Must-see attractions in Timor-Leste

  • Centro Nacional Chega!

    Dili

    Set in the buildings and cells of a Portuguese-era prison where resistance figures were interned by the Indonesian military, Chega! (chega means 'stop' or…

  • Projeto Montanha

    Timor-Leste

    This Brazilian-founded social enterprise is a heartwarming place to visit. Kids and young adults from the surrounding area come here to be taught…

  • Resistência Timorense Arquivo e Museu

    Dili

    An excellent museum which commemorates in detail Timor-Leste's 24-year struggle against Indonesian occupation. Falintil’s resistance is brought to life…

  • Outer wall of the Museum of Australian journalists killed in Balibo, Timor Leste.

    Balibó Flag House

    Timor-Leste

    Balibó Flag House is where the five journalists reporting on Indonesian's invasion of East Timor stayed before they were killed by Indonesian Special…

  • Mundo Perdido

    Timor-Leste

    Crashing through foliage under the squawks of bats and lorikeets as you climb Mundo Perdido (1775m) – which translates to 'Lost World' – is one of the…

  • Rock Art Caves

    Timor-Leste

    There are fine examples of rock art in the cliffs and caves heading down towards Valu (beach), with depictions including cock fighting, sea urchins and…

  • Santa Cruz cemetery and chapel.

    Santa Cruz Cemetery

    Dili

    On 12 November 1991 Indonesian soldiers fired on a peaceful memorial procession for Sebastião Gomes heading from Motael Church to Santa Cruz Cemetery;…

  • Timor, orange vendor on a beach in Dili

    Dili Waterfront

    Dili

    Watch kids kicking soccer balls around on the patches of sandy beach and runners sweating it out while you're strolling the decent walking path that runs…

  • cristo rei landmark statue near dili east timor

    Cristo Rei

    Dili

    The hard-to-miss Cristo Rei, 7km east of town, has 570 steps leading to the statue of Jesus, a gift from the Indonesian government in 1996. It's a popular…

  • Be Manis

    Timor-Leste

    Once a former Portuguese mountain resort, these hot springs (be manis in Tetun) have been renovated into a fairly large complex, with pools of varying…

  • Areia Branca

    Dili

    This lovely cove 5.5km east of central Dili is picturesque, with its white sand backed by steep hills and good places to eat and sleep. At the end of the…

  • Ponte Noefefan

    Timor-Leste

    This new, photogenic three-arched bridge spans Tono River and links the rest of Oecusse to those in the 'city' (which is actually not many people).

  • Wild Timor Coffee

    Timor-Leste

    A handful of coffee cooperatives operate in Timor-Leste; this one was set up by Australian soldiers who served post-1999. Wild Timor Coffee has a cafe in…

  • Dare Memorial Museum

    Dili

    There are two great things about Dare (pronounced da-ray) Memorial Museum, but you'll have to ask for them. First, ask for a cup of Timorese coffee, then…

  • Igreja de Santo António de Motael

    Dili

    This waterfront Catholic church, fronted by a pretty garden, was one of the most important places in the story of the fight for Timorese independence…

  • Centro Audiovisual Max Stahl Timor-Leste

    Dili

    Opposite the Resistance Museum, this important archive preserves footage from the Indonesian occupation and Timorese independence struggle, including that…

  • Santa Cruz Massacre Memorial Monument

    Dili

    This sizeable monument opposite Motael Church marks where independence supporter Sebastião Gomes was shot by Indonesian forces on 28 October 1991. Built…

  • Mud Geysers

    Timor-Leste

    Watch volcanic mud and steam bubbling up from this weird grey landscape. The spot is five minutes from Oesilo, which is around a 1½-hour drive south of…

  • Palácio do Governo

    Dili

    The grand, white Palácio do Governo dominates the town centre. The grounds here occasionally play host to events, but they're usually just a fancy car…

  • Farol

    Dili

    This photogenic lighthouse beams northwest of Dili's seaport.

  • Xanana Gusmão Reading Room

    Dili

    This complex houses memorabilia of Timor-Leste's first president, Xanana Gusmão, including the former presidential car (he opted for a cheap one at the…

  • Arte Moris

    Dili

    'Quirky' describes this art space in and around Dili’s domed, rundown, Indonesian-era museum. Beyond the oddball outdoor sculptures, you'll find a…

  • Lifau Monument

    Timor-Leste

    Lifau, 5km west of Pantemakassar, is the site of the original Portuguese settlement in Timor-Leste. The original rock-studded monument here commemorates…

More destinations you need to see