Things to Do in Dili
Dili is a small capital on a narrow coastal strip beside the Ombai Strait, with steep hills close behind it. Most visitors fit in a climb to Cristo Rei, a day or more on the reefs of Atauro Island, a browse through the Tais Market and a few hours at the museums that record the occupation of 1975 to 1999. The currency is the US dollar, with Timorese centavo coins for small change. Cash is the norm and cards are limited, so carry small notes.
Climb to Cristo Rei
The 27 m copper statue of Christ stands on a globe at Cape Fatucama, about 7 km from the centre at the north-eastern end of Dili Bay. A concrete staircase of about 570 steps starts at the car park at Cristo Rei Beach, and Fourteen Stations of the Cross line the climb. It is a pilgrimage site as well as a viewpoint, so cover your shoulders and knees. Start early, before the heat builds. About a third of the way up, a second staircase leads down to Dolok Oan beach.
Snorkelling and diving
The reefs at Beloi on Atauro Island are close to shore. A 2016 Conservation International survey recorded an average of 253 reef fish species per site, among the richest reefs recorded. Dive and snorkel operators on Atauro include Atauro Dive Resort, Compass Diving and Beni-Marine, and ATKOMA runs community snorkel trips. From Dili, trips run with Dive Timor Lorosae, Aquatica Dive Resort and Timor Sunshine Divers. See the Timor-Leste tourism page on diving for the full operator list, or compare dive and snorkel trips from Dili before you choose.
Tais Market
The Tais Market in Colmera sells hand-woven cloth, and tais weaving was inscribed in 2021 on UNESCO’s list of intangible heritage in need of urgent safeguarding. There are no posted opening hours, and haggling is expected. Small items cost about US$1 to 5, and large cloths run from tens of dollars to US$100 or more. Some cloths on sale are imitations, so ask the seller who wove the piece and where.
Whales and dolphins
The official tourism site gives August to November as the peak for blue and sperm whales, and press reports put pygmy blue whales at September to December. Spinner dolphins are seen daily off the north coast. Compass Diving, Dive Timor Lorosae and Moby Wildlife Tours run trips. Choose an operator that follows the national whale-watching guidelines, and keep your boat at a respectful distance.
Museums of the occupation
The Timorese Resistance Archive and Museum on Rua Formosa is open Tuesday to Saturday, from about 09:00 to 16:30, and closed Sunday and Monday. Entry is a few dollars. The Chega! Exhibition, in the former Comarca Balide prison, is open Monday to Friday and is free, with guided tours available. Both cover the years from 1975 to 1999. Visit quietly, dress modestly, and expect heavy subject matter. Check opening hours before you go.
Staying safe near the water
Saltwater crocodiles are the real hazard here. The UK government advises getting local advice before entering the water, because crocodiles are seen near Dili beaches from time to time. Ask your hotel or a dive operator first. Never swim at river mouths, in murky water or at dusk. Atauro is the exception to the official tourism site’s crocodile warning for the coast, which is why reef trips there are the usual choice. The UK and US governments both publish advice for Timor-Leste, so read the UK travel advice before you arrive and steer clear of protests and crowds.
Read more: Day trips from Dili and Sightseeing in Dili .