Have you ever travelled to a place that was never on your bucketlist but then fall in love with the destination? Well, I have had a love affair with Timor-Leste this year! This affair started in July when I visited to start working with a number of businesses to help increase tourism. In 3 months I have been back 2 more times, yet I haven’t even scratched the surface on what this diverse country has to offer.
Why is Timor-Leste an up and coming hot spot? There are dozens of reasons people are adding Timor-Leste to their list, here are just a few.
The People & Culture: I have been to several countries where I embraced the culture and felt so welcomed by the locals that they hold a special place in my heart. On my first trip to Timor-Leste I quickly realised that this is truly a unique place. Immediately upon arrival I saw how welcoming the Timorese people are and how proud they are of their heritage. It is humbling to see how happy everyone is even without all the modern conveniences. It’s refreshing to spend time with people who appreciate what life has to offer.
The History: As one of the newest countries in the world, Timor-Leste has a very interesting and brutal past. Until 1975 the Portugese had control over the country at which time Timor-Leste set up political parties. This was short lived as Indonesia invaded and it wasn’t until 2002 that they regained their independance. Throughout the whole country you will come across historic sites which makes it a perfect destination for history buffs. I highly recommend visiting the Resistance Musuem in Dili, which does an amazing job outlining Timor-Leste’s history and challenges.
The Marine Biodiversity: Get your dive and snorkel gear ready because you will see some of the most biodiverse marine environments on the planet. There are dozens of spots around the country to snorkel, dive and enjoy the beautiful beaches. We recommend visiting Atauros Island, which dedicated to marine life. Y
ou can walk from the beach into the water and have the most glorious snorkeling experience ever.
Each time I visit I learn more about the history, see a new area and experience something unique. I love the fact that Timor-Leste is less than a 90 minute flight from Darwin so it is a quick destination for a long weekend getaway. I have found that the beauty of this country is that there is something for everyone and you can easily visit multiple times experiencing something completely different each time.
Some highlights I have had on my visits so far would include-
Of course there are so many other experiences you can have while travelling throughout Timor-Leste, I’m already planning my next trip which will take me in to the mountains and on some epic hikes. In fact, stay tuned because I’m putting together a group tour for 2020!
If this simple summary of Timor-Leste has grabbed your attention and you are keen to learn more let me know. Many say that Dili now is how Bali was 20 years ago. I can’t compare as I hadn’t visited Bali that long ago but I can say it reminded me of areas of Costa Rica and Mexico and made me feel at home. I’d love for you to have this same experience!
Skal International- Darwin Vice President
Tourism Top End
Peace of mind
