EAST TIMOR

The top reasons to visit East Timor may not be as glamourized as its neighboring countries. But this nation has a lot to offer in terms of tourism. As a Southeast Asian state, East Timor is blessed with a tropical climate and an attractive culture. But what really makes it really special is the fact that it has retained a lot of its natural beauty, in spite of years of commercialization. East Timor became a sovereign state just recently after being released by Indonesia. And although it has predominantly been a lower-middle-income-economy, it is expected to have the sixth biggest GDP worldwide come 2013.

Jaco Beach

One of the top reasons to visit East Timor is its pristine and unpopulated beachfronts. Here, you could actually make believe that you own that piece of real estate thanks to the fact that it is not largely marketed. Those who do give the country time can relish in the exquisiteness of its coastlines minus the noise and the crowds. And as an added bonus, there are actually bars and hotels nearby that they can take advantage of to make their stay more convenient.

Jaco Island is one of the country’s premier beach terminuses. And although it is a 6 hour drive from Dili, it truly is a site to behold. Other options include the white sand shores of Areia Branca and Dollar Beach, which are just as gorgeous. Now, the southern portion of East Timor also has a few seaside hotspots to boast of. But because of the abundance of large saltwater crocodiles in the area, swimming there is discouraged. Unless of course, they are part of the reason why you’re there, then you could approach with caution.

Dili with Atauro Island in background

Now, when beaches are involved, one of the foremost activities tourists usually pursue is that of diving. And given its location, East Timor can proudly compete with other countries in terms of marine biodiversity. In fact, it is said to provide more alluring underwater attractions than that of Thailand. One of the main justifications of this is the fact that most coral reefs in foreign countries are already abused by frequent human presence. Given that East Timor is rarely visited, it has plenty of untouched and uncharted waters to dive into. Off the coast of Dili, people can already find groups of small sharks, turtles, barracudas and schools of tuna. Another recommended dive spot is Atauro Island, which is much further than the former. And on your way, you are bound to encounter dolphins as well as humpback and sperm whales, especially during October and November.

As a final entry to the top reasons to visit East Timor, one might also find something to appreciate about its land-based points of interest, starting with Mount Matebian and Loelaco Mountain, which are perfect for mid-expert climbing and trekking enthusiasts. Architecture-wise, people can drive to the 17th century fort of Maubara, which offers a picturesque view of the sea, or head on out to Baucau, which hosts a dozen colonial infrastructures that were remnants of the Portuguese occupation.