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Tua Ko'in Eco Resort

Tua Ko’in Eco Resort

Resort on Atauro Island
The Tua Ko’in Eco Resort is on the southeast side of Atauro near Vila.
It seems like a well built place but I wasn’t able to get any information about it from anyone there.
It was originally an NGO project and it does look good but the welcoming atmosphere seems to be missing.
The kids [...]

Atauro Island Lifestyle

Atauro Island Lifestyle

Atauro Island life
You move a little slower on Atauro Island. I don’t know if it’s the heat or just the margarittaville affect.
There are very few tourists but occasionally one or two come stumbling along.
Usually it’s dive groups that come over from Dili to explore the coral reefs surrounding the island.
Many of the islanders fish for [...]

Arlo Village Atauro

Arlo Village Atauro

Arlo village on Atauro
Arlo is a village on top of the hill you will pass if you are crossing over to the other side of the island.
It is a little bit cooler up there in the mountains and there can be a breeze. There are quite a few trees along the trail once you get [...]

Alang Alang Grass Roof

Alang Alang Grass Roof

Grass roof construction – alang alang
The grass roofs on the homes in Atauro last at least 10 years.

Traditional grass roof construction
The framework is put up and bunches of grass are held in place between 2 strips of bamboo and layered starting from the edge and working up to the ridge.
They can hold up to cyclonic [...]

Nema's Lodge

Nema’s Lodge

Nema’s Lodge – Atauro Island
Nema’s Lodge on Atauro is the best place to stay if you are going to be there for a while.
This island is hot and dusty in the dry season but it really can rain during the wet.
Camping on the beach is an option but it is so nice in those cabins [...]

Atauro Express

Atauro Express

Boat from Dili to Atauro
The Atauro Express ferry usually makes the return trip from Dili to Atauro on Saturdays. The locals usually pay 3.00 dollars, I paid 5.00.
If you take a vehicle the return fare is 80.00. A motorbike costs 10.00 each way.
The express leaves from the port in Dili and arrive at the pier [...]