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Tutuala

Tutuala is a village in the Lautém district at Cabo Cutcha the easternmost peninsula of East Timor. The village is famous for cave paintings, several thousand years old, though young when compared to remains of the first inhabitations of the island. It's also starting location to explore the Jaco island and the Nino Konis National Park. Here one may feel like at "the end of the world" and for some people it once was; from here the ancestors of Aboriginals set out to settle Australia.

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5 places match

  1. See

    Ile Kére Kére and O Hi caves

    These limestone caves have paintings that are estimated to be 2000-6000 years old, it hasn't been possible to confirm their age. The paintings show hunting scenes, animist symbols - turtles in particular, boats and handprints. The depicted boats are of Austronesian type so it's unclear if the creators have painted their own boats or boats they've seen passing by. There are also pictures of horses and other domestic animals that early settlers brought with them. Visiting the caves entail long walks in tropical heat and the paths are not signposted. Nevertheless you will be rewarded with great views of the sea and Jaco Island in addition to the cave experience.

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    Jerimalai cave

    In 2006 scientists discovered remains of human inhabitation that are at least 42,000 years old. This discovery supports the theory that modern humans migrated to Australia through the Lesser Sunda Islands.

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    Lena Hara Cave

    Further south from the former and along the road to the beach, discovered in 1963. In this cave there's a 10000 year old engraving depicting a human face and scientists have found evidence of the cave being inhabited about 30,000-35,000 years ago.

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    Tutuala church

    The tower of the small village church has a roof similar to a uma lulik, a native holy house that is also one of the national symbols.

  5. See Not mapped

    Old fortifications

    Once the Fataluku people built several fortifications (lata irinu) around their settlements in the region. Walls and foundations of these still remain here and there. Right in Tutuala are remains of the Haro fortification, a bit to the west Lochami. At Ile Kére Kére is Mua Mimiraka, and at Lena Hara Ili Mimiraka. Other fortifications include Lorilata, Tutunchau and Upper and Lower Lopomalai.