Belu

Belu is a regency in East Nusa Tenggara covering around 1,284 square kilometers across the northern part of Timor island, blending mountains, valleys, and coastal areas. It borders East Timor and is administered from Atambua as the main center, with twelve additional districts spread throughout.

The area was established on December 20, 1958, as an administrative region. In 2012, its southern portion separated to form the new Malaka Regency.

The local people speak Tetum and practice traditional ceremonies like Hamis Batar no Hatama Mamaik, a harvest celebration featuring music, dance, and shared meals. These rituals shape daily life and show how closely nature and community are woven together here.

The main town of Atambua is reachable via Haliwen Airport and the port of Atapupu, offering both air and sea connections. Getting around works best with your own transportation or arranged transport, as infrastructure is limited outside urban centers.

From beaches south of Atambua, you can see mountains in Australia on clear evenings, creating an unusual geographic connection. This rare view links two countries visually in a surprising way.

Location: East Nusa Tenggara

Inception: December 20, 1958

Capital city: Atambua

Elevation above the sea: 321 m

Shares border with: North Central Timor, Malaka, Ombai Strait, Timor-Leste

GPS coordinates: -9.10000,124.90000

Latest update: December 20, 2025 14:37