Things to do in East Timor
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FEATURED
Timor Leste
- East Timor, Dili, World
- Tours › Explorer
15 days (Dili)
by Intrepid
Browse colourful markets in Dili, Hike up Timor-Leste's highest mountain, Discover war hideouts in Venilale, Cross the Wetar Strait for an island getaway,…Not LP reviewed
- All things to do
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Diving & Snorkelling, Dive Timor Lorosae
The reef fringing the entire north coast of East Timor provides spectacular diving and snorkelling opportunities. Many sites, including the legendary K41 east of town, are easily accessed by walking in from the beach, with dramatic drop-offs just 10m offshore in parts.
Dive Timor Lorosae offers day-trip diving around Atauro, including two dives from around US$130 per person (minimum four people). Shore dives around Dili (including two dives) cost from around US$75. There are also PADI courses and trips for snorkellers.
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Cape Fatucama
This magnificent crescent of coast is sprinkled with restaurants and bars, as well as charming grottos and beaches. Fabulously kitsch concrete clams shade Areia Branca beach - watched over by the giant Jesus statue a further 1km (0.6mi) along. Styled after Rio's Christ the Redeemer, Fatucama's Jesus lords over turqoise bays backed by green-covered mountains.
The climb to the top passes 14 grottos - representing the Fourteen Stations of the Cross.
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Castaway Bar
A very popular second-storey joint overlooking the western waterfront, Castaway Bar packs in crowds enjoying typical pizza-sandwich-Asian fare while taking in the cool breezes and plotting ways to foil the diabolical pool table.
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Santa Cruz Cemetery
- Dili, East Timor
- Sights › Dark
On 12 November 1991, Indonesian soldiers fired on a peaceful memorial procession at the Santa Cruz Cemetery . More than 200 civilians died, many of them after they were rounded up and trucked away by the military. One of the people killed was Kamal Bamadhaj, a New Zealand citizen and the subject of the film Punitive Damage; two of the many people the soldiers beat up turned out to be American journalists.
The bloody attack was filmed by British journalist Max Stahl, whose footage features in the documentary In Cold Blood. The massacre at the Santa Cruz Cemetery is cited as a turning point in the independence struggle. The Xanana Reading Room has films about the event…
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Arte Moris
Set in the vast remains of an Indonesian-era museum, Arte Moris encompasses everything weird and wonderful about Dili. Art students live here while they train in a variety of media; some of best results grace a funky sculpture garden or are on display in a gallery. Although at times whimsical, many of the works address the ongoing tragedy of life in East Timor. Many local artists are in residence, including Bibi Bulak, an inventive acting troupe that performs on stage and screen.
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Diving & Snorkelling, Free Flow
The reef fringing the entire north coast of East Timor provides spectacular diving and snorkelling opportunities. Many sites, including the legendary K41 east of town, are easily accessed by walking in from the beach, with dramatic drop-offs just 10m offshore in parts.
Free Flow offers guided shore dives that include transport. There's also a full range of PADI courses and trips for snorkellers. Many trips include delicious lunches.
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Xanana Gusmão Reading Room
Part museum, part library, part cultural centre, the Reading Room is a must-visit. The foyer of this old colonial building displays photos and information dedicated to President Xanana Gusmão. A selection of books is held in various fan-cooled rooms. Make time to watch a video from the Reading Room's comprehensive collection - videos include gripping coverage of the Santa Cruz Cemetery massacre.
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Atauro
The idyllic island getaway of Atauro is visible from Dili, but a world away. It's home to a close-knit community of around 8000 people, mostly subsistence fishers and farmers. The island's eco-lodge, Tua Koin, provides traditional thatched-hut accommodation. Roll out of bed and into the sea, with world-class snorkelling.
All profits fund community projects, such as schools.
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Waterfront
Dili's lively waterfront is lined tangible references to East Timor's present and past. Groups of men pass hours playing cards or talking politics beneath the banyan trees. Faded Portuguese-style buildings - once the preserve of colonial officials - line the pockmarked esplanade, interspersed with businesses, burnt-out buildings and refugee camps.
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Jesus Statue
The coast road crosses a small river at the east end of town before ending where the 27m-tall Jesus Statue beckons from the tip of Cape Fatucama (about 7km). From the top of the statue, the turquoise bays backed by green-covered mountains are stunning.
A taxi to the statue from town should cost around around US$2.
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Com
The small fishing village of Com is becoming a popular weekend getaway from Dili. There's good fishing and snorkelling, although the only beaches are just beyond the pier or just before you enter the village. The 20 simple rooms of the shell-encrusted Com Beach Resort comprise the mainland's only beachside resort.
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Resistance Museum
The 24-year struggle against the Indonesians is commemorated in the impressive new There's a good timeline in English, plus photos and exhibits of the gear used by Falintil while they hid in the hills (satellite phones are the tools of the modern revolution). The catalogue is impressive.
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Fruit and Fish Markets
East of the Palacio de Govierno along the waterfront are fruit and fish markets with prices that weaken as the smells strengthen.
There's a large market at Taibessi, just south of the centre.
Look for tropical fruits, sweet potatoes and betel nuts.
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One More Bar
One More Bar has a fine second-storey position on the waterfront, behind the Virgin Mary statue. Fresh seafood is the highlight of a menu of pizza, burgers and Asian stir-fries. There's darts and a pool table, as well as live music some nights.
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Terrace Cafe
Join students and government workers on the breezy terrace of this popular place. Food is served up Padang-style: choose your fare from the fresh offerings behind the counter. The avocado-chocolate shake is fresh, frothy and oddly addictive.
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Caz Bar
Settle back in your chair, set right on the beach, at this popular place that tops the line-up of beachside joints east from town. Breakfast and sunset are popular times here. Watch for full-moon parties.
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Depot Mie Bakso
Popularity translates into quick turnover and very fresh food at this open-air pavilion. Fried chicken, beef rendang (spicy coconut curry) and silky potato cakes are usually among the offerings.
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Lita
There are several supermarkets that sell everything from Tim Tams to bug repellent to fishing tackle; these include Lita , whose goods include the little plastic couple for the top of your wedding cake.
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Tais Mercado
A tais is a piece of East Timorese woven cloth, and each region possesses its own distinct style; this market has tais that are from all over the country. Quality varies greatly.
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Cape Fatucama
The series of serene beaches here seems a world away from the chaos of Dili just across the water.
There's a sprinkling of popular beachfront bars and restaurants on the cape.
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Timor Leste
- East Timor, Dili, World
- Tours › Explorer
15 days (Dili)
by Intrepid
Browse colourful markets in Dili, Hike up Timor-Leste's highest mountain, Discover war hideouts in Venilale, Cross the Wetar Strait for an island getaway,…Not LP reviewed
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Kebab Club
Darn authentic Turkish fare, including velvety hummus, is on offer at this restaurant where the charm of the owners manages to outshine the tasty fare.
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Integration Monument
Opposite the main wharf, the Indonesian-installed Integration Monument represents an angst-ridden Timorese breaking the chains of colonialism.
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AAJ Bar
A legendary second-floor dive where locals and expats alike cram the close quarters for hot music, bad karaoke and conflict over rugby.
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Alola Foundation
The shop of the revered local charity has tais and other crafts from around the country. Quality is high and prices are low.
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