| The Democratic Republic of Timor Leste, | | | | beaches, colonial towns, rugged mountains and |
| commonly known as East Timor, is an island | | | | a lush interior, with Dili a taste of |
| nation in Southeast Asia, consisting of the | | | | Portugal in the tropics. |
| eastern half of the island of Timor, the | | | | |
| nearby islands of Atauro and Jaco, and | | | | The countryside is magnificent. Houses made |
| Oecussi Ambeno. | | | | from bamboo and wood, with thatched palm |
| | | | rooves, dot the whole of East Timor. It is |
| A political exclave of East Timor situated on | | | | mountainous, surprisingly so, yet the |
| the western side of the island, surrounded by | | | | toughness of the mountains give way to some |
| West Timor. Formerly controlled by | | | | of the most serene and picture perfect |
| neighbouring Indonesia, which annexed it as a | | | | beaches you are ever likely to see. The water |
| province in 1975, East Timor broke away in | | | | so clean and clear, show the pristine reefs |
| 1999 and achieved full independence on May 20 | | | | available divers should be visiting in |
| 2002. When East Timor joined the United | | | | droves. |
| Nations in 2002, it decided to be officially | | | | |
| referred to by its Portuguese name, Timor | | | | Go when the weather is best. East Timor |
| Leste, as opposed to its English name. | | | | doesnt yet have a tourist season, so theres |
| | | | no time of year when youre going to be |
| It is one of only two majority Roman Catholic | | | | overrun by crowds. So go during the May to |
| countries in Asia, the other being the | | | | November dry season when theres little |
| Philippines. | | | | rainfall and youre assured of good weather. |
| | | | By the end of the dry season, it can be |
| The security situation in East Timor remains | | | | rather dry and dusty. The December to April |
| uncertain. Violent protests have taken place | | | | wet season can be very wet indeed, making |
| in Dili and UN troops are patrolling the | | | | travel difficult, particularly if you get off |
| streets. Travellers should exercise extreme | | | | the main routes where unsealed roads can |
| caution, avoid any protests or demonstrations | | | | become impassable and unabridged rivers |
| and heed any local advice regarding safety. | | | | uncross able. The end of the wet season, |
| The border with West Timor has been | | | | however, is the time for festivals. |
| temporarily shut travellers should check news | | | | |
| services before attempting to enter East | | | | If you are used to constant electricity, |
| Timor. | | | | plenty of accommodation and eating options, |
| | | | air conditioned coaches, having access to a |
| Southeast Asias newest nation East Timor. | | | | can of coke when you need forget it. This to |
| Independence has brought mixed fortunes to | | | | me is the appeal of this place, it is so |
| this recovering conflict zone and it remains | | | | untouched, so raw, if this appeals to you |
| a country in transition. But it has fine | | | | than be sure to visit soon. |