Explore what Timor-Leste can offer

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Top 10 Timor-Leste

Atauro Island snorkelling and diving – the waters around Atauro Island are some of the most bio-diverse in the world, and snorkel and dive sites are literally only minutes away from shore. Atauro is a 15 minute flight from the capital, Dili, but feels a world away.

Watching the sunrise from the summit of Mt Ramelau / Tatamailau (Ainaro) – the 3am start may be bracing, but watching the sunrise from the 2,986m summit of Timor-Leste’s highest mountain is an unforgettable experience.

Visit the enclave of Oé-Cusse – completely surrounded by Indonesian West-Timor, Oé-Cusse is one of the cleanest, quietest, and most beautiful places in Timor-Leste. The main town of Pante Macassar is between the sea and the mountains, and filled with sights of interest, which are easy to explore.

Exploring the heritage of the city of Baucau – Timor-Leste’s second largest city may be a fraction of the size of the capital Dili, but it contains just as many impressive old buildings, including the incredible Baucau Old Market. Relax afterwards with a swim in the natural spring waters of Piscina de Baucau.

Understanding Timor-Leste’s long struggle for independence (Dili) – the National Resistance Museum is the best place to understand and appreciate the painful history of this small nation, which was occupied by the Portuguese, Japanese and Indonesians for centuries. Visit the Chega! Exhibition at the Old Balide Prison to learn powerful stories of those who resisted occupational rule. Finish at Santa Cruz Cemetery, where a video from a massacre on 12 November 1991 raised global awareness of Timor-Leste’s struggles for independence.

Hiking – from day walks in Dili and Atauro Island to eight day epics crossing the country from coast to coast, Timor-Leste is one of the great undiscovered hiking destinations. Local guides are near essential to avoid getting lost, and help you experience a huge variety of landscapes, explore local cultures, and enjoy some of the most spectacular scenery in Southeast Asia.

Visiting Uma Lulik – these traditional Timorese buildings are considered sacred places, where the ancestors are believed to reside, and they serve as a focal point for a community’s spiritual and cultural life. They found be found throughout Timor-Leste, though their design and building materials can vary significantly.

Visiting Cristo Rei (Dili) – one of the largest statues of Jesus in the world, Cristo Rei has become the national icon of Timor-Leste. Take the many steps up Cape Fatacuma to see the statue close up, and enjoy stunning views of Dili and the Wetar Strait. Cool down afterwards with a dip or snorkel at Dolok Oan / Back Beach on the other side of the peninsula.

Exploring the history of Balibó – best known for the murder of five Australian based journalists by the Indonesian army in 1975, Balibó is home to much more history, including the second oldest fort in the country (now an excellent place to stay), Balibó Veterans’ Museum, Balibó Flag House Museum, along with interesting local walks and caves to explore.

Taking a scenic flight – one of the best ways to see Timor-Leste is from the air with MAF (Mission Aviation Fellowship). For the best views either book onto a regular scheduled flight from Dili to Same or Suai, or charter a flight around Atauro Island or Mt Ramelau / Tatmailau.

5 places to visit if you like…

Waterfalls

Dokomali waterfall (Ainaro)
Ersalibuti waterfall (Ainaro)
Berloi waterfall (Aileu), which you basically drive through on the way from Dili to Aileu
Loihuno waterfall (Viqueque)
Bandeira waterfall (Ermera), the highest in the country

Markets

Taibesi markets (Dili), possibly the largest markets in the country
Fruit market (Dili)
Tais market (Dili), for high quality traditional Timorese tais (intricately woven cloth)
Beloi markets (Atauro Island), on Saturdays (the best day), Tuesdays, and Thursdays
Maubisse markets, on Thursdays and Sundays

Rice fields

Atabae (Bobonaro)
Maliana (Bobonaro)
Pante Macassar (Oé-Cusse), to the west of the Lifau Monument
Seloi Craic (Alieu), around a lily filled lake
Venilale (Baucau)

Portuguese colonial buildings

Mercado Municipal Dili (now the Dili Convention Centre)
Aipelo Prison (Liquiçá)
Casa Europa (Dili), oldest building in Dili
Baucau Old Market (Baucau)
Baguia Fort (Baucau municipality)

Catholic churches

Sacred Heart of Jesus Church (Dili)
Church of the Immaculate Conception (Viqueque)
Lalaia Church (Manatuto)
Gleno Church (Ermera)
Avé Maria Church (Covalima)

Other religious buildings

An-Nur Mosque (Dili)
Chinese Hakka Guan Di Temple (Dili)
Pura Giri Natha (Dili), third largest Balinese temple outside of Bali
Hosana Protestant Church (Dili)
Fundasaun Vihara Metta Prajna Dharma (Dili), Chinese Buddhist temple

Stations of the Cross

Via Sacra Trail from Lifau Monument (Oé-Cusse)
Laga (Baucau municipality)
Cristo Rei (Dili)
Viqueque town (Viqueque)
From the Cave of Our Lady of Mount Golgotha (Dili)

Cemeteries

National Heroes Memorial (Dili)
Gariuai Cemetery (Baucau municipality)
Santa Cruz Cemetery (Dili), the most historically significant cemetery owing to the 1991 massacre that occurred there
Fuiloro Cemetery (Lautém), where animal bones decorate the graves
Indonesian Military Cemetery – Taman Makam Pahlawan Seroja (Dili)