Sitting atop a hill at a commanding height above its surrounds, facing out to the Savu Sea to the north and across the Indonesian border to the west, in years past the Balibó Fort was a vital strategic holding for Portuguese colonists. The Balibo Trust estimates the fort to be 350-370 years old, and it is believed to be the second-oldest such fort in East Timor. According to the trust’s website, the fort was built by the Portuguese, who wanted to protect their colony of Batugade. Balibó’s height and its…
