Although East Timor is a tiny island, there is plenty to do. With its unspoiled beaches, stunning sceneries and meandering trials, this island is an undiscovered tourist haven. Though facilities are not as well developed as they are in other Asian beach resorts, they are still well rated.
Diving & Snorkeling
East Timor has great beaches, particularly between Dili and Baucau. Swimming, snorkeling and diving are amazing in the beaches to the east and west of Dili, around Com and the Atauro Island. According to dive operators, East Timor has some of the best diving sites in the world. The crystal clear waters, great underwater visibility and warm ocean temperatures reveal an amazing underwater display of flora, fauna and a stunning variety of underwater marine life, fish and coral reefs. Divers report regular sightings of sharks, sting rays, whales and dolphins. Besides PADI certified diving courses, there are introductory courses for beginner divers. Dive Timor Lorosae (+670 723 7092) and Dili Dive (+670 723 4590) are great diving companies that offer fishing, diving, snorkeling and water skiing opportunities.
Deep Sea Fishing
The coastal areas off East Timor offer great deep sea fishing opportunities for the experienced fisherman. Fishing is also a great way to unwind and soak up the beautiful East Timor coast. Island Charters (+670 723 6646) is a local company that offers sport fishing charters, sunset cruises, sightseeing trips and snorkeling and diving trips.
Trekking
With its mountainous terrain, East Timor has some great trekking and hiking opportunities for those who like to explore the great outdoors. With its beautiful, rugged countryside, East Timor is a trekker’s paradise. If you enjoy mountain climbing, head to Mt. Tatamailau, East Timor's highest peak. Treks include:
- Mount Matebean Mane and Mount Matebean Feto
These mountains are perhaps the most rugged in East Timor and are located about 20 kilometers (12 miles) southeast of Baucau. The trekking is medium to hard and can be done as a two or three day walk, with an overnight stay in the mountain village of Uaiboro.
- Ramelau Mountain Circuit
The Ramelau range is the highest in Central Timor. With four wheel drive and truck access to the 1,900 meter (6,270 foot) high village/base camp of Hatobuilico trekkers can start to climb Mount Tatamailau. At 2,986 meters (9,854 feet), this peak is the country’s highest mountain. This medium to hard walk involves one night in a bush camp and one night in Ainaro.
- Oecussi Enclave
Oecussi is an extremely isolated district in East Timor, actually located in Indonesian West Timor. This three day trek is a medium to hard hike with one night in the village of Cutete and one night camping.
- Atauro Island
Although more popular for its diving and snorkeling, Atauro has a great three day trek of medium difficulty. The trek starts through the village gardens and goes steeply up into the rainforest, to the island’s highest point, Mount Manucoco.
When hiking or trekking in East Timor, is essential to take a local guide who knows the language, terrain and hazards. If you get into any trouble, your guide will be able to call for help quickly. Do not forget to leave the details of your trek, and your expected return time, with the local police at the beginning of each trek. Another important reason for employing a guide is the difficulty of finding water in the high country. Also remember to take a good quality compass. The most suitable time for trekking in East Timor is during the dry season.
Morobo's Hot Springs
The hot springs at Morobo are located near the border with West Timor. The journey there takes approximately 5 hours and passes through the town of Balibo. It is a great way to relax and enjoy a dip in the hot springs after a long day of trekking or shopping.
Getting Around by Mikrolet
The most interesting, and definitely the most fun, way of getting around Dili is by mikrolet. Mikrolet are minivans converted into buses. Equipped with loud sound systems, these buses take you anywhere in Dili. Everyone on the island, from children to Catholic nuns, travels by mikrolet. With stops at nearly every corner, riding a mikrolet is indeed an interesting experience.
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