timor Regency (5 participants), North Central Timor (5 participants), Belu Regency (11 participants), while Timor Leste joined with 11 participants.
Photo source: indopenerbangan.com
The 2 days Off Road adventure took participants to some of the most fascinating spots in Belu. On the first day, the route took off-roaders to Fulan Fehan, Weluli, Maudemu, Hasmetan, Takirin, Lookeu, Nenuk and Halituku. On the following day, the adventure continued to Tabean, Sukaernaruk, Koknabe, Bokwini, Oekasan, Onaboi, Sesekoe and Atambua. The adventure featured challenging tracks across the island’s pristine savannahs and through dense forests.
The event was also highlighted with the opening of new tracks, charity for school children, as well as the staging of traditional ritual ceremonies.
Photo source: berbagiceritajalan2
The off-road race was presented by the Ministry of Tourism in collaboration with the Office of Tourism of Belu Regency, the Indonesian Motor Association (IMI) East Nusa Tenggara Branch, as well as a number of Automotive Communities.
At the press conference, Head of the Organizing Committee, Immanuel explained that the event is aimed to boost development of the cross-border area and accelerate economic and social development in Belu Regency. “We thank the Ministry of Tourism who has given huge support to the development of cross-border regencies such as Belu. After this race, we project to hold more such promotional events at this cross-border area” said Immanuel.
Photo source: topsy.one
Although as yet not as popular as other destinations in East Nusatenggara, Belu Regency has, in fact, some fascinating tourist attractions. There is the fantastic Atapupu Beach, located just near the border with Timor Leste. Here you will find soft pearly white sands, and it has already become a favorite vacation spot for tourists from Timor Leste. There is also the Maohalek Waterfall, which is only an hour’s drive away from Atambua. Atambua itself has a number of heritage sites such as the Fort Makes on Makes Hill, and the traditional Cemetery of the Melus Sub-ethnic group.
As for accommodation, Atambua has a number of hotels, such as Hotel Intan, Hotel Matahari, and Hotel Paradiso. Head of the Office of Culture and Tourism of Belu Regency added that the regency now plans to add a number of star-rated hotels in the region.
Atambua and the Belu Regency directly border Timor Leste to the east. To reach Atambua, you can take flights to Kupang, the capital city of East Nusa Tenggara Province. From Kupang, Wings Air serves daily flights to Atambua.
