One of the world’s newest nations, East Timor became an independent country in 2002. Though it lacks the glitz and the glamour of most other Asian tourist resorts, this country is a beautiful place to go to for a quiet relaxing vacation. With spectacular beaches colonial towns, rugged mountains and amazing scenery, East Timor is definitely worth a visit.
Located in the eastern part of Timor Island in the Malay/Indonesian archipelago, between the South China Sea and the Indian Ocean, East Timor lies in Southeastern Asia in the Lesser Sunda Islands. Comprising of the eastern half of the island of Timor, East Timor also includes the Oecussi (Ambeno) region in the northwest of the Timor Island, as well as the islands of Pulau Atauro and Pulau Jaco. A semi-arid and mountainous region, East Timor is a quiet haven for the weary traveler.
Formerly part of Indonesia, East Timor was initially ruled by the Portuguese who colonized the island for over 400 years. After the Portuguese withdrawal, Indonesia invaded the tiny nation and annexed it as the Timor Timur province. So, although November 28, 1975 is the independence day of this tiny nation, its actual independence from Indonesia came on May 20, 2002.
Officially known as the Democratic Republic of East Timor, this island nation covers an area of roughly 14,874 square kilometers (9,222 sq mi). Divided into the 13 administrative districts of Aileu, Ainaro, Baucau, Bobonaro (Maliana), Cova-Lima (Suai), Ermera, Lautem (Los Palos), Liquica, Manatuto, Manufahi (Same), Oecussi (Ambeno), and Viqueque, the capital of East Timor is Dili. The major ports of the country are Dili, Carabela and Com with the country’s international airport located in the city of Baucau.
East Timor Now
The best time to visit East Timor is from May to November when the weather is cool and dry with very little rainfall. December to April is the wet season, with plenty of rainfall which makes traveling across the country quite difficult due to the lack of properly built roads and drainage systems. The capital of East Timor, Dili, is located in the northern part of the island and is a bustling town compared to other cities in the country. A pleasant city with a busy port, Dili was badly damaged before Indonesian troops pulled out of the country. However, this city is now rapidly recovering. Situated in Dili is the country’s main port, as well as major institutions including the national parliament and the University of East Timor. Also found in Dili near Cape Fatucama is the Statue of Christ, a 27 meter (89 ft) high statue which is a national landmark.
Located on a hillside and facing the sea is Baucau, East Timor's second largest city. A picturesque town, it is a two hour drive east from Dili via Manatuto with some of the most gorgeous scenery and beaches along the way. The country’s largest international airport can be found here, as well as one the country’s Roman Catholic seminaries known for openly supporting East Timor’s independence. One of Baucau’s most famous residents is Bishop Carols Belo who received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1996, along with Jose Ramos Horta.
South of Dili are the hills of Ermera, the country’s leading coffee-growing area. A great day-trip from the capital, Ermera is a hill town renowned for its coffee plantations. Coffee is a major export of East Timor and is known for being organic and of a high quality. South of Ermera, near Ainaro, is East Timor’s highest peak, Mt. Tatamailau which stands at 2,963 meters (9,778 ft). Located in the southern end of the country is Suai, where one of the worst massacres in the post-referendum violence took place. A beautiful area, this region has thick dense forests of sandalwood, teak and vanilla trees.
Oecusse is actually located in West Timor. Granted independent status under the new constitution, this district is geographically isolated from the rest of East Timor. It has no major road link to Dili. Also known as Ambeno, most of the district was destroyed in post-referendum violence but is now rebuilding slowly. Oecusse's capital Pante Makassar, is known as Oecusse Town and is significant to many East Timorese as the site where the Portuguese first landed in 1515. A quiet coastal town between the hills and the coast, its offshore reef offers some spectacular snorkeling.
