East Timor 3 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Dili Exploration

  • Morning: Arrival at Nicolau Lobato International Airport (DIL), Dili. Check-in at your hotel. After freshening up, start your day with a traditional East Timorese breakfast at one of the local cafes.

  • Afternoon: Visit the Cristo Rei Statue, standing atop a hill overlooking Dili city. Then, head to the National Parliament and Independence Square (Praceta de Independencia). Take a stroll along the Seafloor Promenade (Paseis Laran Baik) for panoramic views of the ocean.

  • Evening: Explore the local market (Mercado Municipal de Dili) to experience the vibrant Timorese culture and taste some local delicacies. Have dinner at one of the restaurants offering seafood or traditional dishes.

Things to Know:

  1. East Timor uses U.S. dollars as its official currency.
  2. The primary language is Tetum, but Portuguese and Bahasa Indonesian are also spoken. English is understood in tourist areas.
  3. Always be respectful of local customs and traditions.
  4. Tap water is not safe to drink; bottled water is readily available.

Visa Requirements:

  • For many nationalities, a visa is required for entry. Check the latest requirements with your nearest East Timorese embassy or consulate.
  • Tourist visas are typically valid for 30 days upon arrival and can be extended at immigration offices in Dili.

Transportation:

  • Taxis are widely available in Dili and are a convenient way to get around the city.
  • Motorbike taxis (known as bemos) are also common, but exercise caution when using them.

Day 2: Discovering the History of East Timor

  • Morning: Visit the Museum of National Reistance (Museu Nacional de Resistencia) to learn about East Timor’s struggle for independence. Then, explore the historic area of Comoro and the Church of Our Lady of Fatima (Igreja Nossa Senhora de Fátima).

  • Afternoon: Head to the Museum of Natural History (Museu Etnografik), which houses a collection of traditional artifacts and natural history exhibits. Afterward, spend some time relaxing at the nearby Hera Koia Beach.

  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant and immerse yourself in East Timorese culture with live music or traditional dance performances.

Day 3: Adventure in the Countryside

  • Morning: Take a day trip to Maubisse, a picturesque town nestled in the mountains. Along the way, visit the ancient village of Letenfoho and enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.

  • Afternoon: Visit the tea plantations and learn about the traditional methods used for tea production. Afterward, explore the nearby hot springs at Matebian or hike to the picturesque Lake Iman.

  • Evening: Return to Dili and have a farewell dinner at a local restaurant to celebrate your East Timorese adventure.