East Timor

Truly a chance to explore the unexplored, Timor-Leste, more commonly known as East Timor, is Asia’s newest country and a fascinating place of ancient traditions and stunning natural beauty. Located in the Indonesian archipelago, East Timor is undeveloped for tourism and mistakenly overlooked when it comes to travelling Southeast Asia. Discover the hidden secrets of this fledgeling nation by rattling along bumpy roads, stumbling across stilt-villages, and glimpsing remnants of Portuguese colonial rule through the trees.

In the capital of Dili you can learn more about the country’s rocky history at the Resistance Museum and Chega! Exhibition, the site of which is a former political prison. For a splendid view over the sea and city centre, head up to the towering Cristo Rei that overlooks the bay. Beyond the city of Dili lie the two small islands of Jaco and Atauro, home to reefs and inlets with arguably some of the finest coral reef snorkelling in the world. The island of Jaco is untouched by human hands and is truly an idyllic retreat with gorgeous beaches and crystal-clear waters, whereas Atauro also boasts the popular beach of Akrema for diving and fresh seafood.