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Introducing Atauro Island
Its lush mountain interior hemmed by uninterrupted beach and coral reef, the alluring island getaway of Atauro is visible from Dili but seems a world away. This is pure escapism: you’re free to do a lot or a little, with excellent walking trails and snorkelling opportunities (off the pier at Beloi and in front of Tua Koin), and seemingly endless beaches to prop on and watch passing outriggers.
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Atauro’s isolation made it a natural prison, and it’s been used by both the Portuguese and Indonesian governments as a place of exile.
The community today comprises around 8000 people, mostly subsistence fishers and farmers, living in a few villages spread across the island. The main centres are along the east coast: Makili (a carving centre), Vila (with leafy lanes and a few colonial vestiges) and Beloi (where the public ferry docks), with Macadade in the mountains.
The Dili dive shops arrange underwater tours; you can arrange for snorkelling trips with local fishing boats from US$15. Ask the locals about the many hiking possibilities.
Last updated: Mar 2, 2009
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