KUPANG::: Kupang is the capital of East  Nusa Tenggara (NTT) Province. It's also the main centre for the eastern part of Indonesia. It's a handy transport hub, but it's an exciting destination in itself.  The heart of the central business district fronts onto a beach which virtually runs the length of the town.There are many cafes and night clubs and thanks to the devaluation of the Indonesian Rupiah they are incredibly good value - you can get a meal in a local warung for 50cents US and good western food for a couple of dollars.  Adjacent to the town is Monkey Island with great white sand beaches and a lovely views, but you'll have to bring your own monkey.  If you are into diving and snorkeling there are plenty of places on the island to explore (bring your own equipment or hire from a dive shop in Kupang).  For nature lovers there's a waterfall half an hour from Kupang, and in a different direction is a cave with crystal-clear water to swim in (45 minutes from Kupang).  There is also a monkey forest before the cave that you can visit (25 minutes from Kupang).  Once you leave  Kupang, you are in traditional native territory. Timor has many distinct tribal groups, all of which provide a warm welcome to tourists.  They are more than happy to share with you their traditional ways of doing things, and you can see people making intricate handicrafts. Also make sure you request a demonstration of the Sasando - it is a harp-like instrument, with 9 to 45 guitar strings, and a bamboo tube that attaches to a big bowl of palm leaves, the medium for resonance.
Note that ATMs and Banks in Kupang give the best exchange rate in NTT, so stock up. All the major cards are acceptable-Visa Card- cirrus-Master Card-Maestro -Travelers' Checks and US$ or AUS$ notes are the best. Internet access, international phone calls and cellular phones are as easy as any other big cities in the world.

Having done all the above you will be able to print out an authorization to enter Australia. The Australian consulate will also enter your ETA into their computer systems so any travel agent can then sell you a ticket to Australia, without this ETA they cannot do so. After 3 months in Australia you must then leave the country, the cheapest option is Kupang, Indonesia, flying with Merpati (an Indonesian company) the current cost is AUS$600, Kupang-Darwin return or AUS$462 one way (high season-as at July 2005).                                                          

HOW TO GET TO KUPANG

As the biggest city in the province, Kupang can be reached from Darwin-Australi, Dili-East Timor, and other major islands in Indonesia as Java, Bali, Sulawesi, Lombok, Papua, and within the province itself Flores, Sumba, Rote, Sabu, Lembata and Alor.

Place to stay in Kupang West Timor

Lavalon Hostel

Address: Sumatera 1 no 8 tode kisar Kupang
Ntt Indonesia 85229 phone/fax +62380826047
mobile : +628123770533                     

Email: lavalonbar@gmail.com

Lavalon Bar

Lasiana Beach

Australian War Memorial in Kupang (Oesao)