EAST NUSA TENGGARA - KUPANG NTT
East Nusa Tenggara Islands have been shaped by the power and force of an enormous chain of mountains and volcanoes, which begins from the North of Sumatra and stretches east across Java. The province consists of over 550 islands, but is dominated by the three main islands of Flores, Sumba and Timor. Occupying a unique position at the junction of Australian and Asian submarine ridges marked by the Wallace Line, it is one the world's most dynamic and exotic marine environments with nearly every species of coral and tropical fish represented. The arid landscape of eastern and southeastern Nusa Tenggara is the result of hot, dry winds blasting in from the Australian continent. In fact, in many coastal areas not a drop of rain falls during most of the year. Flores is a Portuguese name, which means 'flower' and ideally describes the beauty to be found here. This long island between Sumbawa and Timor is crowded with volcanoes and mountains dividing it into several distinct regions
with individual languages and traditions. Predominantly Catholic and heavily influenced by the Portuguese, there are many examples of a strong European cultural heritage like eastern procession held in Larantuka and the royal regalia of the former king in Maumere. Formerly known as the Sandalwood Island, Sumba is now famous for its horses and an excellent style of ikat cloth. Spirits, both ancestral and natural are worshipped. Although some exist in East Sumba,it is in West Sumba that there are a number of enormous megalithic tombs and traditional thatched and peaked huts raised on stilts. It is here where incredible rituals take place, such as 'Pasola' where hundreds of horsemen fling spreads at each other in an annual ritual. Many traditional ceremonies, all with a component paying homage to the spirits, take place from July to October including the traditional houses and burials when sometimes hundreds of pigs, water buffaloes, horses, and dogs are scarified. Other ceremonies include 'Pajura' or traditional boxing, festivals for the Lunar New Year in October and November, horse races and ritual dances.

GEOGRAPHICALLY
East Nusa Tenggara is one of the four provinces in the Nusa Tenggara (Southeast Islands). Starting from Bali, West Nusa Tenggara, East Nusa Tenggara, and east Timor. It stretch is between 118° and 125° east longitude, and between 1 18° and 125°southern latitude lines, and between 8° and 12 ° southern latitude lines. The territory of East Nusa Tenggara Province comprises 566 islands. The three main islands are Flores, Sumba and Timor from which come the term FLOBAMOR, which has been familiar as one of the names of East Nusa Tenggara. Flores is the main volcanic island and has many unique and spectacular attractions, one of these is Mount Kelimutu with its lakes of distinct color variation, has become one of the fabled destinations travelers. Sumba is the island famous for its arts, handicrafts, particularly the textile weaving and cultural assets. The other name given to East Nusa Tenggara is "Nusa Cendana" the Sandalwood Island.

GEOLOGICALLY
Geologically, East Nusa Tenggara can be regarded as being divided into two zones: first, the volcanic inner curve formed by the islands Rinca, Komodo, Flores, Alor, Pantar, Adonara, Lembata and Solor, which have fertile soils and second, the out curve with limestone and rock formation, made up of the island Sumba, Sabu, Rote, Semau and Timor(Now is Timor Leste Country).

DEMOGRAPHY
The total number of NTT inhabitants in 2001 was 3,888.735 - 1,919.644 (49.36%) men and 1,969.091 (50.64%) women. The most populated is Manggarai regency (621,989 people) and Kupang city is the most densely populated (1,517.30 people per square kilometer).

CLIMATE
Due to central highlands and their closeness to Australia, the seasons are irregular. Generally the islands are semi-arid, with a longer dry season lasting from March to November. The wet season lasts from December to March, but can be considerably shorter and small island of Savu.The average rainfall of this region is between 36 - 4,127 mm/year. The temperature is range from 20.3 C to 31.7 C.

TOPOGRAPHY
East Nusa Tenggara is mountainous, and very steep slopes are everywhere besides some not too wide plateaus or uplands. The lowlands are a long the coastal areas only. Despite of the situation, most part of this region is not fertile, since the rainfall varies between 500 mm and 2000 mm a year.
East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) is includes 566 islands. In addition, there are 524 uninhabited islands. It covers an area of about 47,349.9 square kilometers, including 200,000 square kilometers of maritime territory. Roughly 57 percent of the territory is hilly, with cliffs. The lowlands lay generally around the beaches and river mouths.

WIDE AREA
The area of East Nusa Tenggara occupies an area of 49,879.98 square kilometers, and has a population of more than 3,500.000. It is divided into 12 regencies and one municipality. Kupang regency is the largest region (7,178.26 square kilometers) and the smallest region is Kupang city (160.34 km2).

LANGUAGES
There are a lot of languages spoken in East Nusa Tenggara coming from as many different which groups of the population. Bahasa Indonesia is the national language in Malay, written in Roman script and based in European orthography. In all tourist destination areas English is the number one foreign language fairly spoken and written.

PLACE OF INTEREST

Komodo Island
A small island of 280 square km, Komodo is located between the islands of Sumbawa and Flores. The island is almost all hill and barren except for palm trees and some wood but it is famous for its giant lizards which are considered the last of their kind remaining in the world today. To many modern naturalists, East Nusa Tenggara is so particularly interesting, because of this unique species, called the Komodo Dragon. Called "ora" by the local people, Komodo dragon (Varnus Komodoensis) is actually a giant monitor lizard. Growing up to 3 to 4 meters in length, its ancestors roamed the earth up to about half a million years ago. Komodo lives on carrions of goats, deer, and even the carcasses of its own kind. The only human population on the island is at the fishing village called Komodo who supplement their income breeding goats which are used to feed the lizards. The Komodo is protected by law and though they are considered harmless, it is advisable to keep them at a distance. Komodo is now a nature reserve being part of a national park. It is home to a number of rare bird species, deer, and wild pigs, which are prey to the lizards as well. To see the lizards in the day time, baits have to be set in the hinterland where local guides are necessary. The sea surrounding the island offers vistas of sea life, crystal clear waters, and white sandy beaches. The only accommodation available is in simple guest houses in the fishing village. lt is advisable to carry food supplies. The best time to visit the island is between March and June, and between October and December. Komodo is accessible from the sea only. Fly to Labuan Bajo, from where it is about 3-4 hours by boat to the island.


Kupang
The provincial capital of East Nusa Tenggara in western Tim with approximately 522 944 inhabitants makes it the large urban center of the province. It is the centre of government business, trade, and education. The only sandalwood oil factor in Indonesia is located in this town. Here one can see the distillation of sandalwood oil which is famous in East Nusa Tenggara.

The Museum in Kupang has on display items of historical and cultural value.

Lasiana Beach
An ideal tourist recreation spot, where the beach faces westward to watch beautiful sunsets.

Camplong
A lovely community about 45 km from Kupang with regular market days and a natural swimming pool, where traditionally people
bathe, do their laundry, and sosialize. Camplong is also c forest reserve where some scarce animals, such as deer (Cervus Timorensis), parrots, monkeys, etc. in the reservation, are protected.

Semau Island
Thirty minutes by boat from Kupang and is certainly worth it to stay there one whole day. No noise and uncrowded is what this island place stands for. it is a holiday village for everyone and a good place to relax as it offers a haven for those from the city. The surrounding waters is a paradise for snorkeling swimming, and other water sports. Barbeque on the beach is desirable, Bamboo cottages are available right on the white sandy beaches.

Maumere
A port town on the northeastern coast of Flores and a stopover on the way to Ende or to Larantuka. It is well connected by air with Kupang, Denpasar, and Ujung Pandang, and noted for its good beaches. The bay of Maumere is considered the best diving spot (Floras-Marine Resort ) as it promises extremely rich marine life. The resort- is a paradise for all divers, underwater photographers, and for everyone interested in marine biology. Ledalero museum at the outskirts of Maumere has an interesting collection of ethnological objects from the region. Visitors are welcome but advance arrangements should be made. Ledalero is also a name of a major catholic Seminary from where many of Florinese priests originated.

Ende
This town contains the home in-exile of former and first Indonesian president, Soekarno, while in banishment during the early period of nationalist movements in 1936. The house has been repaired and is today a museum.

Kelimutu Lake (Three-colors-lake)
East Nusa Tenggara's natural wonder and one of Indonesia'a most mysterious and dramatic sights that can be found on top of this mountain, some 66 km from Ende, or 83 km from Maumere. It has a unique and spectacular view on its three crater lakes with their respective colours. The colors, however, have changed continually since the eruption of Mount Iya in Ende in 1969. The surrounding villages are good places serving as bases for visits to Kelimutu, particularly those who wish to have a more leisurely pace and en joy the views along the road between Ende and Maumere, or spend more time in Kelimutu. Those little villages are also known for their excellent weaving-all hand-made, still using natural dyes.

Labuan bajo
A lime town inhabited by fishermen, lies at the extreme western part of Flores. The town serves as a jumping-off point for the trip to Komodo Island. lt is a beautiful area for water skiing, wind surfing, fishing, and many other marine activities. Pede Beach is an ideal place to do all this and from where sunsets are beautifully visible.

Larantuka
A little port nestled at the base of a tall hill at the eastern end of Flores, from where Solor, Adonara, and Lembata island ( the small islands near by) are visible across the narrow strait. An old Portuguese cultural heritage like the Easter Procession is held in this town, and worth seeing. Lamalera Whale Hunting Lamalera on Lembata Island is a whaling village. The months of May to September make up the whale hunting season for the people of Lamalera. Using simple traditional tools as small row boats and the handthrown harpoons, the hunters sail out to hunt these giant creatures of the sea. The catch is either consumed or sold.

Waikabubak
A neat little town in Western Sumba, full of old graves carved in motifs of buffalo- horns, man-heads, horses, nude men or
women symbolizing social status or the wealth of the people. Right in the capital city of Waikabubak, you can see the following tombs: Kadung Tana, Watu Karagata, and Bulu Peka Mila. Tarung village, an important ceremonial centre, is located on top of a hill, just a half kilometer to the west of Waikabubak. There are several megalithic tombs. The front of many traditional houses are decorated with huge water buffalo horns from the animals sacrificed during rituals of years gone by.

Anakalang
The village is about 20 km from Waikabubak with its large graveyard The largest megalithic tombs in Sumba ). The tombs are
always with unusual carvings. Anakalang is the site of the "Purung Takadonga Ratu", an important mass mariage festival held
every two years, on a date determinated by the full moon.

Pasola
The most exciting ritual western of Sumba is to be witnessed right here. Where else in the world can you see colourful horsemen trying to kill each other. The ceremony is in February in Lamboya and Kodi, and in March in Gaura and Wanukaka. The main activities start several days after the full moon and coincide with the yearly arrival to shore of strange, multihued sea worms.

East Sumba
Although perhaps 40% population of East Sumba follows the "merapu" religion as their brothers in the western part the out ward manifestations are not nearly as spectacular of frequent. This region 14 better known for its "ikat" weaving. Near Waingapu, Kuta Beach is a Good. place to relax, and further down coast, near Baing (125 km from Waingapu), there is great surfing at Kalala Beach. The waves are best from December to May.

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