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The island of Timor has a turbulent history as
a trading port: Chinese. Javanese and Islamic trader frequently
the island for many centuries seeking the fragrant Sandalwood so
treasured throughout the world. The Portuguese and Dutch compete
the trade, eventually dividing the island into two : Dutch West
Timor and Portuguese East Timor. After Indonesia's independence,
the east remain in the hand of the Portuguese until 1975, when a
left-wing monument threatened to take control of the newly independent
East Timor, and Indonesia stepped in.
 West
Timor was remarkable in history of Capt. William Bligh a British
Admiral was landed on his 3.600 miles journey from bounty in 1789
century.
West Timor is a fascinating place to visit the
capital, Kupang is only a short flight from Darwin, in Australia's
Northern Territory, and is also the trading gateway for the tiny
islands of Sawu and Roti, both famous for their ikat weaving.
East Timor is bounded on the North by the Banda
Sea and Wetar Strait, and the south by the Timor sea, on the west
by the province of East Nusa Tenggara on the East by Arafura sea,
which covers an area of 14.609 sq.km with Dilli as the Capital City.
 The
East Timorese community lives in the tribal groups which are partrillinear
decent system, then most outstanding among the tribes is the Tettun
and Liurai tribes.
East Timor is a richly cultural and historical
country with numerous historical towns and spas, fascinating castle
and chateaux, intriguing architecture and many rich cultural activities.
The East Timor is a country of undiscovered natural beauty with
picturesque mountains, extensive hiking trails, numerous spas and
a strong cultural heritages of Portuguise colony in the south east
asia.
Timor, Roti and Savu is reach with arts ad cultures
sites. Everywhere you go you will see the difference between one
each other. The difference can be found from local languages (dialects),
motifs of costumes (sarong), the style of architecture, art and
houses.
Although Christianity has recently been spreading
throughout these region, it is still possible for you to see the
remnants of ancient West Timor, Roti and Savu culture. The Adat
house of Timorese looks like a wooden parasol - Ume - fuctioning
as a living room and stroge house. Several houses from a village
are ruled by the village leader. This way of living is still available
in the aread around Mount Mutis, of Soe and Kefamenanu. Here the
majority of Atoni people (one of the ethnic group in Timor) still
live traditionaly.
The Astoni people, according to legend, lived beside
mountains that could talk and wander from valley to valley. The
great rocks offered protection and guidance. The Astoni up until
to day will place offerings at the foot of the sacred mountains,
to ensure the continuing relationship. The Astoni live in beehive
shaped houses, where high conical roofs slope downward.
The Belu people, originally from present day Malaysia,
left their settlements in Maluku, during the 14th century to conquer
and establish an empire in Timor island. The word of Belu means
friend used by the Atoni, might explain the relative ease in which
the Belunese established themselve. One of the unique features within
the Belunese society, is the women's high status. She fully controls
everyone or more of the four types of marriage she decides to be
a part of. Her husband will leave his clan by moving to her house
and all their children will follow her lineage.
The traditional dance Likuray have always accompanied
festivals and ceremonies. The Likurai was danced to welcome the
clans warriors up on their return from victorious battle. The women
would be dancing, tapping their drums and swaying their bodies as
they circled the battle trophies of head.
Highlights : unique culture, historical ruins,
savanna, caves, waterfall, traditional houses, rainforest, hand
weaving, Sasando Music, etc.....
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Timor Adventure Package Options
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| Kupang & Beyond Adventure Tour |
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