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General Information
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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