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 and you have the nice fresh water showers to rinse off after a dip in the ocean.
There are a 3 comfortable cottages to stay in at Nema's, right next to the dock at Beloi market.
You can take the ferry or organize a trip with one of the local fishermen from Dili.
Barry has a few masks and snorkels that you can use to explore the coral out front.
There is a fringing reef all the way around the island with a gap in it near the pier in Beloi where the ferry can slip through in deep water on a low tide.
Most of the local guys wait till high tide and zip over the submerged coral.
Barry charges 15.00 a night per person to stay at the lodge with local Timorese food included. Timorese coffee in the morning really hits the spot.
There is a small outrigger canoe you can use on the house reef for fishing or snorkeling but it is not for long trips.
The current can be swift when the tide is changing so a little caution should be used.
A new cabin is being added to the line up this week. They all are built a different style have the traditional alang-alang grass roofs which are a real piece of art.
The grass is cut and bundled by the villagers in the mountains to earn some revenue. It is a big job.
Nema's has a solar panel system that is sufficient to run the basic electrical needs of the place. If they run the fridge a small generator is fired up.
It is a rustic setting but is well thought out and very peaceful.
Some of the dive safari outfits stay there for the night. The scuba diving is reputed to be some of the best around.
The reefs are clean and loaded with coral and schools of dolphin are often seen cruising through.
You can give Barry a call at +067 723 6084 to let him know you are on the way.
This New Years is booked by a dive group but he can use more guests at other times because things are slow this year.
If you drink beer it wouldn't be a bad idea to bring along a few flats. Barry can fire up the generator and keep them cool.
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