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Photo: Government of Timor-Leste, Public domain via Wikimedia Commons
Established in 2007 and named after resistance fighter Nino Konis Santana (1957-1998) who was born in Tutuala, this park of 1,236 km2 covers six subdistricts including Tutuala and the seas outside. The park protects both nature and the cultural and historical heritage of the region. This includes coral reefs and the largest intact rainforest in the region with countless orchid species. Twenty-five bird species endemic to the Lesser Sunda Islands live here including the endangered yellow-crested cockatoo (Cacatua sulphurea) and Timor green pigeon (Treron psittaceus) making the park a great birdwatching destination. Rusa deer (Rusa timorensis) can be seen in the forest, saltwater crocodiles (Crocodylus porosus) and flatback sea turtles (Natator depressus) on the coasts. In the sea there are corals and marine life. There are also palolo worms (Palola viridis), mechi in the local language. In February and March locals collect them on the coast, marking the beginning of the harvest season, which is a reason for the biggest festivities of the year in the region (see next listing). In the park there are also sites related to native religion, from the Portuguese colonial times and the Japanese occupation during WWII.
Nino Konis Santana National Park (Portuguese: Parque Nacional Nino Konis Santana; Tetum: Parke Nasionál Nino Konis Santa) is Timor-Leste's first national park. The park, established on 15 August 2007, covers 1,236 square kilometres (477 sq mi). It links important bird areas such as Lore, Mount Paitchau, Lake Ira Lalaro, and Jaco Island. The park also includes 556 square kilometres (215 sq mi) of the Coral Triangle, an underwater area which supposedly contains the world's greatest diversity of both coral and coral reef fish. Some of the rare birds protected by this park are the critically endangered yellow-crested cockatoo, the endemic Timor green-pigeon, the endangered Timor imperial-pigeon, and the vulnerable Timor sparrow.
© OpenStreetMap contributors
Valu Beach with its white sands is a tropical dream, and the same goes for the beach at the adjacent Jaco Island. Jaco is a holy place that one formerly could not visit, nowadays fishermen can take you there for a few dollars. It's also possible to go fishing with them. The sea is excellent for snorkeling. Totems on Valu Beach reveal that this too is a holy place. Despite the fact that East Timor is a Catholic country, the native religion is still very much alive. This can also be seen on the local cemetery where many graves don't just have crosses but also buffalo skulls.
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.
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.
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.
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.