Dili: Spectacular Scenery and Beautiful Beaches in East Timor’s Capital City

Experience

Why visit Dili?

Dili, the capital of East Timor, is placed against the backdrop of lush, green hills that come alive during the rainy season, while their terracotta-colored earth becomes visible during the dry season. The city overlooks the ocean and is connected by a road and waterfront area. For the capitol, there are various embassies, many government buildings, the Motael Church, and a lighthouse.

Dili,is a city that makes it onto few travel itineraries. It’s a place that’s as off the beaten track as it gets in Southeast Asia, an unknown city at the far southern reaches of the continent on a divided island that few people understand, or even know exists.

For those reasons, I had to visit Dili. I wanted to see this unknown city for myself. I wanted to see what was really there and I wanted to try and uncover the story of this tiny island nation.

I knew almost nothing myself before travelling to East Timor, except that the country occupied half of the island of Timor, the other half being Indonesian. I knew they had struggled for independence for decades from Indonesia, only attaining it in 2002, and I knew that before the Indonesians, the Portuguese had been colonisers for centuries.

I was expecting to find a run down, bedraggled city struggling with its newfound independence, and unfortunately, I did find this. But what I hadn’t expected to find in Dili were the astonishing locals, who despite the adversity, the decades of war and lack of infrastructure – Indonesia destroyed everything before their troops left – were always smiling and intrigued to meet a foreigner who just wanted to see their country, a foreigner who wasn’t on a humanitarian mission or working for the government.

I discovered that East Timor, rather than being held back by its colonial past is simply merging all the elements of language, culture and cuisine that they have acquired from other nations with their own distinct Timorese customs. People in Dili spoke Portuguese, Indonesian, English and their own dialect of Tetum. It’s a unique culture, created from the ashes of their colonial past and being made into their own.

And aside from the compelling history and people, I found that Dili, a coastal city, sits on some of the most pristine beaches and is surrounded by some of the greenest mountains I’ve ever seen in Southeast Asia. The landscape is untouched by tourism, and I was the only one there to enjoy it.

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SEE – Photos & Videos

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GO – Getting There

The easiest and most cost-effective way to travel to Dili is from Bali, Indonesia, as there are several flights daily. Travel time from Bali to Dili is around 2 hours. There are a few flights a week to Darwin in Australia and occasionally to Singapore.

It’s also possible to travel overland from Kupang, the largest city in West Timor on the Indonesian side of the island. There are cheap domestic flights to Kupang from all over Indonesia, and it is then possible to take a long bus ride across the island to Dili. Travel time is at least twelve hours on rough roads, and the land border can sometimes be closed, so check the prevailing political conditions before attempting this route. This overland route is difficult, but it’s a real adventure.

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Do – Activities & Attractions

First up, visit the Timorese Resistance Archive and Museum and the Chega! Exhibition. These two museums display vividly East Timor’s fight for independence from Indonesia, as well as the longer Portuguese colonial past which stretches back hundreds of years. It’s essential viewing to understand the country’s current situation.

Walk to the top of Christo Rei, a towering statue of Jesus Christ which looks out over Dili from the nearby cliffs, and offers spectacular views of the city and the surrounding beaches and coastline.

It’s also possible to visit Atauro Island, just a two-hour ferry ride away – in good weather – from Dili. This is one of Asia’s most diverse marine environments, and the coral is pristine. It’s the best place to snorkel and dive near Dili.

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Stay – Accommodation

Dili’s accommodation is not good value. There are large, established hotels catering for expats and foreign workers such as the Hotel Timor, which is expensive by equivalent Asian standards. Budget travellers have a few choices, as in recent years a few hostels have opened up. There are now a grand total of 3 hostels in Dili, offering basic accommodation, usually around the 10 USD range. These are the best places to stay to meet other travellers and to actually find out information on travel to other parts of East Timor. The pick of the bunch currently is Hostel da Terra.

Sunset INN by Pro-Ema

Sunset INN by Pro-Ema is a cozy hotel known for its friendly service and delicious food. The restaurant offers international dishes with halal, vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options, plus breakfast featuring pancakes, cheese, fruits, and juice. Guests appreciate private check-in, room service, daily cleaning, laundry, and free parking. Additional amenities include a hairdresser, full-time security, and luggage storage. Conveniently located just a short drive from Presidente Nicolau Lobato Airport, the hotel is praised for its attentive staff, tasty meals, and excellent location, making it a popular choice for travelers seeking comfort and convenience.

Check Rates and Availability here!

Timor Plaza Hotel & Apartments

Timor Plaza Hotel & Apartments in Dili offers a mix of private rooms and self-contained apartments, ideal for both short and extended stays. Guests can enjoy meals at the on-site restaurant, which features international cuisine with an Asian twist, and relax with live music on Friday and Saturday evenings. Located within a shopping center and a short drive from Presidente Nicolau Lobato International Airport, the hotel is close to shops, dining, and city attractions. Some rooms include kitchenettes or patios, providing extra comfort for longer visits.

Check Rates and Availability here!

Plaza Hotel

Plaza Hotel in Dili offers comfortable accommodations right in the city center, just steps from the historic Portuguese Palacio de Governu. Guests can dine at the on-site restaurant serving international cuisine and enjoy the bar with a selection of beer and wine. Some bookings include breakfast, lunch, or dinner with a variety of main courses and drinks. The hotel is within walking distance of shops and restaurants, and a short 15-minute drive from Presidente Nicolau Lobato International Airport, making it a convenient choice for exploring the city or relaxing after a day of sightseeing.

Check Rates and Availability here!

Hotel Timor

Hotel Timor is just steps from Dili Beach and within walking distance of local shops, restaurants, and Timor Leste Wharf. The hotel offers a bar, restaurant, and swimming pool surrounded by sun loungers for a relaxing stay. Guests can enjoy a Portuguese-influenced à la carte menu or light bites at the snack bar. The poolside bar serves cocktails, and there’s an on-site gift shop for browsing. Centrally located in Dili, the hotel is about a 10-minute drive from Nicolau Lobato International Airport and a 15-minute walk from Timor Crocs National Stadium.

Check Rates and Availability here!

Hotel Esplanada

Hotel Esplanada in Dili is located right on the beach, surrounded by lush gardens and a spacious terrace. Guests can enjoy a refreshing swim in the outdoor pool or relax in shaded seating areas with views of the water. The on-site restaurant and bar offer a variety of local and international dishes, ideal for unwinding after a day of exploring. Rooms feature balconies overlooking the garden or pool, along with private bathrooms and modern amenities. Conveniently situated just a short drive from Presidente Nicolau Lobato International Airport, it’s a great base for visiting nearby attractions.

Check Rates and Availability here!

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Eat – Restaurants

Local eateries are found all over Dili. These are the cheapest options for travellers, with meals generally costing just 1 or 2 USD. The local cuisine is a real fusion of Portuguese, Indonesian and Timorese flavours. There are a few international chains – even a Burger King – and the Food Court of the Timor Plaza Shopping Mall has a variety of cheap, international stands.

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Time – Seasonality & Schedules

Dili experiences a hot and humid wet season from December to May, while the dry season runs from June to November. The best time to visit is the end of the dry season when temperatures are pleasant and the marine life, coral and beaches are at their best.

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Safety – Possible risks

Dili is generally a very safe city to visit, locals will be intrigued to meet a foreigner who is visiting as a tourist and will generally be welcoming. Being a very new country, East Timor has in the recent past experienced turbulent political times, so be aware of any elections and keep informed of the news while travelling here.

Please Note: Travel inherently comes with an element of risk (just like crossing the road does). You are putting yourself in elements that are unfamiliar and foreign to your usual lifestyle and with that, become more susceptible to fall victim those who try to play off those unfamiliar to their local scams. There are also potential dangers in the environments to which you may not be accustomed to.

Please take extra care in travelling, ensure that you have adequate medical insurance (accidents seem to happen when you least expect them), and have let a trusted colleague, family member or friend know your whereabouts and activities.

Where Sidewalks End travel advises you to travel at your own risk, and to be extra aware of your surroundings (without letting it spoiling your time).

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Pay – How much does it cost?

East Timor uses the US Dollar as their primary currency, however, this is split into Centavos, locally issued coins of which 100 Centavos make up 1 USD. In Dili, there are several ATMs which accept foreign cards at the Timor Plaza Shopping Mall and in the larger hotels (such as Hotel Timor).

These ATMs all issue US Dollars. Costs in Dili can be significantly higher in comparison to other Southeast Asian nations such as neighbouring Indonesia, and don’t expect too much for your money. Prices are higher because of the false economy created by the huge influx of foreign workers and NGO’s who had money to spend after East Timor gained independence. Accommodation is basic but can be expensive, although if you eat locally, food can be cheap, as can local transport.

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Responsible Travel – Best Practices

Dili’s economy was adversely affected by the influx of money being spent by foreign workers and NGOs after independence in 2002 from Indonesia, and the economy is still adjusting to this. Foreign imports and large chain hotels and restaurants are expensive and unaffordable for locals on their incredibly low salaries – who see almost nothing in return, and none of the money that is supposed to be helping the country – so rather than spending money in these places, the best way to be responsible is to go local in the city. Eat at the local diners with the locals, use the local transport and stay in the hostels and homestays to ensure your money is more likely to go where it is actually needed.

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Reality Check – Be Aware

Dili and East Timor, in general, is still yet to really enter the tourism game. Few foreigners visit for leisure or travel, and the city is certainly not set up for tourists. There is little information available outside of the hostels, and travellers have to be prepared to take their time for things to get done, or to be arranged if they need help sightseeing or even just finding a working ATM.

Infrastructure can be limited and Wifi is almost non-existent in the city, while onward transport can be frustrating to book. That being said, it is a raw experience, and if you do as the locals do, and immerse yourself in the experience, then Dili is an incredibly off-the-beaten-track city to explore.

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JOIN US! WSE Travel Packages

This sounds like quite the adventure, right? We thought so too! Though we realize it can be pretty intimidating to get out there into the world on your own, especially when travelling to some of these off-the-beaten-path locations. We love it when our readers give it a shot and try it for themselves! In fact, please leave us feedback if you do!! If trying something ‘this’ adventurous on your own is just a bit outside of your comfort zone, WSE Travel is here to help!

Follow this link for our ‘Choose Your Own Adventure’ Tours – packages that are highly personalized and tailored at your request.

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Have you ever been to a city that had a really unique historical or cultural feature? Where was it and what made it so unique?

Explore more off-the-beaten path destinations in East Timur with a trip to Baucau.

Please feel free to share your stories and thoughts in the comment section below!

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