East Timor Tourism / Timor-Leste Tourism

Just 1.5 hours flight from Darwin is Timor-Leste (East Timor), the worlds newest country. A former Portuguese colony in south east asia, has embraced and enjoyed its own self-government since 1999.

Be amongst the first to visit this incredible and unique country, where tourism remains innocent and unsophisticated.

The capital Dili is a taste of Portugal in the tropics of South-East Asia, redolent of fish, ripened bananas and clove cigarettes. The people are delightfully friendly, and Dili is welcoming and laid-back.

This little known paradise has a wide range of attractions to offer, characterized by both uniqueness and diversity.

From the natural landscapes to the friendly people and historical heritage, Timor-Leste presents itself as an unexplored and untouched land. The more urban feeling of the capital contrasts with the remote and unspoiled beaches located to the east and south of the country.

Dili is the capital of Timor-Leste. It is mainly a commercial and administrative center, with a few Portuguese touches such as villa-lined beach roads and the ruins of an old fort built in 1627.

The long stretch of waterfront with the nearby Palácio do Governador, remains a place of commerce and leisure and a focal point for evening walks and weekends. A massive statue of Jesus Christ dominates the headland hilltop at Cape Fatucama.

The best-known beaches in Dili are in a sheltered cove known as Areia Branca. Ataúro Island, which is visible from the waterfront, is becoming increasingly popular as a sightseeing excursion site.

The best way to appreciate Timor-Leste's natural beauty is to take an escorted private scenic drive along the spectacular coastline to Manatuto, Baucau and Com in Lospalos.

The chance to visit a country where tourism is unsophisticated is rare and often results in unpredictable circumstances - this is part of the adventure of expeditionary travel.

Although you may not be travelling in the same level of luxury as you would with Grand Touring in Darwin, your comfort is assured. Our leading suggestions are as follows;