Q: Why Go to Timor Leste?

With the overtourism we are seeing all over the world , traveling in Timor Leste is a breath of fresh air. The country lacks tourism infrastructure, hence allowing us adventurers to explore the country as it is meant to be, through the ways the locals do. You are also rewarded with stunning nature, from the marine life of the underwater world around Atauro Island to the quiet mountain region of Maubisse. All of these are untouched by mass tourism, which is not easy to come by in Southeast Asia. If you are looking for a real adventure, this is the place to be.

Question 1

Why Go to Timor Leste?

Accepted Answer

With the overtourism we are seeing all over the world, traveling in Timor Leste is a breath of fresh air. The country lacks tourism infrastructure, hence allowing us adventurers to explore the country as it is meant to be, through the ways the locals do.

You are also rewarded with stunning nature, from the marine life of the underwater world around Atauro Island to the quiet mountain region of Maubisse. All of these are untouched by mass tourism, which is not easy to come by in Southeast Asia. If you are looking for a real adventure, this is the place to be.

Question 2

How to Get Here?

Accepted Answer

The cheapest way to get to Timor Leste by air is to get yourself to Bali, and from there, fly from Denpasar airport to Dili via NAM or Sriwijaya Air. The flight can cost as low as $150 USD per way (Updated in 2019) if you book it in advance. You can book a flight through Skyscanner.com or Expedia for the cheapest price. You can also fly from Singapore and Darwin, Australia, but it is considerably more expensive, so I would recommend going through Bali instead.

For a flight to Bali, AirAsia offers many cheap flights from hub airports like Bangkok or Singapore, so it is best to visit Timor Leste during your trip through Indonesia.

Question 3

When to Go?

Accepted Answer

The best time to visit Timor Leste is during the dry season, which is from June to September. During this time, you will maximize clear days, have good visibility underwater, and minimize the chance of getting stuck somewhere due to flooded roads.

Question 4

How to Get Around?

Accepted Answer

The cheapest way is to travel by public transport, which may come in different forms such as Microlet for traveling around a city, big buses for long-distance travel, and open-roof trucks for shorter and more remote destinations.

Microlet is the cheapest option and is available everywhere in most towns and cities, and it only costs 25c per way. The problem is, you need to know which number to take, but you can always ask the driver before you get on, and they should be able to tell you whether it is the right microlet or not. Once you get onto the van, you will be squeezed into the van, and if you want to get off, use a coin and bang it against the handle rail to let the driver know where.

For cities like Dili, you have the option of yellow/blue taxis. For the yellow cab, which is the most common one, you will have to negotiate a bit before getting into the car, whereas the blue taxis are metered.

Dili is the biggest city in the country, and it is the main hub for buses that go around Timor Leste. So, you will be coming in and out of Dili often. There are three bus stations, each traveling in different directions. Depending on where you want to go, you will need to know from which bus station to catch the bus.

For more information about Dili bus stations and stops, here is a comprehensive guide to Dili, Timor-Leste.

If you have enough budget to rent a 4WD, it is the easiest and most comfortable way to travel around the country. Roads in Timor Leste are horrible throughout, and if you want to travel far and wide, especially eastward to Baucau and Jaco island, renting a jeep is the best way to go. You can rent a motorbike or 4WD for $35 - $145 per day + $25 for insurance. If you are interested, I would recommend asking Rentlo, one of the few rental companies in Dili that actually replies to your email.

Tips: Book in advance to get the cheapest car on the list.

See more: Rentlo car rental rates for May 2018.

Rentlo Contact Info:
Phone: +670 7741 6982 – 7741 6983
Email: info@rentlocarhire.com
Website: www.rentlocarhire.com

10 Days Backpacking Timor Leste Itinerary

Planning

A Travel Guide to Backpacking Maubisse, Timor Leste

8 BEST Things to Do in Baucau, Timor Leste

A Complete Travel Guide to Atauro Island, Timor Leste

How to Get to Atauro Island, Timor Leste

11 BEST Things to Do in Dili, Timor Leste

A Brief History of Timor Leste

I Found Adventure. Now What?