Areia Branca

Dili


This lovely cove 5.5km east of central Dili is picturesque, with its white sand backed by steep hills and good places to eat and sleep. At the end of the beach, the statue of Cristo Rei is a local landmark. On the other side of it is another excellent, quieter beach. Mikrolet No 12 heads to Areia Branca; catch it heading north on Rua de Bé-Mori.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Dili attractions

1. Cristo Rei

0.91 MILES

The hard-to-miss Cristo Rei, 7km east of town, has 570 steps leading to the statue of Jesus, a gift from the Indonesian government in 1996. It's a popular…

2. Xanana Gusmão Reading Room

2.44 MILES

This complex houses memorabilia of Timor-Leste's first president, Xanana Gusmão, including the former presidential car (he opted for a cheap one at the…

3. Dili Waterfront

2.65 MILES

Watch kids kicking soccer balls around on the patches of sandy beach and runners sweating it out while you're strolling the decent walking path that runs…

4. Santa Cruz Cemetery

2.89 MILES

On 12 November 1991 Indonesian soldiers fired on a peaceful memorial procession for Sebastião Gomes heading from Motael Church to Santa Cruz Cemetery;…

5. Palácio do Governo

2.92 MILES

The grand, white Palácio do Governo dominates the town centre. The grounds here occasionally play host to events, but they're usually just a fancy car…

7. Resistência Timorense Arquivo e Museu

3.01 MILES

An excellent museum which commemorates in detail Timor-Leste's 24-year struggle against Indonesian occupation. Falintil’s resistance is brought to life…

8. Santa Cruz Massacre Memorial Monument

3.22 MILES

This sizeable monument opposite Motael Church marks where independence supporter Sebastião Gomes was shot by Indonesian forces on 28 October 1991. Built…