We will start our Timor Leste Travel Tips by talking about this country. It is a Southeast Asian state which occupies half of the state of Timor, encircled with coral reefs full of marine species. Timor-Leste is the most recent name for the state. previously, It was East Timor.
What makes this peculiar is that the name ‘Timor’ indicates east, a term of Indonesian and Portuguese roots. The nation is largely rocky. Tatamailau is the tallest mountain, at 2,963 m (9,721 feet). It is also called Mount Ramelau.
Historical sites in the capital, Dili, connect to the states’s freedom battles from Portugal in 1975 and then Indonesia in 2002. The famous 27m-tall statue of Cristo Rei de Dili stands on a clifftop high above the area, with expansive points of view of the nearby harbor.
Table of Contents
Things to do in Timor Leste
- Atauro Island
- Jaco Island
- Tatamailau
- Cristo Rei of Dili
- Nino Konis Santana National Park
- Tais Market
- Timorese Resistance Archive and Museum
- Matebian
- One Dollar Beach
- Chega! Exhibition
Language
Portuguese & Tetum are the designated & main Timor Leste’s languages. Timor-Leste’s people are speaking in both Austronesian and Papuan tongues. The native populations of Timor-Leste still use many other tongues. Which include English, Bekais, Bunak, Galoli, Habun, Idalaka, Kawaimina, Kemak, Lovaia, Makalero, Makasae, Mambai, Tokodede, Wetarese, and some others.
Bekais and Kemak are often used across the eastern and western Timor border areas. While Bunak, Habu, and Makasae are popular in the central area. Mambai is used by the Mambai people who represent the region’s second-largest indigenous community.
Currency & Banking
The Official & primary currency of Timor-Leste is US dollars (USD). However, The country does have its own coins named Centavos. These are available in denominations of 5, 1o, 25, 50 & 100 centavos. 100 Centavos is equivalent to one USD. There are some banks in Dili. There is a good range of ATM’s in Dili.
However, The perfect place to go is to locate a functioning ATM is Timor Plaza. In this region, some areas accept credit card payments but only within Dili. Dili’s outer edges have quite least ATM’s. Timor Leste Travel Tips advise you to keep some cash and change for small payments.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Timor Leste is from April to July, that’s when you get the best weather. The average temperature is from 22ºC to 31ºC in this season. This is considered a high season in this country. Hotel rates remain on the higher side in this period.
This region has a tropical monsoon environment, and from dry rocky mountain slopes to finely grassland valleys interspersed with agricultural fields, there are several specific nano-atmosphere. In general the landscape is much lusher and greener as you travel south.
Timor Leste Tourist Visa
A visa can be disbursed at the airport upon landing. Average come and live time is 30 days.
Documents required for Timor Leste Visa
- Passport with 6 months validity
- 2 blank pages.
- Application form.
- A passport size photo
- Itinerary
- Return Ticket
- Evidence of adequate finance
Time Zone
Time zone in Timor-Leste (GMT+9)
Emergency Numbers
- Timor-Leste’s country code: 670
- Police: 112
- Fire, Ambulance: 115
Internet & Wi-Fi
Internet Speed in Timor-Leste is slow and limited. However, the rates of Intenet are economical. You can buy SIM cards for your phone from the airport or one of many retailers all over this country. All you need is the passport to get the sim card in this country.
Timor Telecom holds the monopoly as a main services provider in this country. While you will not be able to access Skype in this country. Internet cafés can be found in Dili, Baucau and several certain suburban areas. Most Dili accommodations give free wifi but the performance is low.
Climate
Timor-Leste’s environment is tropical, meaning usually warm and moist, although the higher regions are much colder. The western monsoon carries rainfall from December to March, and warm and dry from July to November.
The coastal weather is normally about 25-35C, and at a greater altitude in the hills. It’s much colder – rainy and foggy at times, and bright and stimulating at many times.
In this area, the volume of sunshine is nice during the dry period, while in the wet season, the sun shines within a few hours each day, between one downpour and the other.
On the reverse, the sky outdoors is more quickly cloudy, particularly on the top of mountains.
Reasons to Travel Timor Leste
- The novelty value of an unexplored destination
- Coffee Love
- The snorkeling and diving
- Crafts is Unique
- People
- Food
- Away from Crowd
- Beaches
- Dili is a cute little capital
- Insane Experience
History of Timor Leste
The territory is recognized internationally as the Timor-Leste Democratic Republic. The state covers the Right half of Timor’s territory. Portuguese and Dutch merchants were the first People of Europe to appear in East Timor during the 1500s. They started setting up strongholds and local army power over the decades.
Both the Dutch and the Portuguese fought for control over the region before they eventually agreed to break up the territory with the east part belonging to Portugal in 1906, which is now East Timor. The nation was invaded by Japan around World War II. However, once again it became a Portuguese territory after the battle.
Portugal planned to move out of East Timor in 1974, and soon it was attacked by Indonesia the nearby state. The next few decades in the region were plenty of conflict and instability as fighters attempted to fight off the Indonesian takeover.
Finally, in 1999 an Australian-led military alliance joined the country to end the dispute. In 2002, Timor-Leste became an independent republic.
Religion
When we talk about Religion, Christianity is the dominant religion in this country. While In Timor Leste, Roman Catholics account for 97.6% of the population of the country. Protestant Christians, Muslims, and others comprise 2%, 0.2%, and 0.2% of the total population.
According to Timor Leste Travel Tips, Animistic beliefs and practices also play an important role in shaping the culture of the people of East Timor.
Packing Tips for Timor-Leste
- Passport & Visa
- Day Bag or Backpack
- Sunglasses and Sun Hat
- Comfortable Clothes
- Breathable tees
- Accessories
- Tickets
- Swimsuit
- Travel insurance
- Money or Cards
- Power bank
- Travel Adaptor
- Drinking water Bottle
- First aid kit
- Personal toiletries.
Is it Safe to Travel to Timor Leste?
Yes, Generally Timor Leste is a safe destination to travel. However, It is a land where you should be careful and take every preventative measure to mitigate the chance that something will go wrong. Road transport in this region isn’t the best or most comfortable alternative. In this country, You may face a serious danger of organized crime.
You should be especially cautious when handling your belongings as in any developing nations, and never hold your money in a bag or wallet.This region is also vulnerable to floods, earthquakes and extended dry spells that cause outbreaks of insects, infections, and meal insecurity.
However, It is not a safe destination for Solo Women Travelers. Women should be particularly cautious if traveling alone in this country. There are some reports of Harassment and violence against women even in the capital city. Reports of intruders entering into foreign-inhabited residences were also reported to take place.
Conclusion
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FAQs
Good Things about Timor Leste?
1. Atauro Island 2. Beaches 3. Mountain Climbing
Bad things about Timor Leste?
1. Poor roads 2. Crime 3. Poverty
Weird things about Timor Leste?
1. Uma lulik 2. Females have less rights 3. Mostly women get married before 20.
Timor Leste Travel Restrictions?
Broads are closed for tourists. Visitors are not allowed to visit.
How many states in Timor Leste?
There are 13 states in Timor Leste.