Timor-Leste Flag
Why visit Timor-Leste?
Ideal for outdoor enthusiastic experienced travelers seeking an underdeveloped destination for beaches, churches, coastal roadways, coral reefs, fishing, hiking, historical colonial structures, marine life, mountains, national parks, scuba diving, scenery, snorkeling, and trekking.
At a Glance
- Souvenirs to Buy: Hand loomed cloth, handwoven cloth, homemade coconut soap, and locally grown coffee.
- Local Cuisine to Try: Batardan (stew). Bibingka (coconut cake). Catupa (coconut rice). Fuuntaul Tong (soup). Sesate (grilled meat). Tapai (rice).
- Local Drink to Try: Bintang Pilsener (beer). Cachaca (cocktail). Tuaka (palm wine).
Fun Facts
- José Alexandre "Xanana" Gusmão, First President (2002 - 2007), was awarded the Poetry Prize (1974).
- Carlos Filipe Ximenes Belo (aka: Carlos Belo or Ximenes Belo), Catholic Bishop (1988 - 2002) and José Manuel Ramos-Horta, President earned the Nobel Peace Prize (1996).
- Released their first feature length thriller film, Beatriz's War (2013).
- Papaya flowers and pumpkins are considered culinary delicacies.
- Island of Timor is the largest of the Lesser Sunda Islands.
- Highest point (9,797 ft) is Tatamailau (aka: Tata Mailau or Mount Ramelau).
- Exports coffee, marble, petroleum, and sandalwood.
Special Holidays/Occasions
- Annual Events: Saturday Night Market, (March) Festival of Culture & Food, (June) Festival for Peace, Festival Santissimo Corpo Cristo, (October) Ramelau Cultural Festival, (October) Coffee Festival, and Dili International Film Festival (DIFF).
- Holidays: New Year’s Day, Veterans Day, Holy Friday, World Labour Day, Idul Fitri, Restoration of Independence Day, Corpus Christi, Idul Adha, Popular Consultation Day, All Saints Day, All Souls Day, National Youth Day, Proclamation of Independence Day, Memorial Day, Day of Our Lady of Immaculate Conception, Christmas Day, and National Heroes Day.
Good to Know
- Considered a very poor country.
- Malnutrition is common.
- An expensive destination to visit.
- U.S. dollar is the official currency.
- Few establishments accept credit cards.
- ATM machines may accept U.S. issued bank cards, however charge high fees and are frequently inoperative.
- Lacks amenity comforts.
- Languages spoken are English, Indonesian, Portuguese (preferred), and Tetum.
- Travel to Australia requires Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) in advance.
- Avoid evening explorations or travel.
- Medical evacuations are either to Australia, Singapore, or the United States.
- Avoid flashing wealth.
- Prevalent Diseases: Chikungunya, Dengue Fever, Japanese Encephalitis, Malaria, and Tuberculosis.
- Dili International Hospital only handles routine ailments and care.
- Southern region is slightly less mountainous.
- Eat cooked or peeled fruits and vegetables.
- Avoid eating leafy greens.
- Roads are poorly maintained.
- Women should avoid traveling alone.
- Bottled water is mandatory.
- Public transportation is generally is below western standards, overcrowded, and uncomfortable.
- Cuisine is influenced by Malay and Portugal.
- All dairy products, manufactured goods, meats, and most vegetables are imported.
- Sunscreen and hats are recommended for sun protection.
- Rainy Season is December - March.
- Traffic moves on the left.
This international destination requires:
- A valid passport with six months of validity and one blank page for entry stamp.
- Tourist VISA required.
Subject to flooding, high temperatures, humidity, landslides, and monsoons.
- Best Time to Visit: April & May
- Coolest Months: June - August
- Hottest Months: May - November
- Peak Season: June - October
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All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Subject to change without notice.
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