On the Indonesian island of Timor is a small town Kupang, known for its rich history and colorful ethnic composition. For a long time, it has served as an important transport hub. Now the city is more famous for its hot climate and exotic nature.
Geographical location and climate of Kupanga
The city is the largest settlement on the island of Timor. Tourists who do not know where Kupang is located should look at the map of Indonesia and find the island of Bali . Timor is located about 1000 km east of Bali and is divided into two parts - the western and the eastern. In the west of the island is located the city of Kupang, which is the administrative center of the province called the East Small Sunda Islands . As of 2011, about 350 thousand people live here.
Kupang is influenced simultaneously by two climates - dry and wet tropical. This distinguishes him from other cities in the country. The dry season lasts from October to March, and the wet season lasts from April to September. The maximum temperature is registered in October and is + 38 ° C. The coldest month in Kupanga is July (+ 15.6 ° C). The maximum amount of precipitation (386 mm) falls in January.
The History of Kupang
Since the time of the Portuguese and Dutch colonial era, this city has served as an important trade center and seaport. Until now, in Kupang you can find the ruins of buildings of colonial architecture. Its discovery occurred in 1613 immediately after the Dutch East India Company won the Portuguese fort on the volcanic island of Solor.
Until the mid-20th century, the city of Kupang was used as a refueling point for aircraft that flew between Australia and Europe. In 1967, the residence of the diocese of the same name was placed here.
Attractions and Entertainment in Kupang
This city is remarkable primarily for its pristine nature. That is why all the interesting tourist sites and entertainment are associated with the natural attractions of Kupang. Among them:
- Crystal cave , where everyone can swim in the cleanest lake;
- beaches of Taglogong, Lasian and Pantai;
- waterfalls of Oenesu and Tesbatan;
- Mount Fatuleu ;
- Camping Nature Park ;
- Nostalgia Park theme park ;
- amusement park Taman Rekreasi .
In addition to visiting these attractions, in Kupang you can hire a boat to go to the sea, swim with a mask and snorkel or scuba dive.
Hotels in Kupang
As in any other region of the country, in this city there is a good choice of hotels that allow you to relax inexpensively and comfortably. The most popular among them are hotels :
- Sylvia;
- On The Rock;
- Aston;
- LeDetadu;
- Neo Eltari.
Here all conditions are created for visitors to enjoy beautiful views, to use the free Internet and parking. The cost of living in hotels in Kupang varies from $ 15 to $ 53 per night.
Kupang Restaurants
The formation of local cuisine was greatly influenced by the culinary traditions of the indigenous population, as well as China, India and a number of other countries. Like in any other city in Indonesia, in Kupang, dishes from pork, rice, fresh fish and seafood are popular. In institutions specializing in halal cuisine, you can taste steaks and other dishes from beef.
Tasty lunch or a snack is available at the following Kupang restaurants:
- Bambu Kuning;
- 999 Resto & Bar;
- Sei Babi Baun;
- Depot Baba Nyoo;
- Taman Laut Handayani.
It is easy to find a cozy place with a terrace from where you can enjoy a light sea breeze and admire the beautiful sunset with a mug of cold beer in your hand.
Shopping in Kupang
Shopping in this city should be sent to the shopping centers of Lippo Plaza Fatululi, Flobamora Mall or Toko Edison. Here you can buy souvenirs , products of local artisans and essential goods. Fresh fish or fruit is best bought in the Kupang markets. They are located both on the central streets of the city, and along the coast.
Transportation in Kupang
The city is divided into six districts: Alak, Kelapa Lima, Maulafa, Oebobo, Kota Raja and Kota Lama. Between them, it's easiest to move around on minibuses, bikes, motorcycles or scooters. With other regions of Indonesia, Kupang is connected via the El Tari Airport and the seaport.
The main city harbor serves cargo and passenger vessels, which come from Ruteng, Baa and Kalabakhi. Kupang also has old ports of Namosain and Harbor, which in former times were used by fishermen to unload the catch.
How to get to Kupang?
In order to get acquainted with the history and culture of this port city, one should go to the west of the island of Timor. Kupang is located more than 2500 km from the capital of Indonesia. To get to it, you need to use air or land transport . Air communication between the cities is carried out by the airlines Batik Air, Garuda Indonesia and Citilink Indonesia. Their ships depart from Jakarta several times a day and after about 3-4 hours land at the airport named after El Tari. It is located 8 km from the city.
Tourists, who decided to get to Kupang by car, should know that part of the way will have to be overcome by sea. Most of the route passes through the island of Java , then it will be necessary to change over to the ferry and drive through the whole island of Bali, then again change to the ferry and so on until the end of the journey. If you do not make long stops, the journey from Jakarta to Kupang will take approximately 82 hours.