Still a developing country, Timor-Leste may not offer many traveller comforts but there are many memorable experiences, and its raw charm is hard to ignore. Newly independent, this recovering post conflict country is slowly rebuilding itself. Virtually untouched and unexplored, intrepid travellers are finding beauty and adventure in the thickly forested mountains and small, Portuguese-era port towns, with their whitewashed buildings and Timor-Leste hotels sloping toward the sea.
Welcome to the newest nation in South-East Asia, East Timor. The capital of Dili offers a taste of Portugal in the tropics, with soft sandy beaches, colonial towns and rugged mountainous surrounds.
Timor-Leste, also referred to as East Timor, is a new nation, which is now looking for a place on the world tourist map. Timor-Leste is going through a transitory phase adjusting to its new status as an independent country. Hence, development is at a slow pace. Timor-Leste has around 1 million people inhabiting its 15,000 sq km territory. It is an ideal tourist destination with lots to see and do, including lovely beaches, lush green forests, jagged mountains and old colonial style townships.
There are several places of interest in Timor-Leste. Breathtaking natural landscapes, rich historical heritage, authentic places to stay, and friendly people make Timor-Leste worthy of visiting. Not having been visited by many outsiders, the land has a remarkably unspoiled beauty. There are scenic beaches in the east and south of the country and the capital Dili exudes an urban feel.
The white sand beaches, coral reefs, lush greenery and sparkling water of Timor-Leste beaches are captivating. Dili and Kom are where tourists will find most of the hotels in Timor-Leste and other amenities to make their stay comfortable. The beaches elsewhere in the country are yet to be discovered by the tourism industry. You can use our Timor-Leste map to choose your Timor-Leste hotel based on its location.
Visitors to Timor-Leste will find the people here to be very friendly. They have several traditions that reflect the rich cultural heritage of the place. Lack of exposure to the Western world adds a novelty value to any visiting Westerner. The attention you get will undoubtedly be an interesting experience.
Dili, the capital city is a pleasing, relaxed little town that is well equipped to cater to tourists. There are quite a few restaurants and Timor-Leste hotels here. You can also organise a tour in Timor-Leste from Dili. Any newsreel images of political unrest that you had associated with Timor-Leste will fade away when you unwind in Dili, and the lovely beaches will help you relax. The friendly locals mingle with visitors and make sure their stay is special.
The Island of Atauro provides an idyllic setting for snorkelling and diving. Areia Branca, a Portuguese colony in earlier days, has a giant statue of Christ, which will remind you of Rio de Janeiro. Baucau ranks second in terms of size; it is located on a ridge overlooking the coast. Baucau is one of East Timor's most scenic places, and visitors spend a lot of time savouring its beauty. The village of Tutuala at the eastern end of Timor is another interesting location. From Tutuala you can take a canoe ride to the nearby Jaco Island, the absolute eastern tip of Timor Leste. Taking a Timor-Leste tour to Jaco Island is a great way to experience the excellent diving and snorkelling in this area.
Being a recent entrant on the world tourist map, Timor-Leste doesn't boast of a tourist season yet. However, for practical reasons, it is best to visit Timor-Leste during May-November when the weather is dry but pleasant. Later in the year it becomes dusty and then the rains set in. As the road network in Timor-Leste is still under development, travelling becomes tedious during the rains. On the one hand the roads become difficult to navigate and on the other the rivers are in full spate. Some rivers do not have bridges to help you cross. The end of the rains signals the beginning of the festival season in Timor Leste.
The early 16th century brought the Portuguese to East Timor. By the 1550s the eastern part of the Timor Island had been fully occupied by the Portuguese. The Dutch occupied the West and the region later came to be known as Indonesia. Timor-Leste became independent in May 2002 after throwing off Indonesian rule.
There is still an atmosphere of political uncertainty in East Timor. Dili has been the scene of several protests and UN troops have been stationed here to keep peace. Travellers to Timor-Leste are advised to exercise caution, take adequate precautions and follow suggestions offered by the locals. It is probably safer to take a guided tour in Timor-Leste when exploring the countryside.
This Timor-Leste Hotel Reservation Service is locally owned and operated by Jim Richards and Ligia Richards of JGT International Travel in collaboration with whl.travel. We offer a range of hotels in Timor-Leste, tours and activities to suit every need and budget.
[more info]
Meet Jim and Ligia, your local connection in Timor Leste! We are proud to be a member of the WHL family in our endeavour to preserve Timor’s unique natural and cultural environment. Being conscious of Timor’s wonderful tourism assets we work with our suppliers to ensure they are preserved for the future. Let us help you explore our home of pristine reef and coast, cloudy mountains and down to earth people.
