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Timor Leste

General Information

With the presence of mountains, long grass plains and white sandy beaches, Timor Leste is a relatively unknown and undisturbed tourist destination with rich diving water, pristine coral reefs and friendly locals amazed by the site of Western tourists. Timor Leste is slowly evolving into Asias newest nation- untouched by commercial tourism in Asia.

Timor Leste or East Timor as it is better known, has struggled for many years to gain independence after being under both Portuguese and Indonesian control. The remnants of Portuguese influence can be seen in the country's capital, Dili- especially in their architecture, cuisine and religion. In 2002 Timor gained independence and has now progressively become more stable and secure and tourism is again on the up and coming. Structures are being rebuilt and there are new shops opening all the time.

The US Dollar is the currency used in Timor and the time difference is GMT + 9hours.

There is no need to obtain a visa before arriving in Timor Leste. Upon arrival tourists can obtain a 30 day visa costing US$30. The visa can be extended to 90 days with additional costs. On departure there is a US $10 departure tax. Please be prepared with the right currency as there are no facilities for money exchange at the airport. Please check with your local embassy before departure for updated Visa requirements.

Timor Leste has about 30 main languages in use with Portuguese and Tetum as the official languages. Many people also speak Indonesian and English.  Portuguese, though spoken, is not so common because the language has not been taught formally.

Timor Leste has a hot and humid climate due to the monsoon weather system. November to May is the wet season with temperatures being quite high. The spring season from June to October is the best time to visit Timor as temperatures are mild. Temperatures average a cool 15C in the mountain areas and rise to 30C in the coastal areas.

 

Accommodation

Hotel Esplanada

With panoramic views across the expansive Dili bay area from the upstairs restaurant and its smart modern interiors, this small hotel offers you premier boutique style accommodation. The upstairs restaurant offers innovative cuisine and balmy onshore breezes from the beach directly in front of the hotel. Situated on the Avenida da Portugal the Esplanada has satellite TV in each room, a built in swimming pool, air conditioned rooms, 24 hours security, an upstairs restaurant overlooking the sea and a refrigerator in every room. The rooms are serviced daily and they also offer a massage and relaxation clinic.

Hotel California

Located 15 minutes drive away from the airport and near the Christ the King Statue, Hotel California is a 4 star accommodation located directly across from the beach. This 2007 hotel has a modern stone deco with a Conference room, business centre, cafe and bar open till late and 24 hour internet and security. With suites, single rooms and apartments each room is equipped with satellite TV/DVD player, mini bar, hair dryer, and wireless facilities for laptops. Laundry and Breakfast facilities are also available.

Discovery Inn

This 31 room four star accommodation is located in the heart of Dili, and features a fine dining restaurant, a deck lounge for drinks and snacks set amongst a tropical courtyard. The hotel is located just a short stroll from the beach, cafes, night clubs and the bank. Free airport and pickup service is available as well as broadband internet, safety deposit box, cable TV, DVD player, tea and coffee facilities, mini bar and laundry service.

 

Hotel Timor

This 4 star property is located only a 10 minute drive away from the International airport and close to restaurants, shops and the beach. The property has a pool and swim up bar as well as a gift shop and hairdresser. Each room is air conditioned, has internet connection, TV, tea and coffee making facilities, mini bar and includes breakfast daily. There are 88 rooms ranging from Standard to apartments. Each room is serviced daily.

Village Hotel Timor Leste

The hotel is located approx 4 hours from Dili and is a community based, sustainable eco hotel. Surrounded by natural springs, mountains, caves, waterfalls and traditional villages this hotel will let you experience the real Timor. The hotel is staffed by local people who can organise walking tours, trekking and traditional Timorese feasts. Rooms are fan cooled with shared or private ensuites. A basic breakfast is included daily in the room rates.

Atauro Island

Atauro Island is an idyllic undiscovered beach about 30km across or a one hour speed boat ride from the main island and can be seen from Dili. There are plenty of reefs to snorkel and dive with visibility of up to 40 metres, or you can simply relax on the deserted island. Other activities include mountain trekking and fishing. There are few vehicles and many visitors come to Atauro to connect with the old Timor with the Islands traditional fishing and farming communities being worth a visit. Tourists can overnight at Eco Village, the islands eco resort.

Jaco Island

Jaco Island is located at the eastern tip of the country and is a protected national park that can only be reached by boat. It is a circular island with rich lush jungle surrounded by a sand border. It is only one of 2 offshore islands making it completely pristine and undeveloped. Discover white sandy beaches and crystal clear waters ideal for swimming, fishing and snorkelling. At Tutuala beach you can explore the surrounding caves and marvel at the ancient paintings.

Diving and Snorkelling

The Indo Pacific region is famous for its tropical islands, clear blue water and rich coral reef and is home to more species of marine life than anywhere else in the world! There are a variety of places to shore dive, wall dive and drift dive. The warm clean waters and ideal conditions make diving an unmissable experience when in Timor. The country mountain scenery can be replicated under water with cliffs crashing down to sweeping beaches and amazing coral walls. Two popular sites around Dili include Dollar Beach and Black Rock which both boast spectacular drops, strong currents and an abundance of coral and marine life ranging from sea turtles to sharks and dugongs. If this isnt enough marine life, you will also see Timors resident sea cows, mantas and eagle rays. Approx 1 hour from Dili, both destinations can be explored in a half day trip. There are many other incredible shore dive sites under the sea that can be attempted by the novice or experienced diver. Some of these include Secret garden, K41, Kingfisher Cove and Atauro Island. Other dives sites around Atauro Island include Big Fish, the S Bend, Bar Stool and Shark Point.

Shopping

Timor Leste is well known for its excellent coffee beans and hand woven cloth called Tais, there is not large amount of shopping to be done in Timor but there a lot of local handicrafts to be found amongst the markets. Along the Dili waterfront you will find many fruit stalls. Convenience stores selling wine and groceries can easily be found in the bigger cities.

Timor Facilities

Credit cards are not always accepted, so its always wise to carry around a small amount of cash. There is only one ATM outlet which can be found at the ANZ branch.

 

It is possible to rent cars in Timor to get around but there is also a network of local buses and minivans which will stop anywhere along the road.

 

It is advisable not to carry around valuables and for tourists to stay away from large gatherings and avoid being out on the street late at night.

 

Basic medical aid is available in hospitals and clinics around Timor. Any major medical complications are generally referred to hospitals in Bali or Darwin.

Food and Beverage

TopRestaurants/Nightlife

The East Timorese have a very similar diet to there Asian neighbours with a staple diet consisting of mostly rice and spices. Fried fish and curries are very popular with prawns being considered a delicacy. Due to the increasing presence of tourists, there are many different cuisines including Portuguese, Chinese, Italian, Western, Japanese and Thai. A cold beer is very easy to find with organic coffee being the local drink of choice.

 

Tipping is not expected but if you do feel inclined the standard rate is 10%

 

There are numerous nightclubs and beachfront bars with food and drinks being served late into the night. Enjoy a cold beer while playing pool or listening to the band.

© Island Explorer Holidays 2007