Kupang is the capital city of East Nusa Tenggara province, perched in the southwestern part of Timor Island. The island’s eastern part being the newly independent “Timor Leste”, while the island’s western part is Indonesian territory.

While I was travelling in Flores, people  kept saying Kupang is different and it’s the capital of NTT province. So planned a quick visit here. Landed in the Kupang airport, I took a taxi straight to the Museum from airport. Although the closing time said 6 pm online, they closed it around 4 pm.

But people of Kupang were really nice, they tried their best to open the museum for me. One of staff called the security and admin, finally someone came to open the gate but the key of inner hall was with some other person who had already left.

View from hostel bed

After dropping me at the hostel, driver said seafood night market is very good in Kupang, something not to be missed. I walked along the sea front, this place has a lot of history as it was colonised by Portugese and Dutch. The city life isn’t very busy as the malls weren’t over crowded and city itself was little calm.

Later that evening I visited a fish market, met an Australian from Darwin who is into fishing business, he helped me to choose the fish and it was a fest that night.

Amazing fishes made in Indonesian style, the market was very vibrant. Language was definitely a challenge moving around Kupang.

Took stroll along the market street and also promenade. Met the owner of resto 999, he spoke very good English and offered me a local delicacy “smoked Tuna intestine” which locals in Timur eat. He said it was specifically made for  his family and also introduced me to his nieces and cousins who where visiting him from Alor.

He also explained about the beauty of Timor and also about Alor. The sighting videos of Dugong in Alor was definitely worth it. As he was from that part of the island he explained how to reach and had a lot of information.

Nightlife in Kupang is very vibrant. The sea front had lot of restaurants where you can have good food…. Took a stroll across the streets with colorful street arts…

Next morning decided to go around Kupang to visit some of its highlights. The places we decided to see where Oenesu waterfall, Crystal cave and Monkey cave.

We reached Oenesu after a short travel of an hour or so. Did a small hike and reached the waterfall. It was beautiful, it looked deserted to an extent as not many people visit here. Since it was not a rainy season, the waterflow was also less.

Next stop was crystal cave. We wanted to swim inside the cave. But one thing we understood was in Timur not always go by the timing mentioned online or any guide. Bcoz here the timings depends on the place and people who run it 😊…. Although the guide as well as their online information says it’s open at 8 am, couldn’t find anyone even after reaching there at 9 am.

We waited for more than 40-45 mins still no one turned up… The entrance was locked. We inquired near by, they said wait for some more time, may be after 11-12 pm they might come. So we left the place with disappointment.

Then we visited the monkey cave. The beach opposite to the cave was super clean and beautiful. Locals said these monkeys feed on crabs and some fishes as well. They looked slightly different from the ones we see in subcontinent..

Stopped at a local place recommend by the driver. It’s very good for Soto Ikan(fish soup) and rice. We really liked the taste, it was fresh and tasty.

Again wanted to visit the museum as their website said they are open on Saturday. But after visiting there got disappointed once again as they were closed.. Asked around they said yes they are closed on weekends. Ahhh! So one thing I learnt in Timur is “talk to the locals, gather some information before going out any where in Timur bcoz the online information isn’t right somehow”. I even met a traveller in Kupang who said, he isn’t going to travel to East of Timur due to lack of information on the visa requirements. It was bit confusing bcoz the embassy’s information and information on the island border office is something different.

Since it was quick trip, i winded up the activities for the weekend. Went to a Nasi campur place, had Indonesian curry rice and then a sweet bun with butter coating from Roti’O which was definitely worth trying…