C
Centro Nacional Chega!
Set in the buildings and cells of a Portuguese-era prison where resistance figures were interned by the Indonesian military, Chega! (chega means 'stop' or…
Getty Images/Image Source
Dili
Dili is a city by the sea, locked in by hills that lead to the districts beyond. The island of Ataúro glimmers to its north, on the other side of one of the deepest channels in Asia. Dili itself spreads from the airport, along the waterfront and all the way to the Cristo Rei statue in the east. The city's foreshore is popular with runners and walkers in the morning and evening, when the weather is cooler. Most of the action occurs here on the waterfront, and one or two blocks south of it, though sadly the western section has recently been populated by oversized embassies.
Dili is a great place to recharge batteries (literally) between jaunts into the districts. Pick accommodation with a pool and its own restaurant for the ideal escape from the dust and noise that can overload the senses. Travelers tend to hang out in the bars along Av de Portugal (also known as Beach Rd) and at Areia Branca, near the Cristo Rei statue. Timor Plaza, close-ish to the airport, is a surprisingly good spot for food, bars and air-con. Dili's biggest jewel? World-class dive sites are just minutes from town.
Explore Dili
- CCentro Nacional Chega!
Set in the buildings and cells of a Portuguese-era prison where resistance figures were interned by the Indonesian military, Chega! (chega means 'stop' or…
- RResistência Timorense Arquivo e Museu
An excellent museum which commemorates in detail Timor-Leste's 24-year struggle against Indonesian occupation. Falintil’s resistance is brought to life…
- Santa Cruz Cemetery
On 12 November 1991 Indonesian soldiers fired on a peaceful memorial procession for Sebastião Gomes heading from Motael Church to Santa Cruz Cemetery;…
- Dili Waterfront
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…
- Cristo Rei
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…
- AAreia Branca
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…
- DDare Memorial Museum
There are two great things about Dare (pronounced da-ray) Memorial Museum, but you'll have to ask for them. First, ask for a cup of Timorese coffee, then…
- IIgreja de Santo António de Motael
This waterfront Catholic church, fronted by a pretty garden, was one of the most important places in the story of the fight for Timorese independence…
- CCentro Audiovisual Max Stahl Timor-Leste
Opposite the Resistance Museum, this important archive preserves footage from the Indonesian occupation and Timorese independence struggle, including that…
Top attractions
These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Dili.
See
Centro Nacional Chega!
Set in the buildings and cells of a Portuguese-era prison where resistance figures were interned by the Indonesian military, Chega! (chega means 'stop' or…
See
Resistência Timorense Arquivo e Museu
An excellent museum which commemorates in detail Timor-Leste's 24-year struggle against Indonesian occupation. Falintil’s resistance is brought to life…
See
Santa Cruz Cemetery
On 12 November 1991 Indonesian soldiers fired on a peaceful memorial procession for Sebastião Gomes heading from Motael Church to Santa Cruz Cemetery;…
See
Dili Waterfront
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…
See
Cristo Rei
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…
See
Areia Branca
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…
See
Dare Memorial Museum
There are two great things about Dare (pronounced da-ray) Memorial Museum, but you'll have to ask for them. First, ask for a cup of Timorese coffee, then…
See
Igreja de Santo António de Motael
This waterfront Catholic church, fronted by a pretty garden, was one of the most important places in the story of the fight for Timorese independence…
See
Centro Audiovisual Max Stahl Timor-Leste
Opposite the Resistance Museum, this important archive preserves footage from the Indonesian occupation and Timorese independence struggle, including that…
Guidebooks
Learn more about Dili
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