Atauro, Dare and Liquica Day Trips from Dili
These four outings suit a single day, listed from easiest to most demanding. Anything beyond them, such as Jaco Island or Mount Ramelau, needs overnight planning.
1. Cristo Rei and Dolok Oan, half a day
Cape Fatucama is about 7 km from the city centre, which makes the 27 m copper statue the quickest trip out. From the car park at Cristo Rei Beach the staircase has about 570 steps and passes Fourteen Stations of the Cross. A branch staircase, about a third of the way up, goes down to Dolok Oan, nicknamed Jesus Backside Beach. Go in the morning and wear covered knees and shoulders. Stay out of the sea at both beaches. The UK government says crocodiles are occasionally seen near Dili beaches, and no mainland beach is guaranteed free of them.
2. Dare village, half a day
Dare is a hill village roughly 10 to 15 km inland. Its memorial was built in 1969 as an Australian gift to honour Australian Second World War soldiers and the Timorese who helped them. A museum and cafe followed in April 2009. Entry is free and the outlook over Dili Bay is the highlight. The cafe is reported to open only at weekends, so confirm before you drive up.
3. Ai Pelo prison ruins, half a day
Ai Pelo lies near Liquica, about 40 km west of Dili. The Portuguese began the prison in 1889, extended it in 1914 and closed it in 1939. What stands now is a set of ruins with information placards and a small heritage project. Ask at your hotel whether the site is currently open, and carry water.
4. Atauro Island, a full day
Atauro takes the whole day, but it is the best of the four. The official tourism site gives the ferry details:
| Boat | Departs | Days | Time | Fare |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Berlin Nakroma | Porto Dili 08:00 | Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun | about 2h15 | US$4 |
| Success | Kolmera 08:00 | Tue, Fri | about 3h | US$5 |
Both return from Atauro at 15:00, so expect about four hours on the island, and there is no regular Monday sailing. Buy tickets in cash at the port office on the day, arrive 60 minutes early and confirm with APORTIL on +670 331 7264. Rougher water from December to April can cancel sailings. Use the time for snorkelling off Beloi, where the reefs sit close to the shore. A private boat is possible through dive operators on the island, at a price you agree with them. Browse Atauro and Dili tour searches or read the official ferry page first.
Too far for one day
The road to Tutuala, for Jaco Island, is about 231 km, and guides say the drive takes 6 to 8 hours in practice. Lake Ira Lalaro lies in the far east, in Lautem. Mount Ramelau is an overnight outing. See the multi-day trips page for them.
Before you leave
Pay for taxis and entry in US dollars, since cards are limited. The UK safety advice covers road conditions and flooding from November to April.
Read more: Things to do in Dili and Family-friendly outings .