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Best of Timor Leste - Part 1

Timor is both diverse and incredibly beautiful. From the tops of mountains to the bottom of the sea every visitor has their favourite little spot, restaurant and beach. Now it’s your chance to share. We’ve compiled a list of our favourite places to go, things to see and experience. Some are on the (faint) tourist trail, whilst others are difficult to access gems. But we have tried to focus on the experiences that are less well known and give the best representation of the culture, history and environment of Timor. So keep this in mind before you start protesting about why Castaway Bar on a Friday night not being included in the most authentic experience. Like a mother tongue learning program, it will be sure to create some discussion.

Best Beach

1.       Jaco Island, Lautem                      

The jewel in the crown of the impressive list of beaches in Timor Leste. an uninhabited island lying tantalisingly close to the eastern edge of mainland Timor, separated by a five minute ride on a fishing boat. White sand, shimmering water, amazing snorkelling and best of all….bugger all tourists!

2.       Baucau Beach, Baucau
We assure you that the inclusion of Baucau Beach is not bowing to pressure from previous comments on this blog. They are stunning in their own right. Crumbling Portuguese forts (now serving as mansions for local goats) host locals and expats alike.

3.       Dollar Beach, between Dili and Manatutu
Impossible to miss on the road from Dili to Baucau, this is one of the most swim friendly beaches along the coral mecca that is the north coast of Timor.

Best Place to Eat

1.       Grilled fish by the sea, Beach Rd, Dili
This nightly affair is the Dili equivalent of takeaway. Freshly grilled fish and chicken washed down with a cold Tiger beer. Sit on the sea wall looking over bay towards Cristo Rei as the sun sets over Dili.

2.       Beachside Bars, Areia Branca, Dili
Still very much an expat affair, Areia Branca is located 10min drive from central Dili and resembles another world. Have a beer, smoothie or pizza on the beach and escape the muted chaos of Dili.

3.       Manucoco Restaurant, Beloi, Atauro Island
Our favourite restaurant in the country, full stop. Have you ever wondered

 what happens when a couple of homesick Italian priests on a small tropical island halfway around the world decide they want some freshly made pasta? You build an traditional Italian restaurant of course. Totally authentic, in a plastic chair and table under a thatched wooden hut kind of way.

4.       Dare Café, Dare, Aileu
A small café, located a short drive south of Dili. A tribute to Australian soldiers and their loca Timorese allies in WWII, it also serves up a mean coffee and sandwich. Only open Saturdays, but worth a visit.

5.       Traditional Timorese Cooking Lesson, Loi Huno, Viqueque

Arranged through the local guesthouse, a group of local women from the village of LoiHuno will invite you into their home to prepare and eat a traditional Timorese meal together. From cassava cooked in fresh coconut milk and turmeric to eggplant sambal, it’s an experience like no other in the country.

Most Interesting Historical Site

1.       Santa Cruz Cemetary, Dili
Site of a massacre in November 1991 that made world headlines when video taken by English cameraman, Max Stahl was released to the world.

2.       Chega Prison and Museum, Dili
Another harrowing, but important testament to the troubled history of Timor. The converted prison documents the findings of the Chega Commission on atrocities committed from 1975-1999.

3.       Old Balibo Fort, Balibo, Bobonaro
Of particular interest to Australian visitors, the town where five Australian journalists were murdered by Indonesian forces in 1975 has the remains of the Portuguese fort and simple visitors centre outlining the events and history.

Best Kept Secret

1.       Ira Bere, Uata Caribou, Viqueque

Mythical stories of this crystal clear, cool waterfall and pool two days drive from Dili. Even though the secret is out, the twelve hour one way trip from Dili will still mean only the most intrepid traveller will get here. They don’t get many tourists so find the local chefe and ask permission before heading down for a swim.

2.       Adarra Village, Atauro Island
Accessed by either an expensive dive boat trip or overland hike, the picturesque village of Adarra is the perfect getaway. Villagers have built a simple hut for visitors and a staggering, and the snorkelling is cool, with the deep, dense blue drop off less than 20 metres from the shore.

Most Authentic Timor Experience

1.       Going to Easter mass, all districts
Easter is arguably the most important religious occasion for the strongly Catholic Timorese population. But any time you can get to a service, anywhere in the country will be worthwhile. Scrub up and wear some nice clothes though, church is a big deal here.

2.       Watching tais weaving, Bobonaro and other districts
The traditional art of tais weaving is being revitalised through projects throughout the country. The distinctive style and use of traditional materials make Bobonaro a great starting point to learn more.

3.       Chewing betel nut and drinking tua mutin, any village in the country
Smiling red stained lips, spitting bright fluid onto the dirt floor washed down by some freshly tapped tua mutin (palm wine). Along with some two step dancing, the cheapest and most authentic way to have a good night out in Timor!

That's it for part one. Stayed tuned for part two later down the track, including best trekking, dive spots and more. Even suggest your own category and we might fulfill your dream of a lifetime....and put it on the blog.

Remember to comment below or click on the blue speech bubble at the top right of this post. If you're too busy to comment (i.e. you live outside of Timor) we've got some fancy new poll questions to answer on the right hand sidebar.