Written by Jane Crouch (Intrepid Travel) for the Victorian Local Governance Association.
Travelling to and within Timor-Leste
The following information was correct in January 2006. Please note that the flight information is subject to change, often at short notice.
The 2 most popular ways of travelling to TL from Australia are:
from Darwin flying with Air North.
from Denpasar flying with Merpati
Overland travel from Kupang in West Timor is possible, but is more time consuming and could be problematic.
Flying to Darwin
Qantas and Virgin both fly into Darwin. Qantas has more flights from southern states and it is possible to fly through to Dili in one-day. (As long as you arrive in Darwin by 1400hrs.) You cannot check your baggage through to Dili. It must be collected in Darwin and checked in with Air North for Dili.
Darwin to Dili
On-line booking is possible, or book through a travel agent. The cheapest fares are non-flexible.
Flights currently depart Darwin, 0700 most days, and 15.30 some days. Check-in 1 ½ to 2 hours before the flight. Flight takes 1hr, 45 mins. Planes are usually 28 seaters.
NOTE: 13kg luggage limit. You can get away with up to 20kg without paying excess baggage (but don't tell them you know this - it's insider knowledge!) Over 20kg and they are likely to charge you. Try to have only 1 check-in bag as if the plane is full, one of your bags might not be loaded and come a day later. Air North usually give no favours for carrying donations etc.
Return flights depart Dili at 0900 most days; and 1730 some days.
They are a subsidiary of Qantas so frequent flyer points can be used or earnt.
Group bookings with Air North are not cheaper than individual bookings.
Denpasar to Dili
If going to Timor via Bali you will have to stay overnight in Bali prior to a 0900 Merpati flight to Dili - currently daily. Flight cost is in the range of AUD456-AUD670, Denpasar to Dili return, dependant on class and availability.
Australians require a visa for Indonesia which can be obtained on arrival. Up to a 7 day stay is USD10. Up to 30 days is USD25.
Dili to Denpasar flights currently depart daily at 1245.
Merpati Nusantara Airlines, Darwin office Tel. 08 8981 2727.
Few travel agents will book Merpati in Australia. But Isaac at Taking Off Tours in Melbourne Tel.03-9521 1475 can help with these flights and other arrangements.
Travel Insurance - essential. If you can't afford travel insurance you can't afford to travel! Your policy should cover personal liability, cancellation, loss of luggage and personal effects and evacuation in a medical emergency.
Visa
A visa fee of USD30 is payable on arrival at Dili airport, and gives a maximum of 30 days entry. Visas can be extended in Dili for a fee of USD30 for each 30 day period. You are best to write 30 days on your visa form when you arrive, as if you write 5 days they will only give you a 5 day visa and you never know if your plans could change!
Departure tax of USD10 is payable at the airport on departure.
Health
There are no specific health requirements for entry into TL. However, you should consult your doctor for up-to-date information and prescriptions for vaccinations, anti-malarial requirements and any reasonably foreseeable illnesses whilst travelling in TL. You should take precautions similar to those when travelling to other parts of South East Asia, but be aware of a higher risk of Diarrhoea, Malaria, Dengue fever/Dengue Haemorrhagic Fever, Hepatitus A, Filariasis and Japanese encephalitis (advise against Jap encephalitis vaccinations for a short visit). It is important to protect yourself from mosquito bites with appropriate clothing, use of repellants that contain DEET and by sleeping under mosquito nets. Carry a First Aid kit as well as any personal medical requirements (including a spare pair of glasses). Be aware that there are very limited medical facilities outside of Dili.
In an emergency you should go to Dili National Hospital. Tel: (670) 3311000; 331 1001 ; Emergency Dep't (670) 3311008
Australian Embassy Medical Clinic - Is located at the Australian Residence Compound on beach front road past lighthouse heading west.
An appointment is essential Tel 3311 555; 3323054
Dr Mark Hampson; M-F 10-12.30. M, Tu, Th, Fri 13.30-16.00; Wed 10-2.30
Consular Advice
http://www.smartraveller.gov.au/zw-cgi/view/Advice/East_Timor Travel in East Timor
Useful info on security, banking and health. Take common sense security precautions, but don't let this advisory make you paranoid. TL is generally very safe and friendly.
Cultural sensitivities
* Many Timorese are eager for visitors to come to their country and to receive the economic benefits of foreign investment and tourism. But after centuries of foreign invasions, visitation by friendship groups, international non-government organisations and tourists could be interpreted as yet another 'invasion'. So as you go around, take the time to explain to Timorese your purpose and why you wish to meet them and see their lovely country.
* Be tolerant of the reality of a severe lack of infrastructure, particularly outside of Dili. Expect that meetings, travel and other activities will be slow - exercise patience!
* Learn some greetings in the local language of Tetum - it will be appreciated.
* Please don't give handouts to people. The people are proud. We particularly ask that you don't give anything to children. If you bring some extra items in your luggage, distribute these via an appropriate organisation or individual rather than giving 'hand-outs'. Some items which may be welcomed are warm children's clothing, cloth nappies, toilet soap, toothbrushes and toothpaste, sporting equipment, pens, crochet cotton, knitting wool, sewing cotton and needles. Note that most of these items can also be purchased locally.
Accommodation
Under 'Directory' of this web-site is a list of hotels in Dili and a limited list of accommodation outside Dili. In regional districts you are best to consult your friendship city local counterparts, as there maybe suitable non-commercial accommodation eg at a church or school.
Public transport
Taxis - around Dili a 5-15 minute journey is USD1. Expect to pay USD5 from the airport into town, and USD3-4 going back. Longer journeys or to hire a taxi for the day is negotiable.
Mikrolets - these mini-buses ply the streets of Dili. A short journey is 10 centavos though as a larger bodied 'malai' (foreigner) 20c is perhaps fairer! They are great way to 'look around' and meet the locals.
Mikrolets and larger buses travel out to the districts. They go from:
Terminal Becora/Camea to the locations in the east eg Baucau
Terminal Taibessi to the south eg Aileu; Same
Terminal Tasitolu to west eg Liquica and Ermera.
Fares are in the USD1-8 range, dependant on distance. Buses leave when ready or full. Not a very fixed schedule! Options may be more reliable if you leave early in the morning. Long distance travel by mikrolet/bus is not recommended for the faint hearted, if you are of large build or on a limited time schedule!
Hire Cars
Rentlo Car rentals
Located near Comoro Bridge, on RHS just over the bridge if coming in from the airport;
Tel: (670) 7235089 OR 7244671 Fax: (670) 3325055
Email: rentlo@mail.timortelecom.tp
OPEN: M-F 8-5, Sat 8-5 or a little earlier. Sunday closed.
Thrifty Tel: (670) 7231900
A 4WD is between USD50 and 100 per day depending on the vehicle + driver + fuel.
If hiring a driver, expect to pay them USD8-15 per day depending on distances and hours plus pay for their meals and accommodation. If they serve you well, a tip at the end is always appreciated.
Banking
ANZ bank, a Portugese BNU bank and a Western Union office open on weekdays in Dili. There is a BNU bank in Baucau but not dependable for credit card withdrawals as communications/power are unreliable. For a short trip, take enough US cash for the duration of the trip. The ANZ Bank has an Automatic Teller Machine (ATMs) which dispenses US dollars using credit/debit cards that are Cirrus/Maestro linked, but this should not be solely depended on. Credit cards are only recognised at some of the more expensive hotels, shops and restaurants.
Shopping
Bottled water is available in all but the most remote areas.
Markets in Dili: Comoro, Taibesi, Becora and the Tais (weaving) markets are all busy and colourful.
Dili supermarkets cater to most 'western' needs. For fruit and snacks it's good to spread your patronage around the street traders and markets.
The Xanana Gusmao Reading Room is good for phrase, photographic and historical books, maps and some souvenir items.
Souvenirs: basketry, wood-work and traditional tais weaving.
Note that as more than 90% of East Timorese are Catholic, many businesses are closed on Sunday.
What to Take
Clothing - dress standards are conservative in TL. Loose, lightweight, long clothing is both appropriate and cool in the predominantly hot climate and good sun and mosquito protection. Shorts/skirts/dresses should be at LEAST knee-length - for both men and women. Singlets and tank tops are not suitable. Sarongs are useful for covering swimsuits at the beach - only removing at the waters' edge.
Set of warm clothing if staying in the mountains where the temperature drops at night.
Comfortable walking shoes/runners with a good grip.
Comfortable sandals.
For meetings at offices:
Men should wear a collared shirt, long trousers and covered shoes. You generally do not need a jacket. A tie is only necessary for very formal occasions.
Women: Neat and tidy clothes that cover the shoulders and knees are suitable.
Torch/flashlight - electricity failures are common in Dili and many district towns lack power.
Ear plugs - crowing chickens, generators etc!
Mosquito repellent preferably containing DEET; Sun screen; Hat; Sunglasses. First aid kit, including travel sickness tablets if vulnerable - for winding roads and boat trips.
Compact sleeping mat or thermorest may be useful if travelling to very isolated area.
Rain jacket/poncho/small folding umbrella.
First aid and medical requirements.
Sarongs are useful - can be purchased locally.
Mosquito net - can be purchased cheaply in Dili.
Small supply of string for hanging up mosquito net.
Leave excess valuables, flashy jewellery and electronic gadgets at home.
Camera.
Most power points are of the Australian type, but be aware in the districts you may have limited recharging opportunities. There are some 2 and 3 prong Asian plugs.
Useful references
* East Timor Phrasebook by John Hajek and Alexandre Vital Tilman, published by Lonely Planet.
* East Timor by Tony Wheeler, Lonely Planet guidebook. Good background information, but outdated tourist information.
http://www.turismotimorleste.com/ Timor Leste Government Tourism department web-site.
http://www.discoverdili.com/ Discover East Timor tourism web-site.
http://www.gov.east-timor.org/ Government of Timor Leste web-site
http://www.easttimor-reconciliation.org/ Commission for Reception. Truth and Reconciliation in East Timor
http://www.alolafoundation.org/ The Alola Foundation - to help improve the lives of women, their children and families.
http://etan.org/ East Timor and Indonesia Action Network.
http://www.laohamutuk.org/ La'o Hamutuk, East Timor Institute for Reconstruction Monitoring and Analysis
http://www.etimortais.org/index.htm Virtual Tais of Timor - Traditional weavings - a 'virtual' museum with stories.
http://www.osolemedia.com/easttimor/ The 'Unofficial' Guide to East Timor. Tourist information, some useful, some out of date
Forms of address
When meeting people in positions of authority for the first time or in formal circumstances, you should address them formally in the first instance, unless they tell you otherwise.
Sir Senhór
Madam Senhora
If you are meeting Mr Antonio Gomes you would call him Senhór Antonio. You would also address a letter written in English to: Dear Senhór Antonio.
The same rule applies to females - Mrs Maria Pinto is Senhora Maria.
Doctor is Dotór/Dotora (m/f)
Professor/Teacher is Profesór/Profesora (m/f)