East Timor

Discover East Timor — A Treasure in Southeast Asia

East Timor or Timor-Leste is among the lesser known tourist destinations in Southeast Asia. A land with a long history, beautiful scenery, and a deep cultural identity, perfect for travellers who want a different perspective. East Timor combines Portuguese colonial tradition and indigenous culture in a region of stunning natural beauty. Let’s see how East Timor is worth visiting in your travel bucket list.

Culture: A Diverse Mixture of Customs.

In East Timor, there is an interesting mix of Portuguese and native Timorese culture. From the colourful festivals to the tais fabric, the national heritage shines through its citizens. The Timorese have a very hospitable nature and you would feel at home when exploring their customs and traditions.

There is no better place for a trip to east Timor than the uma lulik or holy houses at the heart of Timorese religious culture. They are elaborate houses, their steep conical gable the sign of identity and ancestrality. You’ll find them everywhere in villages all over the country and especially in the mountains.

The Catholic religion (introduced during Portuguese colonial times) has a major impact on the way of life. We have many religious holidays (eg Easter and Christmas), processions and events that show the country’s religious devotion.

Sites: History adn Natural Beauty...

East Timor’s capital Dili is the gateway to any tourist. Wander along the beautiful waterfront to see the ‘Cristo Rei’ statue, a giant representation of East Timor’s Catholicism that overlooks the city and ocean. For the history lovers, the Resistance Museum in Dili will also not fail to offer a fascinating insight into the country’s journey towards independence.

East Timor has all you could ever want if it is about nature and ‘Mount Ramelau’ (the highest peak in the country) is an awesome place to hike. It is 2,963 metres tall, and it offers spectacular vistas of the surrounding countryside, and if you’re lucky, a floor of clouds.

East Timor is also one of the most beautiful islands. The island’s coral reefs, in particular, are ideal for snorkelling and scuba diving.Atauro Island* is an island just off the coast of Dili that is a diver’s dream with the most biodiverse marine species on the planet. Its underwater scenery is exquisite from colourful fish to mighty manta rays.

Social Spaces: Where to Meet & Relax.

The vibrant area on Dili’s waterfront contains a collection of cafes and restaurants serving Timorese food, like batar daan (corn, mung beans, and pumpkin stew) or fresh seafood. A comfortable place to meet locals and travelers and enjoy the capital’s laid-back culture.

You can also do a bit of traditionality, shopping in local markets for handicrafts, tais flannel, tropical fruits. Dili’s Tais Market is a good place to get souvenirs and to buy local products.

If you prefer an energetic social life, then check out Timor Plaza, the largest shopping mall in the country. It’s an open space where the residents meet to shop, eat and enjoy themselves and it provides a glimpse of modern East Timor.

Nature: Outdoor Pursuits Made For You.

East Timor’s natural beauty is one of its attractions. The country has rugged mountains, lush valleys and virgin beaches, making it a great place for the naturalists. Apart from Mount Ramelau, another natural landmark is Jaco Island, an uninhabited island off the east coast of the country. It has the turquoise waters and white sands which make it ideal for relaxing in a setting apart from the everyday hectic routine.

The forests of the nation are rich in animals, including many birds. Birders will be thrilled to witness species such as the Timor sparrow and yellow-crested cockatoo in the wild.

Travel Guide: How to Take the Best Out of Your Trip to East Timor?

You have to get ready before going to East Timor but it’s worth it. Some pointers to get you started:

1. Optimal Time To Visit: May to October is the dry season, when you should visit since the weather is nice and good for trekking.

2. Currency: East Timor accepts the US dollar and so it is a good choice for US tourists. Carry small bills as big ones can be tough to exchange in the countryside.

3. Language: While there are two official languages in East-timor, Portuguese and Tetum, a lot of people in general especially in Dili speak English and it's not that difficult to learn a few phrases in Tetum to get the locals.

4. Transportation: The public transportation system is quite scarce, you’ll have to hire a car or a driver to explore the rest of the country.

5. Fairness: East Timor is not a dangerous country, but make sure you read up on local affairs, especially in the rural regions where infrastructure might be shabby.

Final Thoughts

East Timor is a treasure in Southeast Asia, filled with culture, beautiful scenery and chance for life-altering adventures. If it is mountain trekking, diving off of the coral reefs or simply taking in East Timor’s culture, you will have lifetime memories of it. There is nothing better for travelers that want to see a place where no one has gone, so make sure you come before everyone else!