Sonaf Baun

West Timor


In a former medical clinic from the 1920s, you'll find Robert 'Robbi' Koroh, the 20th Amarai raja with manicured white hair, whose father played a leading part in regaining Indonesian independence from the Dutch. Present him with betel nut and he'll offer you kopi (coffee) and biscuits. Larger groups can call ahead to organise weaving demonstrations that include a traditional Natoni welcome ceremony, dancing, ikat weaving and paper-making demonstrations. Ask him about the intellectual property rights of Amarasi ikat motifs.

Robbi doesn't speak English but is a wealth of information, so you'll need a guide to translate if you want to do more than look around. Ask to see his fossil collection.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby West Timor attractions

1. Air Terjun Oenesu

11.57 MILES

Hidden in this sleepy farming village just off Jl Kupang–Tablolong is a three-stage, turquoise-tinted waterfall. There’s a nice swimming hole but locals…

2. Museum Nusa Tenggara Timur

11.76 MILES

This regional museum has skulls, seashells, stone tools, swords, gourds and antique looms from across the province, plus an entire blue whale skeleton in…

3. Pantai Tedis

13.56 MILES

Don't miss the atmosphere – or sunset – at this local hangout where Jl Soekarno intersects with the oceanfront. The sand vendors set up stalls and seating…

4. Gua Kristal

15.18 MILES

On Kupang's west coast, south of the centre, lies this local haunt not often visited by travellers. Ignore the ubiquitous rubbish and climb down the…

5. Pantai Tablolong

16.69 MILES

Continue out of Kupang city on Jl Alfons Nisnoni for around 25km to arrive at Pantai Tablolong, about 13.5km southwest from Air Terjun Oenesu. This…

  • placement: superzone
  • path: Destinations/POIs/superzone
  • possible size: [970, 250], [970, 90], [728, 90], [1, 1],
  • targeting:
    {
      "url": "indonesia/baun-1342613/attractions/sonaf-baun/a/poi-sig/1606835/1342613",
      "destination": "West-Timor",
      "continent": "Asia",
      "country": "Indonesia",
      "region": "West-Timor",
      "position": "superzone"
    }