Introducing East Timor
Nothing is easy about East Timor (Timor-Leste in the locally preferred Portuguese) and that’s both its blessing and its curse. Independence hasn’t been simple; years spent under Portuguese and Indonesian thumbs have been burdened by tragedy, and recent history shows why you can’t just declare yourself a new country (as happened in 2002) and expect things to be hunky-dory. Travellers will experience some of the challenges the Timorese contend with on a daily basis, and that may be the best reason to visit. The tourism infrastructure is barely developed, yet there’s just enough for the adventurous to experience this beautiful place without undue travail. The diving is magnificent, the countryside superb and the people genuinely welcoming. Once you've had your fill of the capital, head east of Dili and discover the country's best beaches, or head out to Atauro Island for some great snorkeling. And just as the locals have found ways to get by, you will too – which only makes your journey more rewarding.
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Sure the roads are crap and getting from one place to another can take forever, but the flip side is that you’ll rarely be following in others’ footsteps. You can get into the unique cultural rhythm that combines European and Asian beats. There’s a nod and a wave from everyone you meet. Soon you’ll realise that what’s easiest about East Timor is its charm.
Last updated: Feb 20, 2011
Tips & articles
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Timor-Leste: every day an adventure
12 July 2011
Ask the long-term expats working in Timor-Leste (East Timor) what they do on the weekends and you’ll be amazed by...
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Top 10 countries that didn’t exist 20 years ago
7 January 2011
Turbo boost your passport by venturing to these recently minted destinations, as highlighted in Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2011....
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East Timor: travel books to read before you go
11 November 2010
This excerpt from Lonely Planet’s East Timor guide provides a selection of travel literature to get you in the mood for...
Thorn Tree forum discussion
Recent posts
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RE: Extensive Asian Travel - lots of visas needed. Suggestions?
by jiejie 13 September 2011
Apply ASAP for that Chinese visa, while you are in the USA. Use an agent if you aren't located in the DC area or a city with a Consulate.…
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Extensive Asian Travel - lots of visas needed. Suggestions?
by WanderingFlame 12 September 2011
Hi all, I am heading off to Asia in November of 2011 and am planning on travelling all over on a "loose" itinerary for about a year.…
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from Dili to Phuket - what do you think?
by pcmensch 10 September 2011
Hello! I'm kind of stuck and I need advice from people knowing the situation in Timor Leste and Yakarta airport. I must go from Dili to…
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East Timor
Things to do
- All things to do (30)
- Activities (2)
- Entertainment (1)
- Restaurants (6)
- Shopping (5)
- Sights (15)
- Tours (1)
Make it happen
Our Top Picks For East Timor
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1 Diving Dili
Some of the world’s best shore diving can be found right near the scruffy capital
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2 Atauro Island
East Timor in a microcosm, with funky lodgings on untouched beaches plus perfect reefs offshore
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3 Hatubuilico and Mt Ramelau
Coffee plantations and misty valleys give way to sweeping views that are best reached via predawn climbs
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4 Baucau
The Old Town reeks of Portuguese colonial charm, while a perfect beach lies below
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5 Jaco Island
A sacred spot with pristine white-sand beauty, and settlements unchanged for centuries
Fast Facts about East Timor
- Costs
guesthouse room US$10, 1.5L bottle of water US$0.50, beer US$2.50, noodle dish from a local eatery US$1 to US$2, shore dive US$40
- Time
GMT + nine hours
- Money
US$ (US dollar)
- Phrases (Tetun)
olá (hello), adeus (goodbye), obrigadu/a (m/f) (thank you), kolisensa (excuse me)
- Visas
US$30 on arrival
- Country code
670
- Capital
- Budget
US$20 to US$50 a day
- Languages
Tetun, Portuguese, Indonesian, English
Our favourite East Timor Blogs (beta)
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10 Must-See Destinations for Backpackers in Southeast Asia
Blog: GoBackpacking - 22 November 2011
This is a guest post by Will Peach. outheast Asia casts an allure like no other. From pristine beaches to bustling cities and everything in between, this magical part of the world is hugely popular with backpackers the world over. Picking a top 10 of must see destinations from Southeast Asia is no easy feat. [...]
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Update from the Field: Man’s Day, Singing Fellows + Learning How to Count
Blog: Kiva Stories from the Field - 7 March 2011
Compiled by Alexis Ditkowsky, KF14, South Africa The Fellows will be covering International Women's Day later this week but let's take a moment to acknowledge its lesser-known cousin in Kyrgyzstan, "Man's Day".
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Colorful Seaside Shrine: Travel Photo Contest Friday 19
Blog: Todd's Wanderings - 10 September 2010
Update: The winner is Dave! I know you all have been dying to find out where this is. The picture was taken in Dili, Timor-Leste (East Timor) just down the road from where I used to live. While the religion is Catholic, there is an unique blend of Animism that is found throughout the island nation and really comes out in the shrines. Timor-Leste is such a beautiful place with an amazingly diverse group of clans (kind of like small kingdoms) and traditional religions based on spirits. If you have the chance this is one off the beaten track destinations that should not be missed.
