Timor-Leste Tourism: 17 Tourist Spots in One of the World’s Newest Countries
If you’re reading this article, you’re probably looking to visit one of the most undiscovered and least visited destinations in the world. With only 74,000 international tourists in 2017, the democratic republic of Timor-Leste is the 24th least visited country in the world. The small Southeast Asia country of Timor-Leste (East Timor) is one of the newest countries to come into existence, just in 2002. So jump on this chance to see its international tourism in its early days.
Is East Timor worth visiting?
With a strong, cultural pride and diverse landscapes across a small territory, be extremely patient as you travel around the country. But for those who do, expect to find things to do, from remote white-sand beaches to the finding the mountain hiding spots of former independence fighters. Learn more about Timor Leste tourism; here are some of the top tourist spots in the country to get you started on planning your itinerary.
Best Timor-Leste Tourist Spots and Things To Do
Since most people will spend their time at and around Dili, I have separated this article into things to do in and around Dili, then what else to do around the rest of the country.
Things to Do in Dili, Timor-Leste
Dili, the capital of Timor-Leste, is a relatively small city with a unique blend of cultures, from its Portuguese colonialism days, the Indonesian occupation, and the indigenous inhabitants. Dili is the starting and ending point for most tourists who come to Timor Leste. So if you find yourself spending some days in Dili, here are a few things to do in the city.
1. Climb up the Stairs to the Cristo Rei of Dili
For the best views of the capital Dili, make your way up the stairs to the Cristo Rei statue. The 28-meter (89 feet) tall statue of Jesus is inspired by the famous Rio de Janeiro’s Christ the Redeemer statue and was a gift from Indonesia after its occupation of East Timor. There are around 500 steps in total, but the climb is worth it for the panoramic views of Dili city and its harbor.
2. Learn About Timor Leste’s Bloody History at the Resistance Museum
The Resistance Museum in Timor Leste is a must-see for anyone interested in the country’s bloody history. The museum chronicles the struggle for independence from Indonesia, which began in 1975 and ended in 2002.
The exhibits are incredibly well-done, and visitors will learn about the various players involved in the conflict and the strategies and tactics used by both sides. The Timor-Leste resistance archive also does an excellent job of showing the human cost of the war. Personal stories and artifacts from victims of violence provide a fascinating glimpse into a dark period of history.
Overall, the Resistance Museum is a powerful and moving experience that provides insights into one of the most brutal conflicts of the 20th century that you probably didn’t even know happened.
Opening Hours: 9:00 am to 4:30 pm Tuesday to Saturday
3. Dare Memorial Museum & Cafe
The Dare Memorial commemorates the Australian soldiers and the Timorese kriados who fought against the Japanese during World War II. The museum is situated in the hills above Dili, providing a stunning coastline view.
A lovely little cafe has been built as a place of quiet contemplation and remembrance, and a powerful reminder of the human cost of war…while sipping on a juice and eating a sandwich.
Opening Hours: 8:30 am to 18:00 pm on Saturdays and Sundays
4. Government Palace Waterfront
The Palacio Waterfront in Dili, Timor-Leste, contains a complex of giant white buildings looming in front of the seaside. Although you can’t enter the Palacio Waterfront, you can admire it from the outside. The buildings are beautiful, and the setting is a peaceful respite from the surrounding traffic.
5. Eat at the Beach Barbeque Stands
The beach BBQ stands in Dili is a must-try for any traveler, especially those on a budget. The vendors come out at night with sprawling displays of meat and seafood on a stick starting at only 25 cents per skewer (depending on the product). You can try something new with every skewer, and the casual atmosphere is perfect for kicking back and enjoying the company of your friends.
The skewers are heated up fresh to order, lessening the chance of getting terribly ill. And with such low prices, you can afford to try a few different kinds!
6. Chega! Exhibit
Timor Leste’s exhibit at the Chegg Museum is a fascinating display of the country’s timeline of Timor Leste’s history, from its independence from Portugal in the 1970s to the present day. Set in a former prison, the building preserves some areas where former prisoners were held and tortured under Indonesian occupation.
7. Weekend Movie Nights at Beachside Cafe
Don’t know what to do on a weekend night in Dili? Every Friday or Saturday night, settle in for a fun night at Beachside Cafe’s outdoor movie screening located between the trendy neighborhood Mentiaut and the Cristo Rey.
As the last light from the sun sets behind the screen, you can enjoy a delicious meal from their special movie dinner menu. The movie is free to watch, and you’ll have a front-row seat right on the water.
8. Shop at Timor Plaza
Timor Plaza is the perfect place to find everything you need under one roof. This popular shopping center is home to various stores, from high-end fashion boutiques to necessities like supermarkets and pharmacies.
Getting There: The mall is also conveniently located, with many microlet lines ending there.
Things To Do Near Dili, Timor Leste
9. Dive around Atauro Island
Beneath the waves of the azure blue waters lies a hidden world of color and wonder. Coral reefs stretch for miles, teeming with vibrant fish and other marine life. And on the small island of Atauro, divers can explore this underwater paradise.
Just a short boat ride from Dili, Atauro is home to some of the best diving and snorkeling in the region. The water is crystal clear, and the coral lies just 100 meters from the shoreline.
Getting There: Official boats only go to the island once per week, but diving boats leave whenever there’s a group from Dili. Medical flight seats are available once per week.
10. Escape Dili to One Dollar Beach
About an hour’s drive from the bustling city of Dili, One Dollar Beach is a hidden gem that is perfect for a day trip. The drive goes through some beautiful countryside until you finally get to a white sand beach with a few pavilions.
You would think there would be plenty of people swimming around, but at most only a few locals can be seen.
11. View the Tasi-Tolu (3 Lakes)
The Tasi-Tolu (3 Lakes) offers a serene and beautiful area from the city of Dili. Walk up to the picturesque cemetery overlooking Tasi Tolu Beach for the best view of the three lakes.
Tourist Spots Around Timor Leste
Note: Timor Leste tourism is not yet developed enough to access the best tourist spots easily. Public transport is unreliable, and roads can be wildly unmaintained to the local attractions. Expect everything to take a very long time and amenities to be far and few in between.
12. Hike Amongst the Remnants of Independence Fighters Hiding on Matebian Mountain
The Matebian mountain range is located in the central region of Timor-Leste is the second-tallest peak in the country. The area is extremely remote and difficult to access, which made it the perfect hiding spot for independence fighters during the Indonesian occupation.
For 24 years, many of these fighters evaded capture by retreating into the mountain’s many natural caves, eluding Indonesian troops. Today, the mountain is a place of pilgrimage for those who want to pay tribute to the country’s heroes.
How to Get to Mount Matebian
To get to the mountain range, you will need to hire a driver and a 4×4 or be very lucky with hitchhiking. The road is excellent up until the last 10-20 km or so, which are some of the worst roads I have ever been on in my life. I was lucky enough to be invited to stay at a church orphanage in Quilicai, the last village before the trailhead.
With very few marked trails, you will also need to hire a guide (who was most likely a former independence fighter) to show you where to go. Sometimes you will just be going through brush.
When you hike amongst the remnants of the independence fighters’ hiding places, you can’t help but feel a sense of awe at what they endured for their country. It’s a place where you can reflect on the sacrifices made for freedom and appreciate the natural beauty.
13. Hike to the Highest Peak Ramelau Mountain
Many visitors find that one of the highlights of their trip is hiking to the summit of Mount Ramelau. To summit the highest mountain in the country, visitors start a guided hike from the village of Hato Builico, located high in the Tatamailau range (2000 meters). Most people will attempt to make it for the sunrise.
Due to the steep mountainous terrain, a good 4WD vehicle or motorbike is required to reach the village.
14. Castaway on the Remote Island of Jaco Island
The uninhabited island paradise of Jaco sits at the easternmost point of Timor-Leste in Nino Konis Santana National Park, as far from society as you can get. This secluded island is breathtaking, with stunning turquoise waters, fine white sand beaches, and excellent snorkeling. The best part is that you’ll likely have the entire place to yourself.
Getting to Jaco Island is extremely hard and long. There is supposedly very unreliable public transportation that I was never able to find. The only other way to get there is by hiring your own driver and car or take forever hitchhiking. The last leg of the journey is particularly tricky, as I did not hear one motorized vehicle in over 5 hours. You will probably want to overnight stay in the small town of Tutuala or on Valu Beach.
However, the effort was well worth it for this tropical oasis. Once you reach the already pristine beaches of Valu, you can take a boat across with the local fisherman and set a time for when you will be picked up. With its breathtaking scenery and incredible isolation, Jaco Island is an extraordinary place.
15. Stay in a Traditional Timorese Treehouse
There’s something magical about staying in a treehouse. The traditional Timorese culture treehouses are like those you imagine in Western countries, which are often made of wood and lack any real amenities.
Originally made of reed and bamboo, their modern treehouses are now mostly made of raised concrete pillars and walls. The local people use the treehouse for certain ceremonies, but many also use it as a spare bedroom.
16. Admire the Architecture in Baucau
As you explore the Timor Leste east-side tourism, you will most likely stop at Baucau, the second largest “city” (123,000 population). This city is rich with Portuguese colonial architecture and culture and flower-filled main roadways.
Take a dip in the popular community pool to cool off from the heat of the day. This is a great place to people-watch and interact with the locals.
17. Visit the Oecusse Enclave
The Oecusse Enclave is an autonomous region of East Timor, situated on the north coast, surrounded by Indonesia’s West Timor. It is separated from the rest of the country by a narrow strip of Indonesian territory and is only accessible by air or sea.
The enclave is home to a unique blend of rich cultural heritage. Its capital, Oecussi-Ambeno, is a charming and picturesque town. Visitors can explore the town’s many historic buildings, stroll through its bustling markets, and enjoy views of the surrounding countryside from one of the many vantage points.
Note: The boat to Oecusse only leaves from the port of Dili once a week.
FAQs: Timor-Leste Tourism
How to Get to Timor-Leste?
You have two options:
- Cross the land border from West Timor in the Lesser Sunda Islands of Indonesia
- Fly into the only international airport in the country in the capital city of Dili
There are two land border crossings for the mainland and one in the Oecusse Enclave with Indonesia’s West Timor. (I took a Pelni ferry from Flores to West Timor). You can only receive an Indonesian VOA to return only at the land border of Motaain. There is a VOA kiosk for those who need a VOA for Timor-Leste in the border office. (US citizens will need to pay 30$, most EU citizens have 30 days free).
Flights are limited to a few expensive flights to Darwin, Bali, and a few other select destinations.
Is Timor-Leste safe to travel to?
Yes, it is very safe, and the Timorese people and culture are very friendly. Certain sections of Dili may be a bit sketchy at night, but usual city caution should be exercised.
Is Timor-Leste Cheap?
Relative to the other southeast Asian countries, no Timor-Leste is not cheap. Compared to western standards, it is still cheap. You can expect the most affordable accommodations to start at 20$ and foreign food to be around $10 per meal. Local eateries will only set you back a few dollars.
Transportation and hiring guides to get to tourist spots and things to do around the country will be your most significant expense.
What Currency Does Timor-Leste Use?
US Dollars
What Language Do they Speak in Timor-Leste?
Since its up’s and down’s throughout history, most people are multilingual. Everyone can speak Timorese, and most people can speak Indonesian. The older generation can still talk in Portuguese, and the younger generations are all interested or are pretty good at English. Finally, the countrysides have its own local dialect that can be wildly different than the Timorese language.
Bucket List Worthy? Timor Leste Tourism: The Best Tourist Spots in the Country
Timor Leste’s top tourist spots are a melting pot of landscapes and experiences, from white sand islands to learning about its tumultuous history. With much to explore, be prepared to be patient as you journey through this diverse and stunning country. From its unspoiled beaches to hidden waterfalls and rugged mountains, each corner of Timor-Leste has something unique to offer visitors.
If you only have a short time, these are the must-see things to do in Timor-Leste.
- Snorkel or Dive in Atauro Island
- Attempt to make it to Jaco Island (add 3 days to your itinerary)
- Learn the History at the Resistance Museum
- Admire the view of Dili from the Cristo Rei
