East Timor Travel Guide
Until 2002, East Timor was a former Portuguese colony that belonged to the Indonesian Archipelago, but now it stands proud as an independent country, albiet one of the poorest and least developed of the new nations. Although its road to independence was traumatic, East Timor now welcomes tourists to explore many of its breathtaking beaches, diving spots, natural wonders and remarkable Portuguese colonial architecture. Dili, the capital, offers laid-back atmosphere while local markets are vibrant with chatty sellers and an array of food as well as impressive hand-made souvenirs. Travel-wise however, it’s yet to assert itself on the world tourist map and its tourism infrastructure is basic.
Weather – when to go
The weather is generally very hot, with heavy rains and flooding in the Wet season (December to April). This period is to be avoided, as monsoon activity builds up, with occasional tropical cyclones.
The hot and dry weather starts from July to November, with an average temperature ranging between 20°–33°C. Most tourists visit East Timor during this time, when the weather is the most pleasant. The mountainous areas enjoy warm weather in the daytime while evenings are cold at night.
Highlights
Dili: this small, relaxing capital with a touch of Portuguese charm features several tourist spots including the exquisite Portuguese Castle, the State Museum of East Timor and a couple of old Catholic churches.
Baucau: here you can admire various Portuguese architectural wonders and explore the caves used by the Japanese during the WWII.
Areia Branca (Pasir Putih): the most beautiful beach in the country, located outside Dili. Tourists can enjoy a peaceful day on golden sand and swim in glistening waters.
Atauro Island: easily accessible by boat from Dili is an enchanting island with one of the great diving spots in Southeast Asia.
Com: a charming fishing village, ideal for weekend getaways. Fishing and snorkeling are main activities here.
Oecussi: politically belongs to East Timor but is located in West Timor, this sleepy little town has excellent coral reefs and mountain biking routes. Accessible by boat and ferry.
Recommended Itinerary
East Timor is a small country without any major tourist drawcards but a week spent here offers a refreshingly simple break.Three days in Dili
One day in Baucau
One day in Areia Branca
One day in Atauro Island
Additional time
Three days in Com
Three days in Oecussi
Health and safety
Due to ongoing threat of safety in East Timor and political conflicts mainly in Dili, you need to be extra cautious at all times when traveling in East Timor. Avoid all kinds of demonstrations and walking alone at night. Also be careful around the refugee camps. There is occasional severe flooding in the southern district, so do avoid visiting during the Wet season. Despite internal turmoil and natural disasters, East Timor is a precious gem of Southeast Asia that boasts untouched natural beauty and is worth to be explored. Travelers are advised to bring their own medication as medical facilities are very limited. It is probably a good idea to check the current situation of the country first before planning your trip to East Timor.
Activities
Diving and snorkeling: East Timor boasts some of the most unspoilt diving spots in the region. Atauro Island and Areia Branca are known for their crystal clear waters and rich marine life.
Mountain biking: mountain biking junkies can find challenging routes on rugged mountains in Oecussi. Hiking is also possible in the mountains or in the interior of the town.
Dining: if current political situations allow, you can find a variety of food in East Timor including authentic Indonesian, Chinese and Portuguese cuisines. Local signature dishes are fried fish and chicken curries.
Shopping: two main things you must bring home are coffee and ‘tais’ (traditional hand-woven clothes), which can be found at local markets or roadside stalls. Tais are particularly special as the design varies from region to region. Batiks, woodcarving and silverwork also make great souvenirs.
Nightlife: you will be amazed at a number of bars and nightclubs in Dili, some located on the gorgeous beachfront. These places are open until late, serving both food and drinks.
Hospitality
The country’s limited infrastructure is the best in Dili, the small, laid-back capital of East Timor. Dili boasts many good restaurants and hotels. Some parts of the country are quite difficult to travel to, due heavy floods that usually affect streets and towns in the outskirts. East Timor is home to a number of dazzling natural spots but internal conflicts have made the country almost off-limits to tourists. Political issues aside, East Timor does have a variety of worth-visiting attractions with adequate facilities for adventurous visitors.
Transportation
Most tourists choose to fly to Dili, the capital city of East Timor, from Australia and Indonesia. There are several flights provided by Airnorth and Qantas. By land, you can enter via the main land border crossing at Motain, about 115kms west of Dili. Drivers need a valid driver’s license either from their country or issued in East Timor. Daily bus services are available between Dili and Kupong in West Timor, Indonesia, but the journey can be quite boring, with about 12-hour ride. To get around in East Timor, buses connect most parts of the country. Alternatively, you can opt for Indonesian-styled ‘bemos’ (vans) and ‘mikrolets’ (minibuses) that run from main cities to nearby villages.