Places to Visit in Timor-Leste (East Timor), Asia

Places to Visit in Timor-Leste (East Timor), Asia

Timor-Leste or East Timor is a country officially called as Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste located in Southeast Asia. East Timor spans over an area of 15,410 sq. km. Timor-Leste is one of the member countries of United Nations and the country formed by the blend of different Islands like Timor, Atauro, Jaco, and Oecusse.

The climate of East Timor is tropical and usually humid and hot and positioned between latitude 8°34′ in the north and longitude 125°34′ in the east. East Timor is surrounded by Australia in the south, the Indonesian Province of East Nusa Tenggara towards east and bounded in the north by Ombai Strait and Wetar Strait.

Exporting petroleum, coffee, marble, oil and sandalwood to the foreign countries is the major source of revenue for East Timor. National University of East Timor is the major University of the country.

History of East Timor:

Portugal’s conquered East Timor during 16^th century and ruled till 1975. East Timor was free from Portugal in 1975, but later Indonesia occupied East Timor and announced East Timor as its 27th zone. On 20^th May 2002 East Timor was formed as a first innovative independent state.

Culture, food and shopping in East Timor:

96.9% of East Timor population comprises of Catholics, followed by 2.2% of Evangelical and 0.3% of Muslims. Portuguese and Tetum are the two official languages of East Timor. Tetum is also the widely spoken language by the natives of the country. The culture of the East Timor is inherited by Portuguese, Roman Catholic, and Indonesian.

Traditional foods of East Timor include Ikan sabuko, Batar daan, Tapai, Feijoada, Bibinka and Budu. East Timor is one of the gradually developing countries in the world houses several shopping malls, retail outlets and the food corners of Australian, Chinese, Indian, Indonesian and Portugal.

Connectivity to East Timor:

Atsabe, Ainaro, Baucau, Dili, Ermera, Gleno, Iliomar, Laclubar and Lolotoe are the major cities of East Timor with good connectivity with all the cities of the country and other surrounding foreign cities also.

There is ship service available at the port of Dili to reach Island of Atauro and Oecusse enclave. Buses and Taxis are good to travel within the city. One can hire cars at Rentlo and Thrifty in Dili to reach tourist destinations. Presidente Nicolau Lobato International Airport is the main airport of the country located in Dili City.

Places to see in East Timor:

Pousada:

Pousada is a huge swimming pool owned by the Pousada de Baucau situated in Baucau. It is one of the preferred spots of water sports lovers. During the months from September to February is the best time visit Pousada.

Jesus Statue:

Jesus Statue is a 27 meters tall figurine located on a headland to the east of Dili. It is said that, this statue was constructed by Indonesians and is one of the prime magnetisms of Dili and also a must visit place.

Cape Fatucama:

Cape Fatucama is a beautiful beach just near the Jesus Statue in Dili. It magnetizes tourists from all over the country and its natural beauty gives different feel to the eyes of visitors.

Coconut Beach:

Coconut Beach also called as watabo’o is one of the major tourist magnetisms of Baucau. It is considered as best weekend picnic spot of Baucau.

Other tourist attractions in East Timor include:

Cool Hills
Atauro Island
Mount Matebian
Pope John Paul II Statue

Best time to visit East Timor:

Between May and December is the ideal time to plan a holiday to East Timor to enjoy the beauty of wonderful beaches.

Accommodation Options in East Timor:

East Timor is a country with full of tourist destinations like beaches, statues and churches. The country also houses variety of hotels along with tourist spots. Hotels in East Timor provide Indian, Australian, Indonesian and Chinese food. The prominent hotels in East Timor are: