East Timor

Both unique and diverse, Timor-Leste has a wide range of attractions to offer, from the natural landscapes to the friendly people and historical heritage, Timor presents itself as an unexplored and untouched land. The inner-city feeling of the capital contrasts with the out of the way and unspoiled beaches located to the east and south of the country.

Timor-Leste boasts white sand beaches with pristine waters, framed by lush vegetation and coral reefs. Dili and Kom offer a number of supporting activities and infrastructures, while the rest of the country’s coast displays a range of beautiful and untouched beaches waiting to be discovered.

Regardless of the fact that the country reaches across only 15.000 km, it has no impact on the variety of landscape you can find. The mainland, the Oekusi enclave and the islands of Ataúru and Jaku cover a wide range of landscapes, from the mountain areas of Maubisi, Ermera and Ainaru to the savannah plains of Lautein , from the rice and coffee plantations in Bobonaru and Aileu to the rain forest of Lore.

To complete the picture, you can see wonderful and unique traditional architecture used in each district. The Portuguese fortresses and churches, sacred houses and other monuments are scattered throughout the land.

Understanding the Geography

East Timor consists of 13 Administrative districts.

• Aileu
• Ainaro
• Baucau
• Bobonaro (Maliana)
• Cova-Lima (Suai)
• Dili
• Ermera
• Lautem (Los Palos)
• Liquisa
• Manatuto
• Manufahi (Same)
• Oecussi (Ambeno)
• Viqueque

Cities

• Baucau
• Dili
• Ermera
• Liquica
• Manatuto
• Suai
• Viqueque

Things to See and Do

Statue of Jesus

Visit the Statue of Jesus that stands on a headland to the east of Dili. The statue is about 20 metres tall and stands on a globe of earth.

Ramalau

Visit Ramalau, the highest mountain in East Timor. You can stay at a place just before the top, and climb up for the dawn (a couple of hours climb). It is a very popular thing to do.

Jaco Island

Jaco is the Island on the Eastern tip of East Timor. You will need a 4WD. The beaches are white and the water is clear. Take plenty of food and water because there aren’t any local eateries but you can buy fresh produce very cheaply on the way there.

Snorkelling at Atauro Island

Atauro Island is more easily accessed than other destinations, and has a ferry that goes regularly for about $11.00 return. You may be able to join a group or get some people together and make up a group and hire a boat, with crew and lunch are included as well as the snorkel gear. It is quite expensive but the water is incredibly clear.