This week we do a lap of Timor-Leste, driving to the south coast, then back up north to a town called Baucau. From here we drive to the most eastern point of Timor to Tutuala Beach.
Our original plan was to drive here and then get the boat to Jaco Island, which lies just a few hundred metres off the coast, though the local fishermen who take you here were charging an arm and a leg to take you on the 3 minute boat ride so we decided to enjoy the beach which was right at our new doorstep. It did not disappoint! The water was crystal clear with a coral garden full of life. The snorkelling is very easy here as the water didn’t go much deeper than 8m. Although it was a long trek to get here, it was certainly worth it.
Unfortunately we ran out of food and it was time to start heading towards Indonesia. So we were on the road and heading to the Indonesian border. On our way to the border we made a last minute decision to go to Balibo, a village in Timor-Leste which is infamously known for by Balibo 5. A group of 5 journalists working for Australian TV networks were murdered in Balibo by Indonesian soldiers while covering the impending Indonesian invasion of Timor Leste. Being journalists, they believed that they wouldn’t be considered targets and decided to paint the Australian Flag and the word Australia on the wall of the community centre to send a message to the Indonesians of who was there, though unfortunately this was to no avail. While the murder of the 5 journalists was a tragedy in itself, it is speculated that between anywhere from 90,000 to over and 200,000 East Timorese were killed during the 24 year Indonesian occupation.
The last minute decision to go to Balibo turned out to be a good one. Mark came down with a flu so we spent a couple of days there while he rested, and Jolie went out to a primary school in the mountains with a lovely Australian lady, Michelle, who has been volunteering at the Balibo Community Centre for the past 2 years. It was great hearing Michele’s stories and most of all seeing how excited the kids were about the little things that we take for granted, like an exercise book and pencils.
Next week we drive into Indonesia, spend a couple of days in Kupang whilst we wait for the ferry to Flores. Then in Flores we visit Mt Kelimuntu and see the tri-coloured lakes.
If you have any suggestions on places we must see in Indonesia we’d love to hear from you!
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Song credit:
Piano & Sax/Hold On by Joakim Karud / joakimkarud
8 сен 2024
