Kupang West Timor
City of Kupang
Kupang is great little city on the west coast of Timor.
It is a short hop over to Darwin and a good entry point to begin your travels in Indonesia. You can get your 30 day visa on arrival in most cases.
That is not enough time to see all of Indonesia but it is enough for a decent holiday.
I am told that you can get a 60 day visa if you apply for it in Darwin at the consulate there.
There is a fast and a slow ferry to Rote Island, renowned for it’s surfing off Nemberala and its mellow atmosphere and good people.
There are regular ferrys to Flores and a Pelni ship comes along every once in a while going to Makasar or Bali but be sure to check the Pelni schedule first or you could be waiting around for a few weeks for it to show up.
Merpati has regular flights Kupang – Denpasar for around 600,000 rupiah. It costs about 700,000 from Denpasar – Kupang. Not sure why but that is the way it is. At one time Merpati flew to Dili from Kupang but has discontinued that route.
The bemo terminal in town is the center of activity. There are 10 different routes these bemos take.
The number is on the roof and the different routes use different colored bemos. The fare is 2000 rupiah.
Warungs or food stalls set up there under a big pavilion at night.
The bigger buses have their terminals further out. They go to Soe, Kefa and Atambua.
There are motorcycle taxis called ojeks that can buzz you around for 10,000 rupiah.
From the airport to town they might want 25,000 to 30,000 rupiah. The airport and ferry terminals are a ways out.
There are a few internet places but they have not caught on there yet.
A good one is at the Telkom. They have 10 computers but only 3 seem to be working. It is about 6,000 rupiah an hour.
A few really good restaurants are open at night. During the day not much is open.
Karang Mas is a small eatery near the bemo terminal that isn’t too bad. There is a small room in the back that overlooks the sea and isn’t so dark. There ars bars over the windows but at least it is bright and cheerful.
A good cheap place is the Pantai Laut which is near the beach by the sea as it’s name indicates. For 6,000 rupiah or so you get the special of the day which is usually delicious. It is just up the way from Teddy’s Bar.
In Kupang it would be good to organize some wheels if you are going to stay there any length of time because the city is spread out and you will always have to rely on someone giving you a lift otherwise.
It is pleasant enough to walk in the cool of the evening but during the day the sun can be a scorcher.
Kupang – West Timor – Indonesia
Climbing Mount Apo
General Santos
Growing Orchids
Judy's Resto Bar
Logging with Motorcycles
Mount Mayon
Balabac Island
Biri Island
Calbiga Cave
Capul Island
Mangrove Swamp Palawan
Mikes's Resort
Anyone coming to Kupang should not go past Pantai Laut Resto & Bar. Owner, Robin is a top bloke who can and will help you with anything you need. His wife and staff whip up a great feast, anytime, day or night,from locally caught fresh fish, to imported beef steaks, etc. He has big screen TV for all major sports games and is a dedicated footy fan himself. He is also a master kareoke singer and will entertain for hours on end. Prices for everything is very good value for money, and one can have a fantastic evening for very little. Another chap to look out for is Charly, a local tour guide with very good english and a colourful chap, who will virtually do anything he can for you.He can be found everyday at Pantai Laut Resto & Bar. I would advise anyone coming to Kupang to get in touch with these two local lads. Robin can be reached on (0380)8020999 or Charly on +6285237626371.
They will meet you at the airport and will get you the best,cleanest accom,transport, etc.
One of the best hotels to stay at during your visit to Kupang, would have to be The Hotel Kristal, very clean and modern by Kupang standards. Prices are very competetive, ranging from 100,00 rupiah for single room, aircon, TV and mini bar, up to 500,000 rupiah for double suite room with everything. Key man here to ask for is Stanis, local lad with very good english and good knowledge of Kupang. He can arrange travel, air tickets, taksi, etc.Reach Stanis on +6285239271948.
Good info Robert,
Feel free to add anything else about Kupang if you will.
I am especially interested in information about using Kupang as a stop over for yachtsmen.
cheers
dp
Hi dp, Can i impose on your generosity again? Could you tell me if you have been or have heard of anything Re the south coast from Buan south of Kupang along the lower coast road? My map shows a road through to Kolbano and along to checkpoint Foxtrot at the boarder of Timor-Leste. I’m after losmans and ruma makans along that way, i may want to spend a couple of weeks down on the south coast? Next Q. Have you been to the island of Rote? I rang Edwin a few days ago to try and get an idea of hilltop vegetation/forestation but it was a bit of a vague exchange. I know that the best way is to go and see for myself and I will, but as much prior info as i can get is an advantage. Also one last Q. Did i read on one of the post that you have an interest in sailing? If so maybe i could put a few Q,s to you about the weather. I’ve gleand a lot from bom.gov.au.but you may have some first hand experience Many thanks Tony
Hello Tony,
I have only made one quick trip to Rote
http://www.dutchpickle.com/indonesia/rote/rote.html
Nemberela is a famous surfing destination on Rote and this island is accessible from Kupang by ferry. I really hope to get back there again someday!
I have not traveled the south coast of west Timor but have done a bit in East Timor.
There are regular buses that make the run between Kupang and Dili. I have also made that run with motorbike and flatbed truck. I think the only legal land crossing into East Timor is at the border near Atambua but things change. There are three places where a crossing would be possible if the local governments approve.
http://www.dutchpickle.com/indonesia/west-timor/timor-travel-visa-run.html
cheers
dp
please provide the places in kupang to visit
info please on bus from kupang to dili, e. timor. I understand there is/was an a/c tourist bus that took 10 hours, but cannot find info here.
Hello
Timor Travel made this run direct from Kupang to Dili. It was a 15 passanger mini van and made the trip every day.
Check with the guys at Lavalon bar on the waterfront or at the front desk of your hotel for recent info. I made that trip a number of times and even used the regular buses and common trucks. I do not know the current road conditions.
more info http://www.dutchpickle.com/indonesia/west-timor/timor-travel-visa-run.html
dp
Like to know what is the best, cheapest and fastest way to travel by air from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia to Kupang, Indonesia.
TQ. Regards.
Hello Ben
probably a flight from KL to Jakarta and then a transfer to a flight Jakarta to Kupang
dp
Hi there
What are the hospitals/medical facilities like in Kupang?
Are there any privately owned facilities and if so, what are the names of them?
Thank you
Hello Michelle,
I do not have any information about the medical facilities in Kupang – sorry.
dp
This is amazing! I am from Kupang, Indonesia and really glad to read all of your articles in Indonesia! Thank you :)