Birdwatching in Baumata (Timor Island)

Baumata

A mixture of old forest trees, teak plantations and scrub behind the public swimming pool of Baumata, 9 km from Oesapa, which is where the main road to El Tari airport leaves the main Soe road (8,5 km from Kupang). Great spot to start birding, only half hour from Kupang with no shortage of transport.

Key species

Exceptionally good for Red-rumped Myzomela, Streak-breasted Meliphagar and two friarbird species. Scrub behind teak plantation also supports White-bellied Bush-chat and Buff-banded Bushbird. Black-banded Flycatcher and Orange-banded Thrush also recorded. Elegant Pitta nests there in wet Season.

Getting there

Catch any bemo from Kupang going to Penfui, and ask for Baumata. From the airport turn off (3.5 km from Oesapa) it is only another 5.5 km uphill.

Birdwatching in Timor (Timor Island)

Timor

This 33,600 sq km island is the largest on Nusa Tenggara. Half its resident birds are of Asian origin, the other half of Australian origin.

Kupang

Kupang is the capital of Nusa Tenggara province. Sunrise is at 5 am and sunset at 5 pm.

Getting there

Downtown kupang is 15 km from El Tari airport. Nusa Cenda University is 3 km from the airport and the government offices are located on a hill outside Kupang city centre. The taxi fare is $4 whatever the destination. Drivers receive commission from hotels, so do not believe your driver when he says your planned hotel is full. The harbour for ferries to and from Roti (daily), Ende and Waingapu is at Bolok, 14 km to the south of Kupang. Bemoos meet the ferries; the fare to downtown Kupang is IDR 2,000.