East Timor’s culture can be traced backed 4,000 years by the cave paintings found near Lautem, the stone sarcophagi and the many animist shrines. However, this tiny island is mostly influenced by a mixture of Portuguese and Indonesian cultures. East Timor is a conservative Catholic country, so it is very important to dress appropriately in public. Topless sunbathing, skimpy clothing and nudity are not acceptable.
The Timorese people are mostly friendly and curious towards foreigners; they are responsive to a smile or an attempt to speak Tetum (the local language).
East Timor Weather
As East Timor has no real tourist season, you can visit anytime of the year. East Timor just two seasons, a wet season and a dry season. From May to November, the weather is cool and dry with little to no rain. However, the central mountains and south coast get occasional showers during this period. December to April is the country’s rainy season which can be pretty bad as there is a lack of proper drainage. A good time to visit East Timor is towards the end of the rainy season when some interesting festivals occur.
Travel Around East Timor
Air services to East Timor are very limited with Air North flying to and from Darwin, Australia, daily. Another option of getting into East Timor is via Bali. The Batugede border crossing to Indonesian West Timor is open, but has no regular bus service. Getting around East Timor is easy as there are a lot of public transport options available including buses, taxis and mikrolets. Getting to another town or around Dili is no problem at all. To get to Oecussi and Atauro there is now a ferry service. Always remember to ask the cab fare before you get into a taxi. If you are more adventurous, you can rent a car, four wheel drive or a mountain bike to explore the area. Cars, bikes and four wheel drives can be rented from Thrifty or Rentlo.
What to wear in East Timor
East Timor is a conservative Catholic country so it is important to dress modestly. Jeans, T-shirts and summer dress are ideal but make sure that they are not revealing. Shorts for both women and men should be at least knee length. Also remember women’s shoulders should always be covered.
East Timor Shopping
There are several supermarkets and stores around Dili that keep everything you need from toothpaste to house hold products. There are also lots of family-run shops that sell the basic essentials such as mineral water, mosquito coils and soap. A good place to buy local products is at Taibessi Market, just off the road to Aileu going out of Dili. Locally produced textiles, clothing and handicrafts are available at Tais Market or from the several boutiques near the government buildings in Dili. Also, there are always hawkers selling there wares near the Dili waterfront.
Health Services in East Timor
In case of serious emergency call the ‘civpol’ emergency number to ask for an ambulance. Dili Hospital is located on the eastern side of town for any emergencies. There are also several good local practices for minor health concerns. It is important to note that visitors are exposed to dengue fever and malaria in East Timor. It is important to sleep under mosquito net, use repellent, burn mosquito coils and wear long sleeved outfits and pants after sunset. Also avoid wearing perfume as it attracts mosquitoes. It is vital to remember to drink only mineral water which is available at most shops.
East Timor Nightlife
The nightlife in East Timor is nothing to brag about. Only Dili offers a variety of places to go to. There are quite a few clubs, local bars with live music and restaurants. Some popular bars include: Caz Bar and Restaurant on the beach front in Areia Branca, Poy Cholor, Castaway Bar (officially called Dili’s coolest bar) on the Esplanade (Beach Road), Ramelau Discoteque, Aajs and Ata’Uro View.
Dining Out in East Timor
There are a large variety of places to eat in Dili. From authentic Indonesian cuisine to delicious Portuguese food, this town has a plenty of places to dine in. From the exotic local cuisines to Continental and Chinese food, Dili has it all. As this city is located on the coast, it has some of the freshest seafood in the country. From fresh grilled lobsters and fish to scrumptious curries there is plenty to eat.
Some popular restaurants include:
Gion, (Japanese cuisine)
Golden Star
Restaurante Sagres
Vasco De Gama
Rock Garden
Seahorse Restaurant (Balinese cuisine)
Denpasar Moon
MyFali Fried Chicken
East Timor Business
East Timor is one of the poorest countries in the world, but it is rich in natural resources such as oil which is drilled off shore. Agricultural products account for 25% of the GDP, with coffee being one of the country’s main exports. Many of the East Timorese are fishermen. As East Timor is now being labeled as a ‘must-visit’ tourist destination, many people are taking up jobs in the growing tourism and hotel industry.
