Scruffy and chaotic, Dili is not one of Asia’s great capitals. But look past the burnt-out buildings and refugee camps and you’ll find a place with a quiet charm. Dignified colonial buildings await restoration, and frangipani trees drop flowers on streets trodden as often by goats and chickens as by people. The waterfront is serene and a short walk brings you to golden beaches with good snorkeling. You may not wish to linger, but Dili is where you’ll find all of East Timor’s services, as well as the supplies you need to explore the country. Its delightful nightspots are good places to discover the welcoming local vibe.

Geography of East Timor

East Timor is a country situated towards the southeastern part of Asia. It includes the eastern part of the island of Timor and the neighboring islands of Jaco, Atauro and Oecussi-Ambeno. Oecussi-Ambeno is situated within West Timor (Indonesia). East Timor covers an area of 15, 410 square kilometers. It is situated 640 kilometers from Darwin in Australia, towards the north-west. The island of Timor belongs to the Malay Archipelago. It is the easternmost as well as the largest island of the Lesser Sunda Islands. The topography of the island is marked largely by mountains. The Ombai Strait and the Wetar Strait are situated towards the north of the island, while the Timor Sea separates Timor Island from Australia in the south. East Nusa Tenggara is situated towards the west. Mout Ramelau soaring to a height of 2, 963 meters is the highest point in East Timor. The capital city of East Timor is Dili.

Climate in East Timor

East Timor has a tropical type of climate characterized by hot and humid conditions. The country faces distinct dry seasons and rainy seasons.

About
Always a pleasant, laid back little capital, Dili has sprung to life over the last three years. Although most of the city was destroyed during the militia attacks of 1999, many of the homes and businesses have been rebuilt.

Dili still sports a few Portuguese accents like the villa-lined beach roads, the former colonial garrison built in 1627 and the church built on the waterfront. But new shops, restaurants and bars are opening all the time, bringing a new energy and style to this once sleepy city.

The waterfront remains a center of activity from dawn till late at night. A park separates the beach from the road, with banyan trees and benches offering an excellent place to cool down in the shade with a coconut to