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Go diving in East Timor

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You want to go to a tropical paradise where the average tourist does not come because he has never heard of it? Than East Timor is your place to be. At the moment, around 1,500 tourists visit the archipelago annually and that number is growing slowly. Imagine untouched coral reefs just a stone's throw from the beach. Add a super friendly local population and expect tasty fresh food. 
East Timor, the newest country of Southeast Asia, is located northwest of Darwin in Australia. The country lies within the coral triangle and offers a massive variety of coral and reef fish species. This region is called the "Amazon of the Sea" and is a globally recognized center of marine biodiversity. The dives in this country are absolutely brilliant.

Although tourism in East Timor has not yet been developed you will find beautiful beaches everywhere: it is the perfect place for divers and the island Atauro is perfect for snorkeling. On the mainland, the coffee plantations of Hatubuilico and the Ramelau mountain are the main attractions. East Timor is challenging to travel at the moment. Roads are almost non-existent and it can take an infinite amount of time to get from A to B.

Where to stay

If you are looking for a nice place to stay in Dili we recommend the Novo Turismo Resort and Spa. It is near the city center and also at the sea front. It has wonderful helpful staff. Expect good size rooms with balconies overlooking the pool. The swimming pool is excellent. On booking.com they get an average rating of 8.2.

When to visit

It is a fantastic place to see several whale species migrate in the months of September through November.  April till September is the best time for clear water and the prospect of seeing manta rays and whale sharks. From June to November is the driest period. For more climate information in Dili click here. 

This article was last updated on December 04, 2020.