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Travel from Kupang in West Timor to
the East Timor border is fairly safe at last reports
(03/August/2001).
You can catch a bus from Kupang to
Atambua. From Atambua you can catch an Ojek (motor bike
taxi) to the border village of Mutain.
The Indonesian border post is a short
distance from Motain. After passing the Indonesian
border post, it is a two km walk to the East Timor
border post.
There is no transport from the East
Timor border to the next town of Batugade, you may get a
lift to Batugade or may have to walk 4km to Batugade.
From Batugade there is a bus to Dili.
Information from Timor Aid personal in
West Timor say the Atambua area is fairly safe. However
make an effort to learn local news and try to be aware
of any problems or possible tensions.
Teddy's Bar in Kupang is a good place
for local information and a news about a possible Kupang to Dili bus
service.
Things to consider
1) A traveller, Edwin van de Koolwijk who used the border crossing in
late June 2001 reports that, "the border at Atambua is quite safe, no problems with Visas."
Edwin goes on to report that in order to return to Indonesia by the land border, you need to apply for another
two month Indonesian Visa which is available for US$30 at the Indonesian consulate in Dili which is situated at the Pertamina Wharf.
The phone number for the Indonesian consulate is: (Timor: 670) (Dili: 390) 312 333
2) Some people have been 'fined' fairly large
sums by the guards at the Atambua border for not holding a
"surat jalan" border pass. These can be obtained at the 'Sektor' military base just outside
Atambua, and should cost nothing.
I crossed on the 27th of July with the pass and
experienced no problems. Matt Goodhind (UK).
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