Soe is a small, remote mountain village between Kupang and Kefamenanu on the main highway east of Kupang, central West Timor. It makes for a popular daytrip from Kupang and is beautifully situated amid lush surroundings.
The East Nusa Tenggara village sits at a height of 800m above sea level and the drive here from Kupang, the provincial capital, is nice and winding. The village of Soe itself is nice although the main attraction is the surrounding villages. The houses come with traditional thatched roofs and friendly locals.
Also in the area is a pretty whitewashed mountain church amid daisy fields, while a deep gorge provides great trekking and swimming options. Another popular attraction on the road between Kupang and Soe is the Camplong Forest Area. It has a lovely forest setting and a ton of vegetation. Accommodation can be had in Soe and Camplong.
Getting There & Away
Soe is 110kms or 3 hours by bus from Kupang, the West Timor capital. Kupang is the gateway town with an airport and seaports. Kupang Airport receives flights from Ngurah Rai International Airport in Bali (the closest major airport) in 1 hour, 20 minutes. From here you can get regional connections or link with Jakarta in 2 hours.
Things to Do
Soe Attractions
- Soe villages
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The main village of soe is surrounded by traditional mountain villages that provide good exploring and accommodation.
Side trips from Soe
- Oebelo village
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This ancient village lies on the route from kupang and is known for its traditional music instrument, the sasando, which is made from lontar palm leaves.
- Camplong Forest Area
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Halfway between soe and kupang, this protected area is very popular with outdoor types and has a huge range of plants and animals.