There are plenty of things to do in Timor Leste – and you may even find some you haven’t thought of yet. You can visit Dili and Jaco Island – but don’t forget to stop in Bobonaro and Maubisse too! For more information, read our articles on the best places to eat, drink and play. Alternatively, check out our recommended things to do in Dili.
Jaco Island
A trip to Timor Leste is not complete without a visit to Jaco Island. The island lies 250 kilometres east of Dili. There are no public transports running to Jaco, and the only way to get there is by renting a car or hiring a driver. You will have to spend a long time on public transport, and the overall cost of the trip is around $25.
A visit to Jaco Island is an experience you won’t soon forget. The white sand and tropical climate make it an ideal destination for relaxation. While you won’t be able to rent snorkel gear on the island, you can still make the most of the abundant and spectacular marine life. Be sure to bring your own equipment as most places do not rent snorkel gear. Jaco Island is also a great place to go snorkeling, and you can easily find a group of people who will provide you with a snorkeling mask and fins.
You can visit the island’s Ilha de Jaco. Its turquoise waters and white sand beaches are sure to enchant you. Although it is illegal to stay on Jaco Island, you can arrange day trips with local fisherman and enjoy the beautiful scenery of this remote island. To get there, book a boat ride for just $10. When you get to Timor Leste, make sure to spend time on the island.
Dili
If you are a history buff, then the Cristo Rei statue is a must-see attraction. There are plenty of seating areas to sit and people-watch, and you can also practice your English at the Cristo Rei beach. If you have some time, you should also visit the Dili Cathedral, the second largest in the world, but it is usually closed due to the hot weather. https://madisonsdish.com/
Tais are brightly coloured textiles produced in East Timor. Tais are produced in many colours and designs and are prized by collectors. You can also find intricately woven baskets, wooden carvings, and even musical instruments in Dili. All these handmade items are a great way to get a better understanding of the culture of the Timorese people.
Try Timor Leste’s national dish, Ikan Pepes. Timorese are the descendants of aboriginal Australians. A three-star hotel in Dili is the Discovery Inn. Located in an old Portuguese colonial building, this hotel is a short walk to the beach. It is also a 15-minute taxi ride away from the airport. The rooms are air-conditioned with private bathrooms.
Bobonaro
Bobonaro is located in the far west of Timor-Leste, bordering Indonesia and the Savu Sea. Its beaches are spectacular, and it also has a beautiful landscape with lush green rice fields and water buffalo on river flats. If you are a foodie, don’t miss the local markets and the famous black-and-white tais.
The mountains are also worth a visit. It’s a spectacular drive up the mountains from Dili. The road is steep, and the road winding through the rain-forest is filled with twists and turns. In the distance, you can spot monstrous rock formations and look out for elephants, tigers and other wildlife. It’s also worth stopping by the Xanana Gusmao Reading Room, Timor Leste’s sole public library.
A hike to Mount Ramelau is another great way to see Timor-Leste. This three-hour hike will reward you with an incredible view of the country. You can find buses throughout the country. You can board a bus from either the Becora or Tasi Tolu bus terminal in west Timor, or take one of the local buses from Ermera to Maubisse. The fares for these buses can vary, but should be around US$3-$10.
Maubisse
For a fun, cheap and memorable vacation in East Timor, head to Maubisse. This quaint town is the base of many hikes and treks, including Mt. Ramelau, which is a must-do while in Maubisse. If you’re looking for a place to stay with amazing views, consider staying at the town’s single, historic hotel, the Pousada de Maubisse. https://community.aodyo.com/user/madisonsdish
Getting to Maubisse is easy by car or by bus. The road to Maubisse is unpaved and the signs are minimal, so keep an eye out for Dare, Aileu, or Suai, the local names of towns. Once you arrive, you’ll be able to enjoy the sights and sounds of the town by foot. There’s a lot to see in Maubisse, so make sure to bring along a camera.
If you’re staying in a guesthouse, stay at the Pousada de Maubisse, a charming eco-resort surrounded by local plants. Your bungalow will have a balcony overlooking the beautiful mountain range. Make sure to speak with the manager of the property about the area’s flora and fauna. You can also enjoy the town’s amazing sunsets while enjoying a meal or a drink at a local restaurant.
Atauro Island
If you’re looking for an authentic island experience, Atauro Island in Timor Leste is for you. This 14-mile-long island is home to the world’s most biodiverse coral reefs, which are pristine and protected by strict international laws. Atauro is also home to hundreds of whales and dolphins. A short boat ride from Dili will take you to this unique destination.
For those who love the water, Timor-Leste is a diving destination with pristine beaches. The best time to visit is between April and July, when temperatures are warm and the sun is most luminous. You can also experience the picturesque sunrises and sunsets at Hera Beach, another popular tropical beach. Nearby Atauro Island is a popular spot for scuba divers.
There’s a reason Timor-Leste is on the top of many travel lists. The country was free for nine days before being invaded by Indonesian troops in 1975. It wouldn’t receive independence until 2002, so you’re likely to find plenty of experiences to take away from the country. Atauro is one of the top things to do in Timor Leste, and you’ll have the opportunity to experience some truly memorable moments.
Liquica
Visit Liquica, a municipality in the northern part of the country, and enjoy the treasure trove of attractions. Located in the Coral Triangle, the waters here boast coral reefs and various species of fish. While you’re there, you can also see a Dutch fort, as well as a 19th-century Portuguese prison. And if you’re looking for a relaxing, cultural experience, you can stop by Liquica’s quaint, secluded beach hotels and visit the town’s colonial prison.
The island’s beaches are among the top things to do in Timor Leste, and you can see plenty of sea cows and dugongs while you’re there. The local market is a great place to buy souvenirs and enjoy a fresh cup of espresso. You can also visit the local church, Saint Joseph’s Church, located across the street from the Leader Supermarket.
Lake Ira Lalaro
One of the most beautiful and adventurous places to visit in Timor-Leste is Lake Ira Lalaro. This freshwater lake is home to a variety of wildlife, including hundreds of esturine crocodiles that can grow up to five meters. To see the natural beauty of the region, take a boat tour or trek across the lake’s wetlands.
Visit the largest lake in the country, Lake Ira Lalaro, and observe the wildlife. The lake has a large population of crocodiles, so swimming is not recommended. Also, don’t miss out on visiting Mt. Matebian, a holy mountain in Timor-Leste. The statue of Jesus Christ atop Mt. Matebian draws thousands of pilgrims every All Souls Day.
Explore the natural beauty of Timor-Leste. From the pristine lakes to the diverse wildlife, the country has it all. From crocodiles in Lake Ira Lalaro to caves in Tutuala, Timor-Leste has something to please everyone. It’s also home to many rare species of birds, including globally threatened ones.
Oecusse-Ambeno
If you’re looking for a place to get away from it all, you might want to consider Oecusse-Ambbeno. The region is home to many natural attractions, ancient ruins, and religious sites that you can visit while you’re in Timor Leste. It also has some great beaches.
The people of Oecusse-Ambenos are primarily Christian, but their kings have been surrounded by Catholic and Protestant influences since the 16th century. This is an excellent opportunity to learn about the customary authority structure. The Oecusse people, for example, use beeswax to make candles and use it in church rituals.
Another thing to do in Oecusse-Ambendo is snorkeling or diving. There are several diving spots in the area. The area is also home to a 17th century Dutch fort and the modern Caimeo Beach Resort. If you’re planning a trip to Oecusse-Ambeno, be sure to book your accommodations in advance.