East Timor 2 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Discover Dili

Morning:

  • Arrival at Nicolau Lobato International Airport (DIL) in Dili. Complete necessary immigration procedures.
  • Grab a local breakfast at one of the cafes around Avenida de Portugal, such as “Café de A Bica” or “Kafe Rai”.

Activities:

  1. Visit Presidente Nicolau Lobato Statue: Standing tall in Independence Square (Praça de independência), this statue commemorates the first president of East Timor.
  2. Explore Dili Cathedral and learn about the history of Christianity in East Timor.
  3. Take a stroll around the National Parliament and Central Market.
  4. Visit the Cristo Rei Statue: A 27-meter tall statue of Christ overlooking Dili, offering panoramic views of the city.

Afternoon:

  1. Lunch at local restaurants like “Restaurante Uma Lara” or “Roti-Roti”. Try dishes such as Balacan (spicy pork) and Tilapia (local fish).
  2. Head to Hera, a traditional weaving village, where you can learn about the art of ikat weaving.
  3. Relax at Comoro Beach or Tais Beach.

Evening:

  • Dine at “Casa Naranja” for international cuisine with a view of the sunset.
  • Explore Dili’s nightlife at venues like “Baracuda” or “The Deck.”

Day 2: Adventure in the Countryside

Morning:

  • After breakfast, depart for Maubisse. The journey takes about 3 hours through stunning landscapes.

Activities:

  1. Visit the Market of Maubisse: Experience the local culture and try delicacies like coffee and corn wine.
  2. Explore the Mau Cathedral, built in the Portuguese colonial style.
  3. Head to Laco Huku Hot Springs: Relax and enjoy the natural hot springs.

Afternoon:

  1. Lunch at a local restaurant in Maubisse.
  2. Visit the Manatuto Beach on your way back to Dili, or stop by Baucau, East Timor’s second-largest city with a rich colonial history.

Evening:

  • Return to Dili and have dinner at “Kafe Arte Moris” for traditional dishes in a unique art setting.
  • Reflect on your journey and prepare for the next day.

Things to Know:

  • Visa: A visa is required for most travelers. Apply for an East Timor tourist visa online or at the embassy before your trip.
  • Money: The official currency is the United States Dollar (USD). ATMs are available in Dili but less common elsewhere.
  • Safety: While generally safe, exercise caution in unfamiliar areas and be aware of your surroundings, especially during nighttime.
  • Transportation: Taxis and motorbikes (grab) are readily available in Dili, while for intercity travel, consider renting a car or hiring a driver with a car.