Beaches and the Nino Konis Santana National Park in Timor Leste

Beaches and the Nino Konis Santana National Park

Timor-Leste has many stunning beaches, from the more popular ones such as Areia Branca and Back Beach near Dili, to others that are almost deserted. You’ll love them!  For your beach experience drive out along the coast from Dili or take a boat trip to the island of Atauro.

They include pristine tropical paradises along the northern coast such as the white sand beaches to the east near Baucau, on both sides of Com, at Valu and around exquisite Jaco Island, at the far eastern extremity of the country. Apart from having one of the country’s most beautiful beaches, Jaco Island and the nearby community of Tutuala are in the Nino Konis Santana National Park, so it is worth planning a walk in the forest in this protected area and arranging with a local guide to see the cave art, dating back 35,000 years. In this area you can also see some of the best examples of the traditional Timorese “spirit houses” at Lospalos, where ancient traditional ceremonies are still performed today.

Beautiful silver-grey beaches lie to the west, where you also have the option of “glamping” on the shore.  Atauro Island has some untouched gems around its coastline which are perfect for beach walking and relaxation. In Timor-Leste water temperatures are warm all year round and clarity is very high making swimming and snorkelling irresistible. Sunrise and sunset are special times and the colours reflecting on the water are often mesmerising. Along the coastal roads there are often stalls selling freshly-caught local grilled fish, which are very popular with both Timorese travellers and foreign visitors. It’s a simple pleasure, served with a squeeze of fresh lime juice, a package of coconut rice cooked in palm leaves and the essential Timorese chilli sauce.