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Travellers will usually drop by the only public library in Dili, the Xanana Reading Room. I actually intended to go but due to some unforeseen circumstances, I gotta forgo the trip to the Reading Room.The building that houses the library was once an Indonesian Consulate building. It is quite a nice building, built in the 1950s. It is a very basic library and much of its books and facilities are donated by various organisations overseas.
The breath-taking scenery as you walk up to the statue is really awesome. You will get to see those untouched beaches, the blue, green and turquoise sea. You will feel like dipping into the sea. Get ready to click click click when you are up there.
Areia Branca is the MUST VISIT place when you are in Dili. It is where the huge Jesus Christ statue is, somewhat like the one in Rio de Janeiro. It is a 15 minutes drive from the Dili town centre and as you moce along the coastline, you will see nice and beautiful coves and beaches. There is a carpark where you park your car. You have to walk up to reach the highest point where the Christ statue is. On your way up, you will also see many little stations depicting the sufferings of Jesus until you reach the main sanctuary just below the statue of Christ.
I would say the waterfront is a place you must appreciate as it is where all the buzz is. You will see fruits sellers, fishmongers, kids playing in the sea, locals gambling by th beach, etc. If you love photography, just walk along the waterfront. However, 1 caution is that do not walk alone in the evening.P.S. : I have placed some pictures on the activities along the waterfront in the "Local Customs" section.
Atauro is a great escape from the hustle of the rest of Timor, over-run by so many expat workers. Atauro Island is the big one you can see, out from Dili.Atauro is a fascinating place. Did you know that the Portuguese were still on Atauro for a year after the Indonesian military invaded the rest of East Timor. They just couldn't be bothered going to Atauro! Atauro is dry and incredibly rugged, so rugged in fact, that out of 9000 people who live on the island, for distinct languages have evolved.The people are friendly, there is some great walking, and lots of fish and coral - so take some snorkelling gear.For accommodation, Roman Luan (a local NGO) was working on developing a small ecotourism business, so check in with them, otherwise arange to pay a local family to put you up.
This sort of destruction is common everywhere you turn in East Timor- again thanks to the Indonesian army in 99. It wasn't that long ago. Notice that entire blocks are destroyed and nothing hardly has been repaired- the country is broke and Australia is stealing almost all the oil from the Timor Gap. The rest they are going to share with the people- which mean the government which is a disgrace. Don't be surprised if the same people are in power in 30 years. The President is very nice and likelable- Xanana Gusman, but unfortunately he has little real power. Alkatiri, a man who spent the last 25 years in Mozambique is the one with the power. Everyone hates him. He's from Yemen originally and keeps criminals in his cabinet. The riots in Dec 2002 were deirected against him and his cronies.
peo and Jerry lived in a house in this village in Dili. Notice the sign with the big hole in it. This town and many if not all like it all over the country were deserted in 1975 and again in 99 when the Indonesian army went about terrorizing everyone. My friend was shot at by the army and they stole his motorcyle as he fled to the hills like the rest of the East Timorese (for several days, weeks) until Australia and the UN finally decided it was time to come in and stop to killings and looting.
If you can afford the $70 US per day that Thrifty charges to rent a 4WD then I'd say get someone who knows where they're going and go somewhere. Dili a bit of a drag. Interesting, but a drag. Actually, if you go to ET for any reason other than work, I'd be surprised. I was there volunteering in fahilebo with my friend and jsut wanted to see the coutnry and all Indonesia di d to it and meet people and learn the language and practice my Portuguese and well- I did all that and more, so maybe you will go there without a job come to think about it.
Most of the coast around Dili is polluted to a disgraceful extreme. But the water is very crear all around. Most of the roads that go up and over the hills to the nice beachs are often closed and a 4WD is mandatory in such an effort. This photo was taken west of Dili on the road toward West Timor. Sandy bottom to boot. And no sea snakes! yeah!
Walking around Dili is a trip in itself. As this picture shows, the differences between 99 and 2003 are tremendous. In 99 everything was burned to the ground. Obviously, most of the country has not been rebuilt and burned out buildings complete with 'fresh' ash still stand (if they're lucky) next to newer shops built by the Chinese, Indonesians, Singporeans, Thais, UN, or anyone who happens to have more than a few dollars to their name.
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2 Reviews and 20 Opinions My girlfriend and I initially planned to stay at The Esplande Hotel in Dili however when we booked...
Reviews and photos of East Timor attractions posted by real travelers and locals. The best tips for East Timor sightseeing.
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Q: I am going to be in Dili, Timor Leste in March. I'm wondering what travel route is best and cheapest from Dili to Christchurch,...
A: The other choice rather than Air North through Darwin is Singapore airlines who do a regular flight Dili/Singapore. I haven't looked up their current timetable however...
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