Timor-Leste (East Timor) is a country located in Southeast Asia. On 20 May 2002, East Timor was internationally recognized as an independent state under the official name of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste. After being occupied by Indonesia for more than 2 decades, the country is rebuilding and hoping its darkest past will be a significant aspect in its pursuit of a brighter future.
The island of Timor is the largest of the Lesser Sunda Islands, with the western half belonging to Indonesia and the eastern half to Timor. As a tropical country it is blessed with pristine beaches, untouched marine spots and rugged mountainside.
“From its ruggedly beautiful landscapes to its centuries-old traditions, Timor-Leste offers one of the world’s last great off-the-beaten-track adventures,” as described by Lonely Planet in its website.
Dili is the capital of the Timor Leste and you can start exploring the country from there. The gateway to the country is the Presidente Nicolau Lobato International Airport. If you are holding a Philippine passport, you don’t need to arrange a visa before your trip. Visa is available on arrival for US$30 for Business/Tourism and you will be allowed to stay for a maximum of 30 days.
If you are coming from Manila, the best way to go to Timor Leste is to fly to Bali and then get a connecting flight to Dili. There are daily return flights between Bali and Dili via Sriwijaya Air, NAM Air or Citilink.
One of the most prominent spot in the country is the Cristo Rei Statue. It is situated at the beautiful coast line and open beach of Cape Fatucama, Cristo Rei is reachable via private car, taxi or motor bike from downtown Dili. If you are fit enough, you can jog or walk going to the statue.
The 88.6 foot high statue of Jesus standing at the top of the globe was officially unveiled by Suharto in 1996 as gift from the Indonesian government to the people of East Timor
You have to endure the 590 steps up the hill to reach the statue while passing by several niches showing the Station of the Cross.
I started climbing around 4 pm and the place is not that crowded yet. Take note that locals come to this place after office hours for some exercise so it gets a little crowded. The climb to the top is a bit exhausting due to the very humid and hot weather. Climbing the stairs is fun though as the view keeps getting better and better as you reach the top.
On the way to Liquica, another district in East Timor on the western part of Dili, scenic views along the highway will surely please your eyes. Clear and pristine waters from the untouched beach are reflecting the blue and clear skies.
Traveling 25 km north of Dili by boat you can reach Atauro Island. The 140 sq km island offers a handful of places to stay, where you can just relax and spend the day swimming, snorkelling or just wandering on the beach. Along the shore, there are stalls which offers local food and you can have lunch with the locals.
Pope John Paul II memorial can be found at the hilly side of west Dili, overlooking the beautiful coastline of Tasitolu. The six meter tall bronze statue was erected in June 2008 honoring the visit of the Pope in East Timor. The country is the second largest Catholic country in Asia next to Philippines.
The Tasitolu – Pope John Paul II statue route is also a good venue for the exercise/running enthusiasts.
The area of Tasitolu is blessed with scenic mountain view, a lake and a park where you can find some traditional Timorese huts.
East Timor is also famous for its diving and snorkelling spots. For mountain biking enthuriast, Tour de Timor is an international mountain bike race held in the country annualy. 😄
Travelgeek 
Thanks for this discovery!
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