The MAP OF TIMOR islands
(the frontier gate of southern indonesia)
West Timor is the principal island in terms of population where the capital of the province, Kupang, is located. Kupang is now being developed to be the gate- way to Nusa Tenggara. There are direct flights from /to Darwin-Australia. West Timor is rich in various cultures, beautiful sceneries, and a wonderful nature. Made up of dry, rocky land, isolated communities, rolling cattle land, a variety of styles of architecture, Timor is basically something that possesses its own original characteristics.
West Timor is a political region that comprises the western half of Tomir Island with the exception of Oecussi-Ambeno district (which is politically part of East Timor) and forms a part of Indonesia province of East Nusa Tenggara, (NTT or Nusa TenggaraTimur). West Timor's capital and chief port is Kupang. The land area of West Timor is 15,850 km. During the colonial period it was known as Dutch Timor and was a centre of Dutch loyalists during the Indonesian War of Independence (1945-1949).
Rote Island, the southernmost island of Indonesia, is just to the southwest of West Timor. Three native languages belonging of Carbonic Stock of the Austronesian group of languages are spoken in West Timor, the others in East Timor. These languages are Ndaonese, Rotinese, and Helong.
History
European colonization of Timor started in the 16th century. Although Portuguese claimed the island of Timor in 1520, the Dutch (in Dutch East India Company) settled West Timor in 1640, forcing the Portuguese out to East Timor. The subsequent collapse of the company meant that in 1799 the area returned to official Dutch rule. Finally, in 1914 a treaty between Holland and Portugal that was originally signed in 1859 and modified in 1893 finalized border between East and West Timor.
Japan conquered the island as part of World War II in early 1942. August 17, 1945 saw Indonesian Independence declared, just three days after the Japanese surrender. The Dutch returned but faced a war with republican guerrillas, the eventual outcome of which was the proclamation of Republic of Indonesia in 1950, which made West Timor a part of East Nusa Tenggara.
Demographics
West Timor has approximately 1.6 million inhabitants. The population is mostly of Malay, Papuan or Polynesian extraction, with a tiny ethnic Chinese group. About half of the population belongs to Atoni ethnicity. West Timor's main religions are Catholic (56%), Protestant (35%) and Muslim (8%)
GEOGRAPHY
Kupang is the capital city of the East Nusa Tenggara covering the area of Flores, Sumba, Timor and Alor. The area of Timor has counted to include Roti, Savu, Semau island and other small island around. It comprises by several small islands Timor is also has rivers Noelmina and Benain - Mountain : Mutis. Humidity range from 70% - 95% with the lowest rainfall rating on Indonesia.
Being the main administration office of East Nusa Tenggara province, Kupang - on Timor is the main city on the East Nusa Tenggara. This province stretches between the east longitude of 118° and 125°, and between the southern latitude lines of 1 18° and 125°, and between the southern latitude lines of 8° and 12°. The territory of East Nusa Tenggara Province comprises 566 islands.
The islands are generally semi-arid, with a longer dry season lasting from March to November. The wet season lasts from December to March, but can be considerably shorter and small island of Savu. Flores has an irregular coastline and rugged landscape due to its volcanic origin. The vegetation is plentiful and rich in diversity. Wildlife includes species of lizards, monkeys and parrots. There is also an abundant marine life with reef sharks, sperm whales, dolphins and tropical fish. East Nusa Tenggara is mountainous, and very steep slopes are everywhere besides some not too wide plateaus or uplands. The lowlands are a long the coastal areas only. Despite of the situation, most part of this region is not fertile, since the rainfall varies between 500 mm and 2000 mm a year.
INTERESTING PLACES in TIMOR
Lasiana Beach : An ideal tourist recreation spot, near the capital city where the beach faces westward to watch beautiful sunsets. Lusiana has been chosen as the port for 1996 Around - the World Sailing Competition started in England, and the yearly Darwin - Kupang yacht Race.
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 socialize. Camplong is also a forest reserve where some scarce animals, such as deer (Cervus Timorensis), parrots, monkeys, etc. in the reservation, are protected.
Tablolong : is a beautiful place, about 23 Km from Kupang, with white sandy beach and crystal water good for water sport recreation. Tablolong is also chosen as the base for Kupang Local Bill fish Fishing Tournament.
Oenesu : is the waterfall spot in beautiful natural panorama. It is located on the middle of Kupang and Tablolong.
Soe : A town (110 km from Kupang) noted for its cool weather, beautiful flowers, and good fruits. Soe is, after all, a dull sprawl of wooden and corrugated-tin-roofed houses.
Menipo Island : is not shown in any geographical map. It is only 571 hectares large or 7,328 meters long and 700 meters wide. It is separated from Timor Island by a narrow strait. Menipo Island is part of Enoraen Village, Kuarasi District, in Kupang Regency. This island is occupied by various kinds of animals, such as Timor deer (Cervus Timorensis), wild pigs, turtles, alligators, bats, small birds, pigeons and turtle- doves. It is a popular place for recreation on weekends and holidays. One can go fishing, snorkeling, swimming or surfing.
Semau Island : Thirty minutes by boat from Kupang this island is certainly worth to stay one whole day. No noise and uncrowned is what this island stands for. It is a holiday village for everyone and a good place to relax as it offers a haven for those from the city. The surrounding water is a paradise for snorkeling, swimming, and other water sports.
Barbecue on the beach is desirable. Bamboo cottages are available right on the white sandy beaches. This unattained island paradise is well worth stop over. The surrounding crystal - clear waters offer exceptional snorkeling and swimming. Bamboo bungalows are available right on the white sandy beach, and you can barbeque your freshly-cough dinner while enjoying a spectacular sunset.
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