On the way to Fatumnasi (West Timor Indonesia)

History
In 1509, the first Portuguese arrived in the island of Timor, later followed by the Dutch. In the 1559 the Treaty of Lisbon was signed by the Portuguese and the Dutch to split control over the island of Timor. As a result, the eastern half of the island was under the Portuguese jurisdiction and the Dutch controlled the western half.

Japan conquered the island as part of World War II in early 1942. On August 17, 1945 the Indonesian Independence was 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. However, East Timor remained under Portuguese control until 1975 when it became Indonesian territory. On 20 May 2002, East Timor gained its full independency as an independent nation. 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).

First West Timor Tour in 2022
Testimonial:
West Timor is a wonderful place for explorers and for those who seek the original spirit of travelling. There are amazing views over seemingly empty forest from the Savu Sea to the Timor Sea and the landscape is quite different from many other places in Indonesia. Most of all, you will find largely untouched villages steeped deep into tradition, some still practicing the original Timorese belief from Pre-Christianity. And the friendly people of Timor will welcome you everywhere and share their big smiles with you. Timor is culturally very complex, so it's not boring to travel there while you try to find it's hidden treasures.

I travelled around West Timor after the pandemic with a guide who was introduced to me by Edwin Lerrick.The guide is very knowledgeable about Timor's history and culture. I recommend employing a guide in Timor, because there is no tourist infrastructure and many interesting places would be impossible to find by oneself or at least it would be very frustrating. Don't expect much comfort outside Kupang, prepare yourself with the basic necessities you need, but wherever you go people will try their best to meet your needs. Timor is for adventurers from it's empty sand beaches to it's (depending on the season) green mountains.

Morten (Germany)

Lavalon SeaView Hostel and Cafe Kupang
Phone: Whatsapp +628123770533 Email: lavalonbar@gmail.com
Double Room Rp 100.000 Including Breakfast Banana Pancake with Honey Whatsapp to Lavalon

Textiles of West Timor - Highly Recomended to buy this Book. One of the Writer of this Book is From West Timor, Wilhelmus Daos Kadati (Willy Kadati)

Religion and Tradition Christianity was the chosen religion in West Timor and Catholicism in East Timor. However, most of rural Timor still also practices Animism, the worship of nature. In this respect Timorese statues and masks still play an important role. Dancing, singing, costume and musical ceremony (using gongs and drums) are all used to celebrate or ask for help from ancestors and deities. Some of the occasions that call for these ceremonies are: for planting and to ask for prosperity and good weather, for the spinning of cotton, for the smooth running of village or regional affairs, for weddings. and the offering of friendship and reaffirmation of allegiance through royalties or tribute along with the ever present betel nut.

   
On the way to Tamkesi (West Timor Indonesia)

Ikat Textile West Timor

Boti Dancep in Kupang

A hike to the best view in Tamkesi Photo by Edwin Lerrick

Aktor Film asal Kupang - Ntt (Edwin Lerrick)

Aktor Film asal Kupang West Timor (Edwin Lerrick)
Timor Tours Guide (West Timor Tours Guide) Edwin Lerrick Recommend by Lonely Planet