This tiny island nation, tucked away in the southeastern corner of Asia, is too often overlooked by travelers. For the intrepid backpacker, however, the emerging destination of East Timor holds a sea of unexplored adventures, breathtaking natural beauty, and a unique cultural heritage waiting to be discovered.
From rugged mountains to pristine beaches, varied landscapes in East Timor intersperse ancient villages, colonial towns, and vibrant markets. Intricate in its history and resilient in its people, untouched in its wilderness, it becomes apparently unique for any traveler off the beaten path.
We’ll talk about backpacking East Timor and relate insider tips, budget-friendly advice, and unforgettable experiences that will inspire you to visit this amazing destination. Get ready to unlock the secrets of East Timor, whether you are a well-seasoned traveler or just setting up your next adventure, so you will find out why it is simply the one of the best destinations for the curious and the brave.
How to get there:
From Indonesia:
- Flights: Take a short flight from Bali (DPS) or Jakarta (CGK) to Dili (DIL) with airlines like Garuda Indonesia, Sriwijaya Air, or Nam Air.
- Ferry: Travel by ferry from Kupang (West Timor) to Dili with operators like Pelni or ASDP.
From Australia:
- Flights: Fly from Darwin (DRW) or Bali (DPS) to Dili (DIL) with airlines like Qantas, Garuda Indonesia, or Sriwijaya Air.
From Singapore and Malaysia:
- Flights: Take a connecting flight from Singapore (SIN) or Kuala Lumpur (KUL) to Dili (DIL) with airlines like Singapore Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, or Garuda Indonesia.
From Other Islands:
- Ferry: Travel by ferry from nearby islands like Flores, Sumba, or Alor to Dili with operators like Pelni or ASDP.
Best Itineraries:
Day 1: Dili
- Explore Dili’s waterfront and markets
- Visit the National Museum and Timor Leste Resistance Archive & Museum
- Enjoy local seafood and sunset at the beach
Day 2: Dili to Baucau
- Take a bus or taxi to Baucau (approx. 4 hours)
- Visit the Baucau Market and old town
- Relax at the Baucau Beach
Day 3: Baucau to Dili
- Return to Dili by bus or taxi
- Visit the Cristo Rei statue and Dili’s hills for panoramic views
1-Week Itinerary:
Day 1-2: Dili
- Explore Dili’s markets, museums, and waterfront
- Take a day trip to the nearby town of Gleno
Day 3-4: Baucau
- Travel to Baucau by bus or taxi
- Visit the Baucau Market, old town, and beach
- Explore the nearby villages and waterfalls
Day 5: Vemasse
- Take a bus or taxi to Vemasse (approx. 2 hours)
- Visit the Vemasse Hot Springs and nearby waterfalls
Day 6-7: Return to Dili
- Travel back to Dili by bus or taxi
- Spend the last days exploring Dili’s surroundings, like the nearby town of Aileu
2-Week Itinerary:
Day 1-3: Dili
- Explore Dili’s markets, museums, and waterfront
- Take a day trip to the nearby town of Gleno
- Visit the nearby town of Aileu
Day 4-6: Baucau
- Travel to Baucau by bus or taxi
- Visit the Baucau Market, old town, and beach
- Explore the nearby villages and waterfalls
Day 7-8: Vemasse
- Take a bus or taxi to Vemasse (approx. 2 hours)
- Visit the Vemasse Hot Springs and nearby waterfalls
Day 9-10: Atauro Island
- Take a ferry to Atauro Island (approx. 2 hours)
- Explore the island’s beaches, coral reefs, and villages
Day 11-14: Return to Dili
- Travel back to Dili by ferry and bus or taxi
- Spend the last days exploring Dili’s surroundings or relaxing on the beach
Transportation:
Timor Leste has a developing public transportation system. While it may not be as extensive as in other countries, there are still various options to get around. Here’s a guide to public transportation in Timor Leste:
Buses (Mikrolets):
- Route: Connect major towns like Dili, Baucau, and Vemasse
- Frequency: Regular services, but schedules may vary
- Fare: Affordable (approx. $1-3 USD)
Taxis:
- Availability: Widely available in Dili and major towns
- Fare: Negotiable (approx. $5-10 USD for short trips)
Microlets (Angkot):
- Route: Connect neighborhoods and nearby towns
- Frequency: Frequent services
- Fare: Cheap (approx. $0.50-1 USD)
Ferries:
- Route: Connect Dili to nearby islands like Atauro
- Frequency: Regular services, but schedules may vary
- Fare: Affordable (approx. $5-10 USD)
Top things to do:
Dili:
- Waterfront: Stroll along the beach and enjoy local food
- National Museum: Learn about Timor Leste’s history and culture
- Cristo Rei: Visit the iconic statue and enjoy panoramic views
- Markets: Explore the bustling markets for local handicrafts and souvenirs
- Dili Cathedral: Visit the historic cathedral and admire its architecture
Baucau:
- Baucau Market: Experience the vibrant local market
- Old Town: Explore the historic town and colonial architecture
- Baucau Beach: Relax on the stunning beach
- Nearby villages: Visit traditional villages and waterfalls
- Baucau Museum: Learn about the region’s history and culture
Vemasse:
- Vemasse Hot Springs: Soak in the natural hot springs
- Waterfalls: Explore the nearby waterfalls and swimming holes
- Local villages: Visit traditional villages and experience rural life
- Vemasse Lake: Enjoy the scenic lake and surrounding hills
Atauro Island:
- Beaches: Enjoy the stunning beaches and coral reefs
- Snorkeling and diving: Explore the island’s marine life
- Villages: Visit traditional villages and experience island culture
- Hiking: Explore the island’s scenic trails and hills
- Atauro Island Lighthouse: Visit the historic lighthouse and enjoy panoramic views
Mount Ramelau:
- Hiking: Trek to the highest point in Timor Leste
- Scenic views: Enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding landscape
- Traditional villages: Visit villages and experience rural life
- Mount Ramelau Church: Visit the historic church and admire its architecture
Other areas:
- Jacó Island: Explore this beautiful island with coral reefs.
- Tasi Tolu: Explore the scenic lakes and hills
- Maubisse: Explore this historic town and many traditional villages.
- Aileu: Explore the picturesque town and nearby hills.
- Gleno: Exploring the ancient town, old villages.
- Balibo: Explore the historic town and traditional villages.
Food:
As a broke backpacker, I was delighted to find such a cheap and delicious food scene in Timor Leste. From traditional markets right through to street food stalls, I let myself indulge on a culinary adventure that was not so hard on the wallet.
My day started with a visit to the local marketplace in Dili, where I was able to try fresh tropical fruits like mango, banana, and coconut for mere cents. The smell of freshly baked bread lured me to have a warm baguette for only US$ 0.50.
Lunch was at a stall on the street selling traditional Timorese batar da’an, a corn and bean stew, or ikan pepes, grilled fish in banana leaves. It was so filling that an entire meal cost only $1.50!
Later in the evening, I strolled around the night market, smelling all the delicious grilled meats and seafood vendors had to offer. I enjoyed a succulent plate of grilled chicken and vegetables for $2.
But above all, in my sojourn, I came to know that this local staple—ai manas—steamed rice with vegetable and meat—was something pretty amazing and inexpensive.
Tips:
- Eat at local markets and street food stalls for authentic flavors at affordable prices.
- Try traditional dishes like batar da’an and ikan pepes.
- Indulge in fresh tropical fruits and freshly baked bread.
- Visit night markets for grilled meats and seafood.
Culture:
Traditional Culture
- Tribal influences: Timor Leste has over 30 ethnic groups, each with their own language, customs, and traditions.
- Agricultural roots: The majority of Timorese people are farmers, with agriculture playing a significant role in their culture and daily life.
- Community-oriented: Timorese culture values community and family, with strong social bonds and respect for elders.
Influences and Colonization
- Portuguese colonization: Timor Leste was a Portuguese colony from 1702 to 1975, leaving a lasting legacy in language, architecture, and cuisine.
- Indonesian occupation: The country was occupied by Indonesia from 1975 to 1999, influencing the culture with Indonesian customs and Islam.
- Christianity: Christianity, introduced by the Portuguese, plays a significant role in Timorese culture, with many citizens practicing Catholicism.
Arts and Stuff
- Textiles: Traditional textiles, such as tais (woven cloth), are an integral part of Timorese culture, used in ceremonies and daily life.
- Woodcarvings: Skilled woodcarvings, often depicting tribal motifs, are a popular craft.
- Music and dance: Traditional music and dance, such as the tebe-tai (drum dance), are performed during celebrations and ceremonies.
Cuisine
- Local ingredients: Timorese cuisine features fresh seafood, coconut, corn, and tropical fruits.
- Traditional dishes: Popular dishes include batar da’an (corn and bean stew), ikan pepes (grilled fish in banana leaves), and ai manas (steamed rice with vegetables and meat).
Festivals and Celebrations
- Independence Day: May 20th, celebrating Timor Leste’s independence from Indonesia.
- Easter: A significant holiday, with processions and festivities.
- Traditional ceremonies: Various ceremonies, such as weddings and harvest festivals, showcase Timorese culture and traditions.
Accommodations:
Dili:
- Dili Central Backpackers: A social hostel with dorms and private rooms from $5-15 USD per night.
- HI Timor Leste: A simple hostel with dorms and private rooms from $5-15 USD per night.
- Guesthouse Lecidere: A family-run guesthouse with private rooms from $10-20 USD per night.
Baucau:
- Baucau Guesthouse: A basic guesthouse with private rooms from $5-10 USD per night.
- Pousada de Baucau: A simple pousada with private rooms from $10-20 USD per night.
Vemasse:
- Vemasse Guesthouse: A family-run guesthouse with private rooms from $5-10 USD per night.
Atauro Island:
- Atauro Island Eco-Lodge: A rustic eco-lodge with dorms and private rooms from $10-25 USD per night.
Nightlife:
Dili:
- Black Rock Bar: A popular spot for expats and locals, with live music and a wide selection of drinks.
- Castaway Bar: A beachfront bar with a relaxed atmosphere and stunning sunset views.
- Dili Club: A lively club with DJ nights and themed parties.
- The Beach House: A beachfront restaurant and bar with live music and cocktails.
- Dili Tavern: A sports bar with live music and pub grub.
Baucau:
- Baucau Bar: A local favorite with live music and a range of drinks.
- Pousada de Baucau Bar: A hotel bar with a relaxed atmosphere and pool table.
- Baucau Nightclub: A lively club with DJ nights and dancing.
Vemasse:
- Vemasse Bar: A local spot with live music and traditional Timorese dancing.
- Vemasse Nightclub: A lively club with DJ nights and themed parties.
Atauro Island:
- Atauro Island Eco-Lodge Bar: A beachfront bar with a relaxed atmosphere and stunning sunset views.
- Atauro Island Beach Bar: A beachfront bar with live music and cocktails.
Other areas:
- Gleno: Experience traditional Timorese music and dance at local bars and restaurants.
- Aileu: Enjoy live music and local drinks at bars and restaurants.
Tips:
- Be respectful of local customs and traditions.
- Dress modestly and remove shoes when entering local bars or clubs.
- Try local beers like Beer Timor and Coral Beer.
- Enjoy the warm hospitality of the Timorese people!
Backpacking costs:
Daily Budget Breakdown for Broke Backpacking in Timor Leste:
- Accommodation: $5-10 USD (hostel or guesthouse)
- Food: $3-5 USD (street food or local markets)
- Transportation: $2-5 USD (local buses or taxis)
- Attractions: $2-5 USD (local attractions or national parks)
Total daily budget: $12-25 USD
Weekly Budget Breakdown for Broke Backpacking in Timor Leste:
- Accommodation: $35-70 USD (avg. $5-10 USD per night)
- Food: $21-35 USD (avg. $3-5 USD per meal)
- Transportation: $14-35 USD (avg. $2-5 USD per ride)
- Attractions: $14-35 USD (avg. $2-5 USD per attraction)
Total weekly budget: $84-175 USD
This little secret of Southeast Asia—Timor Leste—is literally a total paradise for broke backpackers. With some of the cheapest accommodation and delicious street food one could ever need, this makes the traveling wallet just perfect.
From the streets of Dili, crowded with traffic, to the relaxed beaches of Atauro Island, there is much that Timor Leste has in store for every type of traveler. Whether you’re looking for adventure, culture, or just a spot to kick back, it’s got everything for you.
You know what the best part is? It’s dirt cheap! Daily expenses range from $12-25 USD, so Timor Leste is among the cheapest spots in Southeast Asia.
Broke backpacker in search of your next adventure? Put Timor Leste on your bucket list. With those friendly vibes, breathtaking views, and wallet-friendly prices, it’s totally going to capture your heart ( or not ).