Location: Dili
Top Things to do in Dili
Countries
Top 9 Things to do in Dili, East Timor
Having endured 20 years of struggle for independence from Indonesia, East Timor's coastal capital, Dili, has made remarkable strides toward reconstruction after innumerable damages and losses. Its former Portuguese colonial flavor can still be found in remaining villas and churches along the waterfront, as well as the 65-foot statue of Jesus overlooking the coast, reminiscent of Cristo Redentor in Rio Di Janeiro. The waterfront parks and white sand beaches are popular for diving and relaxing.
Restaurants in Dili
1. The Archives & Museum of East Timorese Resistance
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 184 reviews
Reviewed By matmob - Adelaide, Australia
This museum gives a very good overview of the sad and violent history the Timorese have faced. There is a video of the Santa Cruz massacre which is very raw and confronting, nevertheless, it is part of the bloody history and I was ashamed to think I hardly knew anything about it. I was also ashamed as an Australian to discover that we turned a deliberate blind eye during the Indonesian atrocities. The entrance fee is very modest. There was a large theatre type room but apparently nothing to see. Definitely worth a visit if you want to understand the history of this lovely country.
2. Cristo Rei
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 427 reviews
Reviewed By Saricie_Q - Taipei, Taiwan
There are not really that many interesting sights in Dili. Among those that worth visiting, Cristo Rei is indeed the No. 1 best attraction.
From the roadside entrance, it is strenuous climb (though most people should be able to do it) to the top of the hill. Along the way, there are wall paintings describing of the last day of Jesus Christ from the Bible. When getting to the top of the hill, I was a little surprised that the Christ statue is not really as big as expected (do not expect it like the one in Rio de Janeiro). However, the view from here is majestic. It is also breezy and good for relaxing after a tenuous climb.
3. Cemetery of Santa Cruz
Overall Ratings
4 based on 109 reviews
4. Tais Market
Overall Ratings
4 based on 184 reviews
Reviewed By Maur75 - Frisco, Texas
It is a little market, felt empty and a little sad when I was there on a Saturday afternoon. The people here are humble and shy. No one bothers you as you look around, which was a welcome relief after all the hawkers in Bali.
The prices were reasonable, except t-shirts were priced at $20, but I was able to bargain down to $15.
It is not very large, and most little shops all sold the same things. So, as you wander around, there is not much of anything different.
With that said, it appears to be the only such market in Dili so it is the place to go if you want some local souvenir.
5. Arte Moris
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 30 reviews
Reviewed By Edmund K - Singapore, Singapore
I give this 3 star and the same for the Tais Market. Granted Arte Moris is a fantastic place to showcase contemporary Timorese art that reflects their aspirations, promoting Timorese art and craft to the world and to visitors can benefit from an integrated approach rather than each doing their own disparately. The place on an afternoon is humid and almost unwelcoming; besides deserted. If Arte Moris is housed alongside Tais Market, we can be certain the place is more vibrant. Timorese culture can best be told through art, music, handicrafts, souvenirs and cuisine.
6. Tasitolu
Overall Ratings
4 based on 49 reviews
Reviewed By caturedy614 - Batu, Indonesia
with the most amazing scenery around it are increasingly making religious atmosphere here and the more interesting of all living arrangement and treatment nuances of religious tourism here very much and this is one of them I took pride in seeing his
7. Immaculate Conception Cathedral
8. Dare War Memorial Museum
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 32 reviews
Reviewed By DJD70 - Sydney, Australia
So many visitors have an expectation of a modern world museum that they miss the point. Dare is where the WW2 observers were positioned to overwatch the harbour and airfield for Japanese troop movements.
The cafe tells some of the story, but the memorial is actually the school situated right next to it. Originally it was a memorial swimming pool for the locals, but it was realised that an education was more important, so the pool was filled in and a school was raised. It has, in effect, become a living memorial for the children of Dare.
9. One Dollar Beach
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 12 reviews
Reviewed By Edereludoadamo - Dili, East Timor
The sand here is really soft and white!!! Most importantly, it is clean~!!! Sorry that i have to be honest, most of the Beaches at Timor is not clean, if you are unlucky, you might able to find broken bottles, so barefoot is a no-no!!
However, it is different at 1 dollar beach.
Distance: 45min drive from Dili Central, Timor Leste
Best time to come: Early morning (we spotted group of dolphin swimming near to the shore, yes! you didnt read wrongly, A GROUP OF DOLPHIN!)
If you are opting for a swim, make sure to be here early of the morning (before 9am) or preferable after 5pm.
Have you wondering why it is called One dollar beach? =)
Yes, after you have a long swim, there will be stall setting up for selling 1 dollar fish! Yes, it is a good bargain as the fish is fleshy and worth buying to support the local.
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