Atauro Island Getting there & around

Getting there & around

The island of Atauro is 30km directly north of Dili. The Nakroma ferry (728 09638; Avenida de Portugal, Dili) departs from Dili every Saturday at 9am and returns at 4pm, taking two hours each way. Fares in ‘business class (meaning those charged to foreigners) are US$5 each way.

A fishing boat also makes the run from Vila to Dili (US$10, three hours) several days a week depending on tides. Check details with Tua Kóin Eco-Village or Nemas.

Only Vila and Beloi are linked by road, which is served by constantly shuttling trucks. Flag any down; the cost is about US$2. If arriving by ferry, scramble aboard the first one you see before it fills up with chickens, kids and bags of rice.

If you are doing a day trip on the Nakroma, you’ll have time to ride between the two villages, do a little exploring, including the seaside marketBeloi, and possibly have a prearranged lunch at Tua Kóin or Nemas.