Best experiences / Blog articles
Short description: Timor-Leste is Asia’s newest country, combining vivid traditions and legends with a strong Portuguese colonial past. This unique cultural blend that remained almost intact due to its longstanding isolation. Despite its proximity to the famous Bali, Timor-Leste remained off the radar due to years of violence that led to its independence in 2002. However, the country is now enjoying peace and stability and so offers some of the greatest off-the-beaten-path experiences: from pristine beaches to beautifully rugged mountains and picturesque traditional villages.
Best photos: check out our favourite photos from Timor-Leste
Best time to visit: during the dry season from April to November
Best experiences
- the Lost World – The best way to explore the lush Timorese countryside is to go on a hike in Mundo Perdido (literally, Lost World) Protected Area. The area was isolated for many years and its virgin forest offers the best opportunities for wildlife watching. Beside the stunning landscape, the area is also known for being a stronghold during the revolution. You cannot expect any luxury accommodation here, but a more rewarding experience is to overnight in a local lodge run by revolutionary fighters.
- emerald bays – Timor-Leste spoils its visitors with a rich choice of beaches. The most beautiful beaches are located in the northern part, while the south boasts huge waves for the more adventurous and surfers. There are many excellent beaches around the capital Dili, but they do tend to get crowded in the weekends, and one has to watch out for the crocodiles that have been recently seen lurking around the coastal parts of the city.
- rugged Oecusse – The rugged western exclave of Oecusee, in the Indonesian part of Timor, is a true delight for adventurous travelers, as getting there is far from easy. Those willing to put in the effort to make it here will be rewarded with one of the most remote experiences in the world ranging from mountainous landscape to the pristine emerald beaches. And did we mention that there is a mysterious mud volcano?
- traditions at every turn – The country is dotted with colorful towns and villages, remnants of the Portuguese colonial history. If we were to pick only one, the town of Laleia – halfway between the capital Dili and Baucau – is probably the most quaint of all, with its pink church overlooking the deep green rice paddies. For a truly extraordinary cultural experience it is worth taking a long drive to the eastern part of the country known as Lospalos district. Its stilt houses (Fataluku) feature prominently in Timor-Leste’s guidebooks, and few other buildings are so uniquely Timorese. Beside peculiar architecture here, local communities continue to practice centuries-old traditions, and a visit during a major holiday is truly memorable.
- diving and snorkeling – Timor-Leste is nothing short of a diver’s paradise. The island of Atauro is only a short ferry ride away from the capital Dili and is thus the most popular destination for those who wish to explore underwater life. For a more exotic option, head over to the easternmost part of the country (Lospalos) and hop on a traditional fishing boat to reach the uninhabited island of Jaco or a “Little Slice of Paradise” as it is known to locals. There is no food or water on the island, so do not forget to bring your own supplies to avoid a desperate Robinson Crusoe experience.
- Bobonaro’s hot springs – Taking the road through the endless rice fields to the foggy mountains one reaches some of the best hot springs in Southeast Asia. Their mineral waters are believed to have healing properties, but even skeptics will feel rejuvenated after standing under a hot mineral waterfall. There are plans underway to modernize the area (a hotel is being constructed) but the place remains relatively unknown to most. After soaking it is a must to take the road from Bobonaro towards the coastal town of Suai which offers stunning mountainous panoramas and, in the rainy season, gorgeous waterfalls.
