🇹🇱 Timor-Leste Travel Guide

#Southeast Asia Travel 1. Checklist before traveling • Language: Official languages ​​are Tetum and Portuguese. English is not widely used, so a translation app is essential! • Currency: US dollars (USD) are used. Rural areas only accept cash, so small amounts are essential. • Security: Relatively safe, but do not travel alone at night, and it is recommended to travel with others in the outskirts. 2. Best time to travel • Dry season (May-November): Clear weather, best for trekking and diving • Rainy season (December-April): Muddy mountain roads, difficult to access some tourist attractions 3. Must-see attractions 1️⃣ Capital Dili • Christ the Redeemer (Cristo Rei): 27m tall statue, view Dili at a glance from the observation deck! • Resistance Museum: Understanding the history of the East Timor independence movement • Dili Beach: A must-see sunset walk, experiencing the leisurely daily life of locals 2️⃣ Atauro Island • World-class diving site selected by National Geographic • Clear waters of over 30m depth, colorful corals and fish • 2 hours by boat from Dili / 40 minutes by speedboat • Accommodation centered on eco-friendly lodging 3️⃣ Baucau • The second largest city in East Timor, colonial architecture + tropical atmosphere • Recommended for its old-fashioned cathedral and natural swimming pool 4️⃣ Mountain trekking • Mount Ramelau: 2963m above sea level, a great place to watch the sunrise/clouds • Hato Builico: Trekking starting point and traditional village experience 5️⃣ Coffee farm tour • Famous for producing organic coffee • Around Dili Letefoho, Ermera area coffee plantation visit 4. Special experiences • Diving/snorkeling: • Dili coast: shipwrecks, corals, abundant tropical fish • Jaco Island: uninhabited island, clear waters like glass • Traditional festivals: • Independence Day (May 20): parades, traditional dances • Tastur Festival: local music and handicrafts • Dili traditional market: shopping for handicrafts, sculptures, local organic coffee 5. Practical information 1️⃣ Transportation • Lack of public transportation. 4WD rental (50-80 USD/day) or vehicle with driver recommended • No intercity buses, locals use Mikrolet (shared van) 2️⃣ Food • Staple food: Rice, corn, seafood • Recommended dishes: • Batar Da’an (coconut corn rice) • Ikan Pepes (banana leaf grilled fish) • Average meal cost: 5-10 USD 3️⃣ Accommodation • Dili: mid-to-high-end hotels (Hotel Timor, etc., 80-120 USD/night) • Other areas: Mainly guesthouses/B&Bs (20-50 USD) 4️⃣ Cultural etiquette • Catholic country, dress conservatively (avoid sleeveless shirts/short pants) • Always ask for permission before taking pictures, especially in places related to the elderly/religion