Which Island Is Called the Island of Sandalwood?

Sandalwood is one of the most valuable aromatic woods in the world. Known for its rich fragrance and medicinal properties, it has been used for centuries in perfumes, incense, carvings, and traditional medicine. Due to its historical abundance of sandalwood trees, one island became globally famous for this precious resource.

Island of Sandalwood

Timor Island is known as the Island of Sandalwood. Located in Southeast Asia and divided between Indonesia and Timor-Leste, the island was historically one of the world’s most important sources of natural sandalwood. For centuries, traders visited Timor specifically to obtain its highly fragrant wood.

Where Is the Island of Sandalwood Located?

Timor Island lies in Southeast Asia within the Lesser Sunda Islands. It is positioned north of Australia and east of Java. The island is politically divided between Indonesia (West Timor) and Timor-Leste (East Timor).

Why Is Timor Called the Island of Sandalwood?

Timor received this title because it once had vast natural forests of sandalwood trees. The island’s dry tropical climate allowed sandalwood species to grow with high oil concentration, making Timorese sandalwood highly valued in international trade.

Largest Producer of Sandalwood in History

Historically, Timor was among the most important natural producers of sandalwood in the world. For centuries, it served as a primary export source for Asian and European markets.

Scientific Name of Sandalwood

The most valuable sandalwood species is Santalum album. This species is known for its aromatic heartwood and essential oil used in perfumery and medicine.

Historical Sandalwood Trade

Timor’s sandalwood was traded globally for centuries. Merchants from China, India, and the Middle East valued the wood for incense and medicinal use. Later, European traders also sought control over sandalwood trade routes.

Interesting Facts About the Island of Sandalwood

Ancient Luxury Resource
Timor’s sandalwood was historically considered one of the finest aromatic woods in the world due to its strong fragrance and high oil yield.

Long International Trade History
Trade in Timorese sandalwood dates back many centuries and connected Southeast Asia with China, India, and Europe.

Highly Valuable Essential Oil
Sandalwood oil extracted from heartwood is widely used in luxury perfumes and traditional medicine systems.

Slow-Growing Precious Tree
Sandalwood trees take decades to mature, which makes the wood rare and historically expensive.

Cultural and Religious Importance
Sandalwood has been used in temples, spiritual rituals, and ceremonial practices across many Asian cultures.

Environmental Significance
Extensive harvesting in the past reduced natural sandalwood forests, leading to conservation and controlled cultivation practices.

Read more: Which Island Is Called the Island of Cinnamon?

Timor Island is called the Island of Sandalwood because of its historical abundance of aromatic sandalwood trees and its central role in global trade. Keep reading for more such topics.