One of the top destinations in East Timor has got to be Jaco Island just off the east end of Timor.
It is about an 8 hour drive from Dili. A trail bike or 4x4 would be the best transport out there.
A regular car could make it up to Tutuala but you would have to leave it in town and walk the rest of the way because the trail kind of falls apart the closer you get. It is even a challenge for 4x4's.
Local transport could be taken to Tutuala but there are few vehicles going that way and the trip would only be for people with a lot of patience and endurance. Then you would have to walk the last 8 km or so to the beach.
There are no facilities there but some fishermen hang out there selling fish and coconuts and they don't mind having visitors.
Some people bring tents and others sleep in their vehicles.
Another option is to sleep in the undercuts that are in the rock walls along the beach. The fishermen have some bamboo benches that they will let you use, but it is a good idea to help them out a little and buy some fish and coconuts or whatever to help out their economy a bit.
There doesn't seem to be any mosquitoes down there so you can sleep in peace but watch out for when the rains come!
These guys will transport you across to the island and back for 5 dollars. Jaco has no permanent settlement but some fishermen hang out there from time to time. If you decide to stay there be sure to bring drinking water or coconuts.
Big schools of dolphins pass through the channel and it is loaded with fish. This is the only place where I've seen snorkelrs spear tunas. Before the rains come the water is clear and the vis almost unlimited.
I have yet to dive the channel but judging by the variety of fish these guys bring in the marine life must be astounding.
The beach on Jaco is superb. There are clean wide stretches of white sand and plenty of shade trees further inland.
It is good in a way that it is not that easy to get to or it could be ruined fairly quickly because Jaco is just not that big and probably couldn't take heavy tourist pressure.
If you make it to East Timor be sure to try to squeeze in a trip to Jaco!
Mega Tours in Dili East Timor does expeditions to the island if you don't have the desire to go there on your own.
; "jaco_155.jpg")
; "jaco_174.jpg")
; "jaco_160.jpg")
; "jaco_140.jpg")
; "jaco_138.jpg")
; "jaco_180.jpg")
; "jaco_163.jpg")