KNOW THY NEIGHBOUR: TIMOR-LESTE

Where is it?

The Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste (formerly East Timor) occupies the eastern half of Timor Island in the Indonesian archipelago. It is 2100 kilometres west of Port Moresby at roughly the same latitude. The capital, Dili, (population 250,000) faces the Sunda Sea on the island’s north coast. Timor-Leste is pronounced Timor Les-tay

What language do they speak?

The country’s four main languages reflect a long history of colonisation or occupation. The two official languages are the local language, Tetum, and Portuguese, while English is increasingly common as a working language and Bahasa Indonesia less so.

What is Timor-Leste’s history?

Timor Island was controlled for centuries by colonial powers, the Dutch to the west and Portuguese to the east. Japanese troops occupied the island during World War 2. West Timor has long been part of Indonesia. Portugal’s rule (1769–1975) over East Timor was followed by a quarter of a century of harsh Indonesian occupation. Having endured often- brutal domination by others, Timor-Leste’s people voted overwhelmingly for independence in 1999 and in 2002 they finally achieved nationhood.

What’s there for visitors?

‘Explore the undiscovered’ is the country’s tourism tagline. Marine tourism is a strong drawcard, with the waters off Atuaro Island north of Dili having reefs described as “among the least explored and most ecologically diverse” in the world. Agritourism, especially coffee tourism, is growing thanks to sophisticated marketing of the unique local coffee strain, hybrido de Timor. The best time to visit is dry season, May to November.

What is the currency?

This is a predominantly cash economy using US dollars. Visitors should bring US currency in $20, $10 and $5 denominations. Don’t rely on cards and when arriving be sure to have $40 cash ready for the visa; other currencies are not accepted.

What are the highlights in Dili?

Dili’s main icon, the dramatic, 27-metre statue, Cristo Rei (Christ the King), dominates the harbour’s eastern headland. Five-hundred and seventy steps lead to its platform, which allows spectacular sunrise views. Just beyond here is a pristine beach with excellent reef snorkelling. Along Dili’s sweeping seafront boulevard, Avenida de Portugal (Beach Road), there are foreign embassies, cafes, churches and civic structures such as the Palácio do Governo and Farol lighthouse. Popular Areia Branca (White Sand) beach, east of town on the same road, has good swimming, shade trees and restaurants.

Anything unusual?

Timor-Leste is the world’s second-newest nation (South Sudan became the most recent in 2011) and the only country in Asia located completely in the Southern Hemisphere. Its population of 1.34 million people is 99.5 percent Christian. n

‘Know Thy Neighbour’ is a column that puts the focus on a country near Papua New Guinea.

BY BRONWEN GORA