East Timor - 2012

Background.

The East Timorese, living in the eastern half of the island of Timor, its between Indonesia and Australia, occupy a land whose area is 14,874 km².
The population in 1975, when the Portuguese left, was 680,000 - 97% Timorese (including mestizos), 2% Chinese, under 1% Portuguese.

East Timor has a common boundary with West Timor, which is part of Indonesia, the former Dutch East Indies.
For centuries the East Timorese had been farmers, living in scattered hamlets and eating what they grew. Only a few coastal East Timorese were fishermen. Trading and shop keeping had for generations been in the hands of the Chinese.
East Timor is extremely mountainous, so the majority of East Timorese had always lived in isolation, far from towns and foreign influences, tied to their fields and animistic practices. In spite of centuries of Catholic missionary work by the Portuguese, in 1975 animists still numbered as much as 72 % of the population.

Interesting points as an attraction and sightseeing.

It is a hidden paradise. Visitors are started to recognize the appeal of East Timor. National Tourism director José Quintas says visitors increased from 37,000 in 2008 to 85,000 in 2010.

So, if you want to try something new yet still enjoy the conventional sun, sea and sand with an adventurous twist, Asia's "newest nation" -- it gained independence in May 2002 -- is worth a look.

The vast array Timor Leste attractions act as a great appeal to tourists from all over the world who come to Timor Leste for some sightseeing.

Timor Leste was formerly known as East Timor. Timor Leste occupies the eastern half in the island of Timor in south East Asia.It is an island located in the land of Indonesia which lies between the Indian Ocean and South China Sea. Timor Leste is a new nation of south East Asia. Travel in Timor Leste attractions and sightseeing consists of a number of wonderful beaches, landscape and mountain.

Timor Leste as a popular tourist spot offers a number of attractions and sightseeing to indulge in. The popular attractions and sightseeing of Timor Leste includes:

• Beaches, Island and Dive sites. There are numerous beautiful beaches in and around Dili. In all these beaches the tourists can enjoy the facility of diving and snorkeling. Small sharks, tuna, turtles, mackerel and barracuda -- all along a submerged ridge running off the coast near Tibar. Another good dive spot is Atauro Island, 20 kilometers by boat from Dili harbor. En route you might see schools of dolphins fishing in the water or racing alongside the water-taxi, while in October and November humpbacks and sometimes sperm whales surface off the coast. Snorkeling is also enjoyed in this island. Bamboo cabins at Tua Koin and the eco village is the most unique attraction of this place. There are more places to dive, however, both east and west of Dili, with untouched coral reefs to explore. The beach of Pasir Putih also known as Areia Branca, is another popular attraction for the tourists of Dili region. The jewel in the country's crown is Jaco Island, the easternmost point in East Timor, a six-hour drive from Dili through green hills and winding, elevated coastal roads overlooking steep drops to the blue water below.

There are plenty of white-sand beaches close to the capital too, notably Areia Branca (Portuguese for "white sands") and Dollar Beach. These beaches can get crowded at weekends, but there are many other pristine beaches east and west of Dili that are usually empty. You need to bring supplies if visiting a quieter beach, but if you are not feeling so Alexander Selkirk, Areia Branca has plenty of bars and restaurants near the water, so you can dine on fresh fish washed down with a beer or fresh coconut, after a swim or a cycle. The south coast is risky, however, with an abundance of large saltwater crocodiles meaning that the good surf there should be avoided.

• Liquica is another place which is overcrowded by the tourists.
• Oecussi is an old fort situated at the top of the hill in the south of the town.
• Lifau is a place where the Portuguese originally inhabited.
• A big statute of Jesus Christ stands at the top of Cape Fatucama situated at the top of the hill. This is a well known tourist attraction of Timor Leste.
• State museum of East Timor is another famous attraction of Timor Leste. It was established in 1995. This museum holds traditional crafts, paintings, musical instruments, religious wood carvings and wood figures.
• Arte Moris is a famous cultural center established in the February 2003 by a Swiss artist Luca Gansser and the youth of East Timor; Gabriela Gansser is a well known place to see in Timor Leste. It is the first fine art school within the Democratic Republic of Timor Leste. It is a popular attraction for the tourists.
• Baucau is the second largest city in Timor Leste. This city holds the wonderful architecture of the colonial times and the caves used by the Japanese during the Second World War.
• Mountaineering and treking can be enjoyed by the people in Ainaro district. Trekking can also be done in Mount Matebian and Loelaco Mountain.
• The old 17th century fort of Maubara. One part of the fort has military ruins from the Portuguese times and the other part has strong coastal sea facing walls.
• Com is a well known fishing village. Snorkelling and fishing are the popular attractions of this place.
• Maubissa in Ainaro district of Timor Leste is a hill town of the past which offers the tourists long walks and trekking. Mambae house is the unique attraction of this place.