AA Bere Tallo (Haliwen) Airport

A. A. Bere Tallo Airport sits about five kilometres east of Atambua, the capital of Belu Regency in East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia. The airport is the primary air gateway for the western part of Timor Island, a region that shares a land border with Timor-Leste. It handles flights from Kupang, the provincial capital, and occasionally from other Indonesian cities, serving a population that relies heavily on air travel due to the mountainous terrain and limited road infrastructure. The airport is named after a local figure, A. A. Bere Tallo, and its single runway and compact terminal reflect the scale of a regional facility that prioritises function over frills.

Getting There

Atambua city centre is roughly a fifteen-minute drive from the airport, depending on traffic. The main route follows Jalan Soekarno-Hatta, a two-lane road that passes through residential areas and open countryside. Motorcycle taxis, known as ojek, are the most common form of public transport and can be flagged down along the roadside or arranged by phone. Fares are negotiable but typically cost between IDR 10,000 and 20,000 per person. For those with luggage, a car taxi is preferable; these are less abundant but can be booked through local hotels or by calling a taxi operator from Atambua. A one-way trip by car is usually around IDR 50,000 to 70,000. If you are driving yourself, the airport car park is located directly in front of the terminal and is free of charge. Road conditions are generally good in dry weather, but during the rainy season (November to April) some stretches may develop potholes. Allow an extra ten minutes during peak hours, which in Atambua means early morning market traffic and late afternoon commuting.

Inside the Terminal

The terminal at A. A. Bere Tallo Airport is a single-storey building with a straightforward layout. Upon arrival, passengers walk from the aircraft across the tarmac to the entrance. The interior consists of a combined check-in and waiting area, with a separate baggage claim space for arriving passengers. The airport is wheelchair-accessible, with a ramp at the entrance and designated parking spots in the car park. The toilet facilities are basic but functional, located near the departure lounge. Baggage storage is available for passengers who need to leave luggage for a few hours, though it is advisable to inquire at the counter about rates and operating hours. There are no shops, restaurants, or ATMs inside the terminal, so passengers should bring their own snacks and enough cash for any immediate needs. The atmosphere is calm, with most activity concentrated around flight arrival and departure times. Security screening is standard—passengers pass through a metal detector and bags are X-rayed. Boarding begins about fifteen minutes before departure, and passengers walk to the aircraft. The terminal can feel crowded when a flight is being processed, but the process is orderly and staff are helpful.

A. A. Bere Tallo Airport and Belu Regency

Belu Regency occupies the northwestern corner of Timor Island, sharing a border of about 150 kilometres with Timor-Leste. The landscape is defined by rolling hills, fertile valleys, and a coastline along the Savu Sea. Atambua, the regency capital, is a quiet market town that serves as a commercial and administrative hub for the surrounding villages. The region is known for its traditional woven textiles—tenun ikat—which are produced using centuries-old techniques and natural dyes. Travellers interested in culture can visit weaving villages such as Manumuti and Fatuoni, where artisans often welcome visitors and sell directly. Another attraction is the ancient stone graves scattered around the countryside, particularly near the village of Laran. These megalithic structures are still used for burial ceremonies and reflect the enduring ancestral traditions of the Atoin Meto people. The border with Timor-Leste is a draw for some visitors, either for a day trip across to Batugade or for longer journeys into the neighbouring country. The Naktuka border crossing, about 30 kilometres from Atambua, is one of the official entry points. Beyond culture and history, Belu offers natural sights such as Lake Tasifu, a crater lake on the edge of the regency, and the Bukit Suba hill with panoramic views. The local cuisine features grilled fish, sambal, and the distinctive Timor coffee. For most passengers arriving at A. A. Bere Tallo Airport, the purpose is either visiting family, conducting business for government or NGOs, or exploring a part of Indonesia that remains off the standard tourist circuit. The airport is the first step into that experience, and understanding its limitations helps set expectations.

Practical Information

The airport is not open daily; flight operations typically occur on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, with the busiest times being 9 pm on Monday and Tuesday, 12 pm on Wednesday, and 9 pm on Thursday. It is advisable to confirm your flight schedule in advance, as cancellations and changes are not uncommon. The contact number for the airport office is +62 389 21345. There is no official website. For travellers arriving outside these hours, the terminal is closed and there is no waiting area. Nearby accommodation options in Atambua include basic guesthouses and hotels such as Hotel Fu'in and Hotel Bahagia, both within ten minutes of the airport. Given the limited facilities, bring any necessary medication, sufficient cash (the nearest ATM is in Atambua), and water. One concrete piece of advice: call the airport number the morning of your flight to confirm it is operating—this simple step can save you from a wasted trip to a closed terminal.