Taking Kids to Dili

Families visiting Dili get on best by sorting outings into three piles: those that suit children, those that depend on the child, and those to skip.

Yes

Dare village. About 10 to 15 km uphill from the city, with free entry, a small museum that opened in 2009, a cafe and a wide view of the bay. The cafe is reported to open at weekends only, so confirm before driving up.

The Tais Market in Colmera. Stalls of hand-woven cloth make a short, colourful stop. Small items sell for about US$1 to 5, so children can spend pocket money and practise haggling. Hold hands in the crowd.

Maybe

Cristo Rei. The copper statue on Cape Fatucama is about 7 km from the centre, and the staircase from Cristo Rei Beach has roughly 570 steps. That is a long haul for small legs and too steep for toddlers. Older children who like climbing will enjoy the Stations of the Cross as markers along the way. Start early, carry water and dress everyone with covered shoulders and knees, since the route is used for pilgrimage.

Snorkelling on Atauro. The reefs near Beloi are close to shore, and the official tourism site lists Atauro as the exception to its crocodile warning for the coast. Dive operators and the ATKOMA community group run snorkel trips. Whether your child can join depends on age and swimming skill, so ask each provider about minimum ages, equipment and guide ratios before booking. The Berlin Nakroma ferry costs US$4 each way and the crossing takes about 2 hours 15 minutes. It sails on Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday. Crossings between December and April can be rough, which matters for anyone prone to seasickness. See the official ferry timetable , or compare Atauro snorkel outings if you want a guide.

No

Mainland beaches. Do not let children wade, paddle or dig at the water’s edge at Areia Branca, Cristo Rei Beach, Dolok Oan, Tasi Tolu or Kelapa Lima. Crocodiles are occasionally seen near Dili beaches, according to the UK government, and none of these beaches is known to be free of them. Keep children away from river mouths, cloudy water and the edge of the sea at dusk. Ask your hotel or a dive operator for current advice. The UK safety page covers the risk.

The occupation museums. The exhibitions in the city deal with imprisonment and killing between 1975 and 1999. They are meant for adult and older teenage visitors.

Practical tips

  • The country runs on US dollars in cash, with small notes the most useful.
  • Take a hat, sunscreen and water on every outing, because the sights are spread out.
  • From November to April, flooding and rough seas can change plans, so leave a spare day.

Read more: Day trip options , Dili activities and the 3-day Timor-Leste itinerary .