Just 3.5km from Kefamenanu is this traditional village and sonaf (palace). Made from wood carved with mythical birds and an imposing grass roof with hanging dried corn, you'll find the king sitting on its sheltered porch. Although his eyes are cloudy blue from blindness and he doesn't speak English ('We are like the cow and buffalo talking,' he might observe) a guide will translate as you're quizzed by the Catholic animist about life in your part of the world.
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
25.64 MILES
Look for a road going north off the main highway, drive 6km and turn east at a sign for 'Oehala'. After 3km is a parking area, from which it's a short…
22.02 MILES
This new, photogenic three-arched bridge spans Tono River and links the rest of Oecusse to those in the 'city' (which is actually not many people).
14.18 MILES
Oelolok, a weaving village 33km from Kefa, is home to Istana Raja Taolin, a royal house and nine-pillar, tin-roofed lopo (beehive-shaped meeting house)…
10.99 MILES
Watch volcanic mud and steam bubbling up from this weird grey landscape. The spot is five minutes from Oesilo, which is around a 1½-hour drive south of…
22.21 MILES
Lifau, 5km west of Pantemakassar, is the site of the original Portuguese settlement in Timor-Leste. The original rock-studded monument here commemorates…
Nearby West Timor attractions
10.99 MILES
Watch volcanic mud and steam bubbling up from this weird grey landscape. The spot is five minutes from Oesilo, which is around a 1½-hour drive south of…
14.18 MILES
Oelolok, a weaving village 33km from Kefa, is home to Istana Raja Taolin, a royal house and nine-pillar, tin-roofed lopo (beehive-shaped meeting house)…
22.02 MILES
This new, photogenic three-arched bridge spans Tono River and links the rest of Oecusse to those in the 'city' (which is actually not many people).
22.21 MILES
Lifau, 5km west of Pantemakassar, is the site of the original Portuguese settlement in Timor-Leste. The original rock-studded monument here commemorates…
25.64 MILES
Look for a road going north off the main highway, drive 6km and turn east at a sign for 'Oehala'. After 3km is a parking area, from which it's a short…