Things to do & places to visit in Dili District, East Timor

Dili District #1 destination in East Timor 2023. The average rating score is 4.51 based on 2.030 traveler reviews, of 33 attractions. Timezone: Asia/Dili, current date and time: Tuesday, May 14, 2024, 0:55.

Top things to do (31)

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 Dive Timor Lorosae (268 reviews)
- Professional, Good Value, Highly Recommended
Tuesday: 7:00 AM - 7:30 PM Scuba & Snorkelling • Boat Tours • Boat Rentals • Day Trips

We recently stayed here for several nights and snorkeled multiple shore-access sites east of Dili. Marianne and Giovanni were organized, informative and a lot of fun to spend time with. These trips were very good value, considering the driving distances and time involved. Giovanni is a free diver and it was fascinating to watch him descend to 15 meters, stay down for a further minute or two, and then slowly ascend to the surface. Makes for a great photo. We stayed in one of their 3-bedroom villas and found it to be comfortable. The adjacent Castaways restaurant serves good and inexpensive food. In summary, we found Dive Timor Lorosae to be a great experience and good value for the money. Highly recommended. See more..
5.0 Timor Adventures (122 reviews)
- Best way to see East Timor!
Tuesday: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM Cultural Tours • Historical & Heritage Tours

A wonderful opportunity to not only see the many parts of East Timor but to really learn about and come to a greater understanding of the culture and its people from a local perspective! Local guide Julio provided an amazing insight into life in East Timor. I was fortunate to experience a variety of destinations at each end of the island - south of Dili to Balibo, Maliana, Liquica, Aileu, Ainaro and Same, and east of Dili to Baucau, Com, Tutuala, Jaco Island and Los Palos. Finally, my time ended on the stunning Atauro Island, a great way to relax and enjoy the beautiful coral reefs. Julio Dos Santos is the perfect guide who cares greatly for his guests and goes 'above and beyond' to cater for their needs and share the story of his country with great passion. See more..
5.0 Aquatica Dive Resort (120 reviews)
- Off the bucket list!
Tuesday: 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM Scuba & Snorkelling

Joined a group and went without any expectations (less the fact that blue whales were appearing on their Facebook wall ;)). Accommodation was basic - air con, hot showers, clean place. Heads up, if you can’t live without WiFi or data, don’t bother. This is a place for you to get away from it all.. Data and Wifi are slow at best, if not at all. But, since buddy and I were there for the dives, it was perfect! :) Food by Chef Danny was just amazing..... Did I mention amazing? At the dive shop and during the dives, we were well looked after by the team, from Juvi, Marco, Humberto, Helder and the drivers. We managed to get 1 day out to try our luck with the blue whales and Desmond definitely knew what he was doing. Being one of the poorest country in the world, go and expect nothing, but be surprised at the wall dives, the terrains, the rustic of it all. Definitely a once in a lifetime experience! See more..
5.0 Compass Diving (97 reviews)
- Very professional dive operator
Tuesday: 8:30 AM - 6:00 PM Scuba & Snorkelling • Boat Tours • Dolphin & Whale Watching

We stayed at Atauro Dive Resort but unfortunately the diving boat broke two days ago before we arrived. So our host arranged an alternative dive arrangement with compass diving (we have been 4 people). Compass Diving was very fast and professional with the booking and diving as well. The equipment was almost new, the boat had two engines and the dive guide Akari was exceptional. Akari could spot out exactly what we wanted to see (for example orangutang crabs and many more). Our dive package was 3 days diving and included dives in the easy, west and south part of Atauro. We even saw some melon-headed wales at the way back and stopped for a snorkel with them. We highly recommend this dive operator. See more..
5.0 Timor Unearthed Tours (12 reviews)
- What an incredible trip
Tuesday: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM Private Tours

What an incredible trip. Our week in Timor-Leste was so well organised, and we felt so immersed in local culture. We spent time in Dili, over on Atauro island, and up in the mountains, including climbing Mt Ramelau. The people are so friendly, warm and inviting, we learnt so much and we had so much fun. See more..
5.0 Juventude ba Dezenvolvimentu Násional (JDN) (12 reviews)
- Excellent Walking Tour around Dili with great young guide Tatha
Cultural Tours • Historical & Heritage Tours

We were recommended the walking tour around Dili focusing on the history of Timor Leste and especially the Santa Cruz Massacre by a friend working in Dili. The tour was an easy walk with a microlet (public transport minibus) ride to the cemetary. Our guide was Tatha and she was lovely, spoke excellent english, knew the history and was very informative. I learnt a lot. We went to the significant sites around Dili and each place added to and made the whole historical story come together. Enquiring and organising the tour was easy via messenger and Tatha was at the start point before time. I would highly recommend doing this tour when visiting Dili in order to understand the country. It was reasonably priced at $21 per person and we were happy to pay this and support local tourism efforts in a developing country that has huge potential. Karen See more..
5.0 The Spa (6 reviews)
- A little Piece of Paradise In Dili
Tuesday: 9:30 AM - 8:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Spas

A great Massage, an awesome Pedicure and Manicure with an outstanding Cuppacino. The staff were very professional and friendly. See more..
5.0 Empreza Di'ak (6 reviews)
- Supporting local communities
Tuesday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Speciality & Gift Shops

Excellent selection of Atauro crafts including wood carvings, weaving, metal items and clay pots. Shop open 1-5pm Sunday to Friday and Saturday 9am-12noon and 1-5pm. Besides that Sentru Atauro Diak is a Business Incubator and training center to research, test and develop livelihoods and business opportunities for replication in local communities. See more..
5.0 Things and Stories (5 reviews)
- A very nice place !!!
Spent < 1 hour Speciality & Gift Shops

It is not easy to find in Timor gift to bring back to Europe. I luckily stooped at to the Things & Stories shop at Dili Airport. Just nice to get few products before flying off! See more..
5.0 Manny Timor Tours (4 reviews)
- Amazing adventure with Many Timor Tours
Multi-day Tours • 4WD, ATV & Off-Road Tours • Taxis & Shuttles • Climbing Tours • Boat Rentals • Hiking & Camping Tours • Private Tours • Nature & Wildlife Tours • Self-Guided Tours & Rentals • Day Trips

We did a 10 day tour with Mannys Timor Tours in September 2022, covering the east and west of the country. Our group included one member on her first visit and one on her 7th and we all had a ball. The personalised itinerary was fantastic and included so many unique elements, including a farm stay and a tour of the mountain hideouts of the 2/2 battalion, to learn more about the Timorese resistance. Our English speaking guide Maun Alex was brilliant, and organised so many little extras, including a visit from his friend, a casava farmer, who organised roast casava, budu (Timorese chilli salsa) and cafe Timor on the beach at Tutuala. Manny was helpful and responsive to deal with throughout. Thoroughly recommend! See more..
5.0 Tiris Manumera (2 reviews)
- Great adventure guided by locals
Spent More than 3 hours Waterfalls
Such a wonderful adventure, with 3 local boys guiding us down. We certainly weren’t prepared for this walk, we highly recommend runners as slippery/steep terrain. We would certainly recommend getting locals to help guide you down as there are often multiple tracks that lead to homes instead of down to the waterfall. Such a beautiful experience and we suggest going under the waterfall when you get there. See more..
5.0 Ponkys Cocktail Lounge (1 review)
- Great Cocktails - the place is Buzzing
Spent 2-3 hours Bars & Clubs
What a great night we had. The atmosphere is wonderful. With the tropical theme it is very inviting. The clientele was varied with a broad range of ages. Being older I was very comfortable. And the reason we were there , the cocktails. They were so good. Neil the bar tender takes detail in making the cocktails . Definitely a nice place to go for the ambience & the cocktails. See more..
5.0 Empreza Di'ak (6 reviews)
- Supporting local communities
Tuesday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Speciality & Gift Shops

Excellent selection of Atauro crafts including wood carvings, weaving, metal items and clay pots. Shop open 1-5pm Sunday to Friday and Saturday 9am-12noon and 1-5pm. Besides that Sentru Atauro Diak is a Business Incubator and training center to research, test and develop livelihoods and business opportunities for replication in local communities. See more..
4.5 Cristo Rei (502 reviews)
- Beautiful statue, beautiful views!
Monuments & Statues

We took a 1/2 day tour of Dili and Cristo Rei was our final stop. This imposing statue overlooks the ocean and is reminiscent of Christ the Redeemer in Rio. You will need to climb stairs to get to the top, but you can take it at a leisurely pace and examine the Stations of the Cross engravings along the way. Also, the views out to the beaches on both sides are quite lovely: the busy, roadside beach on your left as you ascend, and the quieter beach on your right. Certainly a well known landmark in Dili, and a must-see. See more..
4.5 The Archives & Museum of East Timorese Resistance (232 reviews)
- Must visit
Speciality Museums

Totally worth spending an hour to learn about the Timorese struggle for independence. Very well arranged, although more English language explanatory notes would be helpful. Tickets available at the gate at USD1.00. No photography inside allowed See more..
4.5 Arte Moris (38 reviews)
- Must-Go..
Art Galleries

in Dili! Impressive painted and created pictures, very friendly people and cool streetart, even made of garbage. Could have spent hours there.. See more..
4.5 Akrema Beach (21 reviews)
- UAU! Spectacular Beach!
Beaches

We stayed at Barrys Eco Resort at Beloi, Atauro Island and booked a trip to Akrema Beach. It takes around 25 minutes and is a easy and magnificent journey at the island coast. When you start to arrive the water is amazing with a clear and dark blue with sand and reef effect. The beach is phenomenal white sand, trees and a spectacular blue water. You can snorkel or just lay down at the sun. We had lunch that the Resort prepared and at the end we took a visit to the Akrema village. Elias from Barrys was our guide and at the end he gave the book of visitors to write a review. See more..
4.5 Fly Bus (10 reviews)
- Safe and sound
Taxis & Shuttles

Driver interested and proficient. Comfortable car which allowed a smooth transfer from airport to Baucau. A low risk option for a solo traveller, so it was worth the extra. On time as per arrangement. Swift email response. Gratefully appreciated. See more..
4.5 Comarca Balide Prison (8 reviews)
- maybe
Government Buildings
If you only had limited time in Dili I would skip this and go to the restistance museaum and the jesus statue. See more..
4.5 Empreza Diak (3 reviews)
- Authentic handicrafts and souvenirs
Tuesday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Speciality & Gift Shops

EMPREZA DIAK is a Timorese organisation that works to end poverty in Timor-Leste. We economically empower people creating new livelihood opportunities, providing innovative training and starting small businesses to build better futures. We have 2 shops - Dili and Atauro island - where you can beautiful handicrafts, eco-friendly products and innovative items produced by rural artisans in Timor-Leste. By buying this products you are supporting the economic empowerment of remote communities. See more..
4.0 Tais Market (223 reviews)
- Good tais if you know where to look
Speciality & Gift Shops

I recommend making your way right to the back for the best Tais. You will know the quality Tais as they are a heavier, more rustic weave with more natural colours. Ask the stall owner to tell you about the makers of the Tais, they should be able to produce some photos of the women who make them and tell you where they come from. Don't be shy to barter. You should be able to get a 30cm x 1.5m good quality Tais for around $35 USD. Expect to pay around $100 USD for a large good quailty Tais. See more..
4.0 Cemetery of Santa Cruz (132 reviews)
- beautiful cemetery with history
Cemeteries

Its a beautiful cemetery with a lot of history. visit Sebastiao Gomez grave and learn the history of the massacre. a visit would be great if you have a local friend as your guide. most of them will get very emotionally and it just make your visit even worth your time See more..
4.0 Tasitolu (61 reviews)
- Definitely a highlight
Nature & Wildlife Areas

This was definitely a highlight of the tour, this huge statue of Pope JP II. was amazing to see. Excellent See more..
4.0 Immaculate Conception Cathedral (40 reviews)
- Nice place
Churches & Cathedrals

This is a claming place away form the bussle of dili it is just a pity that it is often closed and you have to come back See more..
4.0 Chega! Exhibition (18 reviews)
- Trust and Justice and forgiveness displayed here
Spent 1-2 hours History Museums

How can humans (Indonesian invaders) be so brutal to the Timorese people for 24 years and yet the Timorese have moved and forgiven the perpetrators. See more..
4.0 Alola Foundation Center & Shop (11 reviews)
- One of my highlights from my visit to East Timor
Tuesday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Speciality & Gift Shops

Alola Esperansa, the business arm of the Alola Foundation, was established in 2006 to promote cultural preservation and economic empowerment of women. See more..
4.0 Largo de Lecidere (10 reviews)
- If you want a real taste of Dili...
Spent More than 3 hours Parks

...then you should definitely go for a stroll through this park. Or more than one, actually, as it's different throughout the day. This is the place where locals meet. This is the place where young people hang out, this is the place where locals have their tiny shops, often no more than a bamboo mat with some items on it, and this is the place where people meet at night for a barbecue or a drink at night. Apart from that, it makes for some great views over the bay. It has a well-maintained footpath that goes on for several kilometers. And honestly, this is also one of the few things to see and do in Dili: there aren't many touristic things here. See more..
4.0 Xanana GusmAo Reading Room (6 reviews)
- A must for Histoy of TL
Spent 1-2 hours Libraries

The XGRR is the only public library in Dili, books, audiovisual and a museum houses important items related to Xanana Gusmão. Community spaces host a range of educational and other activities aimed at nurturing pride in East Timorese culture and promoting skills development through events, discussions, and exhibitions of local art. We are a community space free to everyone. See more..
4.0 Bliss Massage Therapy (1 review)
Spent 1-2 hours Spas

See more..
4.0 Club 88 (1 review)
- Friday
Bars & Clubs
i been here in Friday. Admition was free. Before 1-00 am very few people. There have billiard, The place was hard find. taxi driver cant found this club. See more..