Updated on 24th September 2018: Added the new "This East Timor" travel video to the article.
My Timor Leste trip is turning into quite an adventure. Despite my mishap on a bus to Baucau, I was able to find a paradise within Timor Leste, and it does not require traveling by buses on bad roads for 6 hours. It's Atauro Island, just off the north coast of Dili. Why is it a paradise? What can you do on that island? Well, let's find out! Without further ado, here's my guide on the wonderful things to do on Atauro Island.
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Things to Do on Atauro Island
- Go Snorkeling in the Morning
- Go Snorkeling Along the Beloi Beach
- Go for a Morning Hike Up the Viewpoint
- Walk around the Saturday Morning Market
- Take your time and do nothing on a Hammock
- Have Lunch at Barry's Place
- Visit Sentru Atauro Diak
- Stay at Estevao's Homestay
- Go Stargazing at the Beloi Beach at Night
- More Atauro Island Activities
- Where to Stay?
- How to Get Here?
- When to Go?
- How to Get Around?
- Which tourist SIM card is best for Timor Leste?
- What to Pack for Atauro Island, Timor Leste?
- Further Reading for Timor Leste
Things to Do on Atauro Island
1. Go Snorkeling in the Morning
The water around Atauro island was so clear you can see everything even if you are quite high from the sea bed.
One of the best things to do on Atauro Island is to go snorkeling and swim with the abundance of marine life, thanks to how remote the island is. At the Atauro Dive Resort, they do offer a snorkeling/diving trip three times per day starting at 7 AM all the way to 3 PM. I would recommend that you go on the earliest boat possible so that you will have good visibility and calm seas, a perfect combination for a great snorkeling trip.
These curious Nemos were wondering what GoPro was. 😁
The trip will cost you around 25 USD, and you will have around an hour of snorkeling off the coast of Beloi, Atauro. They go to different spots for each trip they do, so you can go as many times as you like.
The best time to experience marine life upclose is when the visibility is great and the tides not too strong, which was the case when we went out with the boat at 7 AM.
You can also rent snorkeling gear at the resort for $10 USD per day.
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- Icons of Dili: A Private Walking Tour (3 hours)
- Cultural Connection: A Couple’s Walking Tour of Dili (3 hours)
2. Go Snorkeling Along the Beloi Beach
Make sure to keep track of time because you might spend hours snorkeling without knowing that the sun is setting like I did.
If you are looking to save some money, don't worry about the boat trip if you don't feel like spending 25 USD for a boat ride out to the sea. Snorkeling is also excellent just off Beloi Beach. Grab snorkeling gear and head into the ocean to start snorkeling along Beloi Beach.
The colors of the underwater world around Atauro Island.
There might be some seaweed near the beach, but the further you go, the more fish and coral reefs you see. If you go far enough, you will encounter a drop-off cliff where you can spot a bigger school of fish and more colorful coral reefs all around the area.
You will come across many horned starfish along the coast of Beloi beach. They comes in many colors, some more bad ass than the others.
The underwater area between the Atauro Dive Resort and the Beloi port is all covered in stunning coral reefs and teeming with plenty of fish for you to enjoy.
3. Go for a Morning Hike Up the Viewpoint
This is a viewpoint on the island that you should not miss. You can see how remote the island actually is from up here.
If you are an early riser and want to see the island from a new perspective, be sure to go on a hike to the viewpoint on a hill next to Beloi town. The earlier you go, the better, as the sun can be quite brutal in Timor Leste, and the lighting is at its best in the morning.
On my way to the top of the hill with the highest peak on the island towering Beloi town.
If the sky is clear enough, you might be able to see the highest peak of the island.
Dili and the Timor island from Atauro Island.
You can also see Dili and Timor island from this viewpoint. Simply follow the rocky road parallel to the main road that connects the port and head north from the Beloi town towards a hill. Once you pass Barry's Place, turn left at the intersection and follow the road (or make your own route) towards the hill. It should take you no more than 15 minutes to reach the top, and you will be rewarded with both the mountain and ocean view of Atauro Island.
Nothing quite like the morning calm sea.
If you are not sure where the viewpoint is, check out the map I made above. The trail is in blue, and the location of the viewpoint is labeled on the map.
4. Walk around the Saturday Morning Market
The locals took the opportunity to sell what they caught during the Saturday Market.
If you take the ferry from Dili to Atauro on a Saturday morning, you will be able to see the Saturday market along Beloi beach when you arrive. This is where people come together to trade their goods.
Octopus, anyone?
The atmosphere is very lively and quite a sight to behold for travelers like us. It is also a great place to see how people live their lives on this remote island.
It is always fun to walk around a market in the morning. You are guarantee to see how the people live their lives in the most authentic way possible.
The market begins from the Beloi port and stretches along the beach all the way to Barry's Place.
5. Take your time and do nothing on a Hammock
Be sure to take your time, and wind down when you are there.
The Atauro Dive Resort has a few hammocks along the quiet side of Beloi beach, and if you use one of their services, whether it be going on a snorkeling trip with them or enjoying the lunch they prepare, I'm sure they will allow you to chill out and relax on their hammocks. You can grab a nice book, listen to nice music, or simply do nothing and enjoy the sound of waves crashing into the beautiful shore of Atauro island.
6. Have Lunch at Barry's Place
Barry's Place is one of the first places on the island that got the tourism wheel in motion, providing services to tourists while employing locals and educating the community about sustainable and ecotourism. They also serve a great buffet with local food that costs 7 USD per meal. It's a bit on the expensive side, but there are not many options when it comes to food on the island. It's good to know that your money is going towards helping the local community develop sustainable tourism for the island.
7. Visit Sentru Atauro Diak
If you are looking for ways to support local communities on the island, you should drop by Sentru Atauro Diak, a community and social business center where you will find all kinds of local products and artisan gifts made by people from communities all over the island. The place is located not too far from Barry's Place on Beloi Beach, and it is run by a local NGO, Empreza Diak.
Sentru Atauro Diak is also a place where the local community from all over the island comes together to learn from each other and grow through fun monthly events, activities, and demonstrations, as well as classes on sewing, nutrition, health, and learning English, etc. Their goal is to help reduce poverty on the island and strengthen the island communities economically through job creation, opportunities, and increased income, which is not easy to come by in Timor Leste. So be sure to support them while you are there. You can <read more about Sentru Atauro Diak here.
8. Stay at Estevao's Homestay
Steve and his family charming smiles.
For a more authentic experience, I would recommend staying at Steve's house. His family has a few rooms available, and for only 15 USD per night, you will get breakfast and a nice room with mosquito nets and a fan. The facilities are fairly basic, with electricity running only in the evening, but that's how they live on the island, and there is no better place to experience this beautiful island.
Steve's homestay gave me an authentic look and how the people live their lives out here.
If you want to reach out to him, here is the contact information you can use:
Estevo Marques (Tetun)
Homestay Coordinator
+670 7843 6324
Oldegar Massinga (English)
Operations and Conservation Coordinator
+670 7725 5600
Email: Oldegar@blueventures.org
9. Go Stargazing at the Beloi Beach at Night
It's hard to pass up a chance to stare at the infinite possibility of the universe.
Due to how remote it is, the island is a perfect place to go stargazing by yourself. If you are there during the no-moon phase, you will be able to gaze at the billions of stars that make up our Milky Way.
Stargazing is a humbling experience.
Simply go for a walk along Beloi Beach at night, away from artificial light, and you will be under the flickering light of the stars. Be sure to look up or point your camera at them.
See more: Looking for an astrophotography lens for your camera? Lonely Speck's list of the best astrophotography lenses is a great place to start.
They were selling candies in town so I bought a few for the hike that brought big smiles to their faces. I love this kind of experiences.
I cannot stress enough how beautiful the island is from both the mountain perspective and the underwater perspective. If you are in Dili for a few days, make sure you find some time to go visit the island and definitely stay overnight.
More Atauro Island Activities
Where to Stay?
Hostel and Resort
One of the beautiful huts available at the Atauro Dive Resort.
Beloi Beach - Atauro Dive Resort - 18 USD/Night (Dorm) | 35 USD/Night (Double Room with Sea View) - I highly recommend this hostel as it is located right by the quiet side of Beloi Beach, and they do run snorkeling and diving trips three times a day, every day. They offer unlimited coffee and tea, homemade food (7 USD per meal), and plenty of hammocks for you to relax. The facilities are great too, with showers, snorkeling gear, bungalow-style rooms, etc. I had a really chill experience here.
Homestays
I stayed with Steve and his family for a night. It was an incredible experience to say the least.
Beloi Town - Estevao's Homestay - 15 USD/Night (double room) - A cheaper and more authentic option is to stay in a homestay. I was tipped by Sam, the woman who manages Atauro Dive Resort, that Steve runs a homestay not too far from the Beloi port, and I stayed there for one night. The room is nice with mosquito nets and a fan. Steve, his wife, and the kids were very friendly and would go out of their way to help you out.
How I Did It
I was on Atauro for 2 nights, and I decided to stay at the Atauro Dive Resort for one night to do the morning snorkeling. I also stayed at Steve's place for one night for a quiet, peaceful day with his family. Alternatively, you can stay at the homestay for 2 nights, hang out, eat lunch, and go snorkeling with the Atauro Dive Resort during the day.
How to Get Here?
There are several ways you can get to Atauro Island, but it will depend entirely on which day you want to be on the island. The cheapest option is to take the local ferries that run once per week for 3 - 4 USD one way. The Laju Laju ferry runs on Thursdays only, and the Nakroma ferry runs on Saturdays only. You can take these in the morning and come back to Dili on the same day at 3 PM - 3:30 PM.
If you want to stay overnight, which I highly recommend, there is also the Dragon Star speedboat service that runs from Thursday to Monday for 18 USD one way. The best option is to take the local ferry going there on a Saturday and take the Dragon Star speedboat back on Monday to minimize the cost and maximize the time. You can also charter a water taxi for 45 USD one way. If you want to read more about the schedule and where to buy the ticket, click the link below.
Looking for a cheap flight to Dili, Timor Leste? You can browse Skyscanner or Expedia to find the cheapest deal for your trip.
When to Go?
The best time to go to Atauro island is between June and September when it is dry, and the weather is predictable, with clear skies and good underwater visibility. I highly recommend visiting the island on weekends to coincide with the ferries and the Saturday market.
How to Get Around?
Beloi town is small, and you can cover everything on foot. If you are looking for a way to get to the other side of the island to another town called Adara, you can either hike for 3 hours or ask a motorbike taxi to take you there for a few USD.
Daily Budget
This location is less expensive than most countries, but it's not exceedingly cheap. Expect to spend around $30 - $50 USD per day per person, which includes both accommodation and meals.
Please keep in mind that these are suggested daily budgets based on my own style of travel, which leans more towards the budget side of things. If you aim to stick to this budget, anticipate sleeping in dormitories, dining out only occasionally, and being comfortable with the cheapest and most convenient modes of transportation, which often involve a considerable amount of walking.
Which tourist SIM card is best for Timor Leste?
Update: If your phone supports eSIM, I highly recommend checking out Airalo, a global eSIM marketplace. It allows you to stay connected affordably while traveling in Atauro Island, Timor Leste without having to switch out your physical SIM card.
Gone are the days when you needed to scramble to find a local SIM card at an airport upon arrival. You can purchase an eSIM before your arrival, and you'll be good to go. If your phone doesn't support eSIM, here is how you can get a local SIM card in Atauro Island, Timor Leste:
No internet access anywhere. They barely have electricity, so if you want to stay in touch with the world, I suggest you buy a SIM card from Telkomsel either at the airport in Dili or in Dili's city center. You can learn more about the available price plans here: Timor-Leste Prepaid SIM card.
Tips: To stay connected with people at home, be sure that you have a VPN, such as ProtonVPN, installed before traveling. It's FREE, and you can gain access to services that may be blocked in certain countries.
What to Pack for Atauro Island, Timor Leste?
As you may already know, I am an advocate of light traveling, and indeed, packing light for a journey like this is a unique art form. Here are some packing tips for your upcoming trip to Atauro Island, Timor Leste:
- Walking/Hiking Shoes: With all the walking and possible hiking during your travel, a comfortable pair of shoes is a must. I recommend the Timberland 3-Eye Classic Boat Shoes that are my go-to pair for long strolls and hikes.
- Breathable Shirts: Given the potential for hot weather, pack a few breathable shirts for your outdoor adventures.
- Shorts/Jeans: Anticipate lots of walking during your travels? Be sure to pack some breathable shorts and a pair of Levi's jeans for when the weather cools. For women, leggings are excellent for both hot and cold climates, so consider packing some as well.
- Outer Shell Jacket: An outer shell jacket is great for windy or rainy conditions. I highly recommend the Columbia Watertight Jacket (for women). It's lightweight, breathable, and even comes in a cool orange color.
- Microfiber Towel: A Microfiber towel is the ideal backpacker's towel due to its lightness, quick drying, and compressibility.
- Swim Suits: A swim trunk is a must-pack item if you are planning to visit Atauro Island, Timor Leste in the summer, just in case there is a body of water you can jump in.
- Camera: You should also pack a good camera for your trip so that you can capture all the beautiful experiences you might have. I recommend the Sony a7R V camera together with the Sony 24-70mm f2.8 GM II lens, which is probably the highest-performance camera and lens combination you can get right now.
- Power Bank: Keep your electronics charged on the go with a 20,000+ mAh Power Bank.
- Water Bottle: The Hydro Flask Trail Water Bottle is a great insulated water bottle to have with you in cities or on hiking trails. It is lightweight and can keep your water cold or warm for more than 12 hours. It's a total game-changer.
- Universal Adapter: You'll need just one universal adapter to plug in your electronics in any country you visit.
- Packing Cubes: Packing Cubes will help you save space in your backpack and keep all your belongings organized.
- Daypack: The Langly Alpha Globetrotter is my go-to everyday camera backpack. It's large enough to carry all my travel gear, and it comes with plenty of slots and pouches. Plus, it's stylish as hell!
- Large Backpack: You will need a large backpack to carry all of your stuff. I recommend the Osprey Atmos AG 65L backpack. With excellent weight distribution and a lifetime guarantee, you can't go wrong with Osprey.
For more information on what I pack in my backpack for this trip, check out: My Packing List: 60 Travel Essentials.
That is it for What to Do on Atauro Island, Timor Leste. Have we missed anything? Have you found the guide useful? Let us know in the comments below!
Now that we have all the information we need, it's time to plan your trip to Atauro Island, Timor Leste! Here are some resources to help you get your trip going:
Are you planning to travel to Atauro Island, Timor Leste independently? Be sure to check out my guide on How To Plan A Backpacking Trip here.
Further Reading for Timor Leste
I hope you found this travel guide useful. If you are looking for more articles about Timor-Leste, here is a selection of articles to help you plan your trip:
- Looking for a complete itinerary and travel guide for Timor Leste? 10 Days Itinerary to Timor Leste.
- What do you know about Timor Leste? Not much, I assume. If you are interested in the history of Timor Leste, here is a brief history of Timor Leste.
- Dili is the capital city where you will probably begin your journey into one of the least traveled countries in Asia. To help you get acquainted with Timor Leste, check out our one-day travel guide on things to do in Dili.
- Atauro Island is the best place to go snorkeling in Timor Leste. There is not much information out there, so here's a quick guide on how to get to Atauro Island from Dili.
- Looking to go off the beaten path in Timor-Leste? Baucau is a great place to break your trip toward Jaco Island. Here's a quick guide on things to do in Baucau.
- Done with the beaches in Timor Leste? Why not explore the untouched mountain region of Timor Leste? Here’s a complete travel guide on things to do, where to stay, and how to get to Maubisse.
- Timor Leste is not the easiest country to travel in. I struggled to stay calm as I made my way to Baucau on a public bus in mid-summer. Here’s my story on real adventure and whether it was worth it.
- For all articles about Timor Leste, visit the Timor Leste Travel Guide page.
- Looking for more travel guides for Southeast Asia? You can find more on my Southeast Asia Travel Guide page.
- For more of my travel guides, visit my Destinations page.