Island Stays and Eastern Roads Beyond Dili
Longer trips from Dili come in three kinds. One goes by sea to Atauro Island, one goes by road to the far east, and one climbs to Mount Ramelau. The table shows how they compare, and the sections below explain each.
| Trip | Nights | Getting there | Suits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Atauro Island | 2 or more | Public ferry, US$4 or US$5 | Divers, snorkellers, quiet stays |
| Lautem and Jaco Island | 2 or more | Road, 231 km to Tutuala | Overland travellers |
| Mount Ramelau | 1 | Via Hatobuilico | Hikers |
Atauro Island
Staying overnight gives you the time that a day trip lacks. Beloi has homestays and dive resorts, and the reefs lie close to shore. A 2016 survey recorded an average of 253 reef fish species per site, among the richest reefs recorded. The official tourism site lists crocodile cautions for the coast but not for Atauro. Operators include Atauro Dive Resort, Beloi Beach Hotel Dive Resort, Compass Diving, Beni-Marine and Mysaffy, and ATKOMA arranges community snorkel trips.
Two boats connect Dili with the island. The Berlin Nakroma sails from Porto Dili on Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday at 08:00, costs US$4 each way and takes about 2 hours 15 minutes. The Success sails from Kolmera on Tuesday and Friday at 08:00, costs US$5 and takes about 3 hours. Return trips leave Atauro at 15:00. There is no regular Monday ferry. Tickets are sold on the day at the port office for cash dollars, and you should arrive 60 minutes early and check with APORTIL on +670 331 7264. Wet-season sailings between December and April can be cancelled. Compare guesthouses and dive resorts on Atauro once you know your sailing days, or read the official ferry page .
Lautem and Jaco Island
Dili to Tutuala is about 231 km by road. A travel planner puts it at 4 hours 20 minutes at best, and guides report 6 to 8 hours in practice. After Tutuala come Valu Beach and a short boat crossing to Jaco Island. Lake Ira Lalaro is another stop in Lautem. Spread the trip over at least two nights, travel in daylight and hire a driver who knows the road. The UK government notes poor roads and rainy-season flooding from November to April, so the dry months are easier.
Mount Ramelau
Mount Ramelau is reached via the village of Hatobuilico and is normally an overnight trip. Ask your lodging in Dili for current advice on the road and a local guide.
Visas and money
A tourist visa on arrival costs US$30 in cash and allows a single entry of up to 30 days. It can be extended by 30 days if you apply at least 15 days before it expires. Your passport must be valid for 6 months and have 2 blank pages. Nationals of several ASEAN countries enter visa-free, according to press reports, so check with the Timor-Leste immigration service or your embassy. The UK entry requirements page lists the rules. Cash in US dollars is the norm and cards are limited, so bring small notes for the trip.
Read more: Day trips from Dili and A romantic break .