East Timor 7 Day Itinerary

East Timor 7-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Dili

  • Arrival: Fly into Presidente Nicolau Lobato International Airport (DIL) in Dili, the capital city of East Timor.
  • Accommodation: Check-in to a hotel in Dili, such as the Hotel Esplanada or Hotel Timor.
  • Afternoon: Explore the city, visit the Dili Waterfront, and enjoy the sunset at the Cristo Rei statue.
  • Evening: Try some local cuisine at one of the many restaurants in town.

Day 2: Dili

  • Morning: Visit the Tais Market to see the local handicrafts and try some traditional snacks.
  • Afternoon: Explore the National Museum, which showcases the country’s history and culture.
  • Evening: Enjoy a cold beer at one of the local bars, such as the Dili Beach Hotel Bar.

Day 3: Baucau and Venilale

  • Morning: Drive to Baucau ( approx. 2 hours), the second-largest city in East Timor.
  • Afternoon: Visit the Old Portuguese Fort, which dates back to the 17th century.
  • Evening: Head to Venilale (approx. 1 hour) and stay overnight at a local guesthouse.

Day 4: Jaco Island

  • Morning: Take a ferry from Venilale to Jaco Island (approx. 2 hours), known for its beautiful beaches and coral reefs.
  • Afternoon: Snorkel or dive to see the island’s incredible marine life.
  • Evening: Enjoy a seafood dinner at one of the local restaurants.

Day 5: Mount Matebian

  • Morning: Drive back to Dili (approx. 3 hours) and then head to Mount Matebian (approx. 1 hour), a popular hiking spot.
  • Afternoon: Hike to the summit for stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
  • Evening: Return to Dili and enjoy dinner at one of the local restaurants.

Day 6: Atauro Island

  • Morning: Take a ferry from Dili to Atauro Island (approx. 2 hours), known for its beautiful beaches and diving opportunities.
  • Afternoon: Snorkel or dive to see the island’s incredible marine life.
  • Evening: Enjoy a seafood dinner at one of the local restaurants.

Day 7: Departure

  • Morning: Return to Dili (approx. 2 hours) and spend some time shopping for souvenirs.
  • Afternoon: Depart from Presidente Nicolau Lobato International Airport (DIL).

Things to Know

  • Visa Requirements: Citizens of most countries can obtain a visa on arrival, which is valid for 30 days. Check with the East Timor government’s website for the latest requirements.
  • Language: The official languages are Tetum and Portuguese, but many locals also speak Indonesian and English.
  • Currency: The US dollar is widely accepted, but you may also use the East Timor centavo (USD 1 approximately 1000 CVE).
  • Culture: East Timor has a rich cultural heritage, with a mix of traditional and Catholic influences. Respect local customs and traditions.

Transportation

  • Flights: Fly into Presidente Nicolau Lobato International Airport (DIL) in Dili.
  • Taxis: Taxis are widely available in Dili, but be prepared to negotiate prices.
  • Buses: Public buses connect major towns, but services can be unreliable. Consider hiring a private car and driver for the duration of your trip.

Other Things of Interest

  • Diving: East Timor is known for its incredible diving opportunities, with numerous dive sites around Jaco Island and Atauro Island.
  • Hiking: The country has many hiking trails, including Mount Matebian and the Ramelau Mountains.
  • Food: Try some local cuisine, such as batar da’an (corn soup), ai-manas (grilled fish), or kopi (coffee).
  • Markets: Visit the Tais Market in Dili or the Baucau Market to see the local handicrafts and try some traditional snacks.

Remember to respect local customs, traditions, and environment during your trip. Enjoy your time in East Timor!