तिमोर Island

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.....