and accommodating while the natural beauty of the area is outstanding. With its villages surrounded by tall forests and dense vegetation same has a relaxed and pleasant atmosphere with a fantastic climate.

Western style accommodation on the South coast is very limited at the moment so be sure to pack some form of camping equipment before you leave Dili. You can travel on towards the West arriving in the District of Cova Lima or head East towards Viqueque. Please be aware that bad weather can make some of these routes impassable during the wet season, sometimes for several days, ask for travel advice from the local police stations along the way if you are in doubt.

Los Palos
This region in the East is totally uncoiled. With fantastic beaches, pristine coral reefs and the National Park of Jaco Island, this area calls out for those who love the sea. In addition, the rugged landscape will delight visitors. The rural communities here are already experienced in helping visitors.

For those interested in the cultural past of Timor Leste, Los Palos has a whole host of interesting features. Cave paintings have been found near Lautem. There are also stone sarcophagi and many animist shrines to be found in the area. The area is also a haven for many of the island’s 25 protected species of birds including eagles, ospreys and the barn owl.

Oecusse
Surrounded on three sides by West Timor, this isolated former Portuguese coastal enclave is politically part of Timor Leste. Pantemakassar, the capital, was the first permanent Portuguese settlement in Timor. The first Portuguese landing place is five kilometers west of the capital at Lifau, where a monument marks the spot. About 1.5 kilometers from Pantemakassar is the old hilltop of Fatusuba, offering wonderful views. Local religious festivals are held at the shrine here. The easiest way to travel to Oecussi is by the new ferry service.

Ata’uro
The island of Ata’uro is a short trip from Dili and the journey is well worth it. The island has a very relaxed atmosphere and an unspoilt environment. The island is visible from Dili and there are a great variety of ways to travel there. You can choose a sailing charter, a diving charter or fishing charter with Dive Loro Sae. Currently there is an eco-tourism site being developed so it is possible to stay overnight, although accommodation is basic. Visitors to Ata’uro frequently report being accompanied during the journey by schools of dolphins and whales!

History
Evidence that people have been living on the island for well over 4000 years can be seen in the original influences of the distinct dialects of the districts and the presence of cave paintings and stone carvings that are a reminder of the first travelers that arrived on Timor’s shores. The pottery and stone tools of the island of Timor also suggest a history before this.

East Timor was first mentioned in 1260 by a Chinese traveler who noticed that the island was attracting traders interested in the huge forests of sandalwood.
Later in the 16th century, the Portuguese and the Dutch landed and set about creating trading and logging camps along the coast.

The proximity of Timor to major trade routes and its abundance of sandalwood led these two European superpowers to split the island and begin colonizing it. The missionaries soon arrived after the traders, spreading the Catholic faith throughout the island. The colonists were mostly concerned with trading and for the most part concentrated their