History and culture awaits in Dili, the capital of Timor-Leste
Dili spreads along the waterfront between the Wetar Strait and densely covered hills, and is home to around 325,000 of Timor-Leste’s 1.3m population. It has Portuguese, Indonesian and Timorese era heritage, though over 80% of Dili was destroyed with Indonesia’s exit in 1999. Relative to the rest of Timor-Leste it is a big city, but visitors will find it a welcoming place.
On this one day tour you will visit six of the key sights in the city, and see much more as you travel around the streets of Dili. You will get a good understanding of the history and culture of Timor-Leste, particularly its struggle for independence from Indonesia, the importance of religion in the second most Catholic country in the world (after The Vatican City), and its traditional culture.
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Cristo Rei
The most recognisable ‘sight’ in Timor-Leste stands 27m high at the end of Cape Fatucama. The statue of Jesus was intended as a gift from the Indonesian government to then East Timor to mark the 20th anniversary of its integration as the 27th province of Indonesia (which explains its height). Costing over 5 billion rupiah (US$559,000), it opened in 1996, just three years before the Timorese gained independence from their Indonesian occupiers. There are 14 Stations of the Cross leading up nearly 600 steps from the huge flagpole by Cristo Rei Beach. The statue itself faces Jakarta. The cape, and two beaches, have been designated an Important Bird Area. Migratory birds who visit the area include the critically endangered Christmas Island frigatebirds. Cool down afterwards with a dip or snorkel at Dolok Oan / Back Beach on the other side of the peninsula.
Timorese Resistance Archive & Museum
The best place to start to understand the history of Timor-Leste. Opened in 2005, in the rebuilt former Portuguese Timor Court of Justice building, the museum tells the story of Timor-Leste from pre-colonial times, but the focus is on the brutal 24 year long Indonesian occupation. Note that photography is not allowed inside.
Chega! Exhibition
In Portuguese Chega! means stop or enough, and was the title of the report of the Timor-Leste Commission for Reception, Truth and Reconciliation. The Chega! Exhibition was established in 2016 in the Old Balide Prison, which was used during Portuguese and Indonesian times to house and torture thousands of Timorese. It is a deeply moving place to visit.
Santa Cruz Cemetery
One of the most important places in modern Timorese history. On 12 November 1991 mourners for independence supporter Sebastião Gomes were fired upon by Indonesian soldiers while undertaking a peaceful procession from Motael Church to Santa Cruz Cemetery. At least 271 people, mostly students, were killed. British journalist Max Stahl managed to bravely film the massacre, and hide his footage in the cemetery, to later recover and share with the world. Timor-Leste had been under occupation from Indonesian since 1975 but this was the event that really made the world aware of what was happening, and helped lead to independence. 12 November is now an annual Youth Day, and commemorations are held at the cemetery.
Tasi Tolu
One of the most scenic parts of Dili. Tasi means sea and tolu means three, referring to the three lakes in the area, though during the wet season the two largest merge, and during the dry season they can largely disappear. It is a nationally Important Bird Area where 71 different species have been spotted, including water birds who migrate annually from Russia. It was a protected nature reserve but many people who moved from the districts have established homes around the perimeter of the lakes. In September 2024 Pope Francis celebrated mass for an estimated 700,000 people at Tasi Tolu, from a purpose-built platform. Microlet local bus #10.
Uma Adat São Paulo II
This raised platform in Tasi Tolu is where Pope John Paul II spoke to tens of thousands of Timorese in 1989. It is also used for political rallies as the largest open area in Dili.
Statue of Pope John Paul II
Opened in 2008 to commemorate the visit of Pope John Paul II, this striking statue can be found on a small hill across the road from Dili Rock, which marks the border between Dili and Liquiçá. Microlet local bus #10 and walk for 15 minutes.
Tais Market
Tais cloth is a form of traditional weaving created by women in Timor Leste and is made either by hand or by using a traditional loom (“ soru Tais”). An essential part of the nation’s cultural heritage and identity, tais weaving are used for ceremonial rituals, for adornment and home décor, personal apparel and are also given to special guests. Weaving of tais is performed solely by women, with techniques passed down orally from generation to generation. In the era of independence, tais artisans have begun specializing in customized weaving, as well as tais like products such as handbags and scarves. The tais is made of cotton rolled with raffia and it is dyed with natural colours.
The imagery and patterns of tais vary greatly from region to region, but they often included message of local and significant events. Imagery often includes animals such as the crocodile, upon which the creation legend of the island is based. Geometric patterns known as “kaif “are also employed in most tais. Styles of tais worn on the body are differentiated by gender. Men traditionally wear the tais mane, a single large wrap around the waist usually finished with tassels. Women wear the tais feto, a form of strapless dress woven in the save of a tube. A third type known as the selendang, a slender cloth worn around the neck. The Tais Market is a great place to to buy Tais, and other souvenirs of your time in Timor-Leste.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
Price
US$65 per person (based on 3 people per vehicle). For smaller or larger groups please inquire.
Inclusions
- 1 day tour
- 2WD vehicle
- English speaking driver / guide
- Entry fees
Exclusions
- Food and drink
- Any other personal items
Payment
- Confirmation of tour services for groups not less than 21 days prior to tour commencing.
- 20% deposit of total invoice is due at time of confirmation.
- Full payment of invoice due immediately if notice of confirmation is less than 14 days prior to tour commencing.
Cancellation
- The deposit, being 20% of total invoice is forfeited if cancelation is notified less than 7 days.
Important notes
- Passport must be valid for at least 6 months upon entry
- 30 day tourist visa granted on arrival for US$30 (cash only, bring with you as there is no accessible ATM at the airport)
- Mastercard is only accepted at BNU ATMs, nowhere else in Timor-Leste
- Currency is in USD, bring USD $5, $10 and $20 notes, or use ATM in Dili
- Timor-Leste coins (5c, 10c, 25c, 50c, $1, $2) are used widely and available only in the country
What to bring
- Always have at least one 1.5 litre bottle of drinking water handy as the Dili climate is hot and humid
- Insect repellent
- Sun lotion
Adventure travel
By its very nature, adventure travel involves an element of the unexpected. In remote and developing countries do not expect standards you are used to back at home. Remote areas are sometimes unpredictable and itineraries may need to be altered. To get the most from your tour it is important to be flexible, positive and eager to take on all the challenges that arise. The environments we travel through are fragile and it is our responsibility as visitors to minimise the impact of our presence.
