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Tips for the Traveller

Responsible Tourism

Timor-Leste is as yet undeveloped for tourism, and visitors need to be mindful that their behaviour can have a significant impact in this fragile environment.

Formal protection for areas and species is relatively new, low profile and under-resourced, therefore you need to consciously keep environmental impact as a priority as you travel through the country. Unlike developed national parks elsewhere in the world, there will be no park rangers or signboards to remind you to protect the environment.

Please consider the following advices when you travel through Timor-Leste:

• Don't buy products associated with endangered species or environments, such as turtles, shark fins, protected birds or reptiles. If you are offered these things for sale, decline politely.
• Be an observer of the natural world only - as the saying goes "Take only photos, leave only footprints".
• Water is an extremely precious resource here. Don't do anything that might result in pollution to a watercourse. Don't waste water!
• Be mindful of Timor-Leste's lack of a proper waste disposal system and habit. If you're in a countryside and there is no waste management facilities, carry your litter with you on your way out.

Food and Beverages

Drink bottled or boiled water only. Avoid ice and pay attention to non-cooked food especially when eating at street vendors. Salads should also be avoided if washed with tap water. Fruits should be peeled, avoid cut fruits washed with water from the tap and questional source. Prevent dehydration by drinking a lot of water, using high factor protection sunscreen and wearing a wide-brimmed hat.

Animals and Insects

Avoid close contact with animals as they are generally not vaccinated and can transmit diseases. Seek immediate attention if you are bitten or scratched by a wild animal. Malaria is a problem in some districts of Timor Leste so make sure you use insect repellent, especially at dawn and dusk and sleep with a mosquito net.

Safety

Although crimes such as pick pocketing, residential break-ins and thefts are not frequent, they do occur throughout the country, especially in Dili, the capital. It is advisable not to display or carry expensive jewellery and other valuables and to take a copy of your documents (e.g. your passport should be kept in a safe place). Victims who resist may be subject to physical violence. Gang related violence occurs, but has not targeted foreign nationals.

Visitors should be particularly careful at night and avoid wearing clothing that may be regarded as insensitive or provocative, particularly in crowded public areas such as markets. It is not advisable for women to travel alone at night, if you are going out at night you should arrange a lift home with someone you trust. There are few taxis on the road in Dili after 10pm and you should avoid using them alone. Taxis on the road late at night will also often charge more than three or four times the usual USD1 per ride fee. Maintain a high level of personal security awareness at all times.

Exports & Customs

Be aware of limitations to exports of artefacts and other souvenirs made of organic and local products. The acquisition and export of corals, birds and turtle shells are punished by law.

The usual type of rules (a litre of alcohol, 200 cigarettes) apply to arrivals in Timor-Leste.

Remember that Timor-Leste is a new country with little experience with tourism and foreigners. Respect their traditions and ways and be patient. Everybody will do their best to welcome you.

When to Travel

The climate in the island is hot and humid, typical of a region subject to the monsoon weather system. This means that there are two distinct seasons: the wet monsoon season, from November to May, where the temperatures are also highest, and the dry season, from June to October when very little rainfall occurs in the north and central zone.

Spring (May-July) is the best time of the year to visit Timor-Leste as the country is just beginning the dry season and the temperatures are relatively mild. If you intend to drive, dry season is probably the best time to be on the road as the heavy monsoon rain can turn roads into potholes purgatory!

Timor-Leste has many world class dive sites that are still relatively unexplored. If you plan to go diving, the best time of the year to do so would be between February to June and September to December. Check with the local dive operators (see section on Things to See and Do) for more information.

Temperatures can vary between 15º Celsius in the mountain areas and 30º Celsius on the northern and eastern coast.

Although travelling is possible during the wet season, the road system is heavily affected by the monsoons, reducing mobility around the country, potentially isolating some regions for days (especially in the interior and southern areas) and creating rapid floods, dangerous for those that are unaware.