For those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of Dili, Atauro is the perfect getaway in Timor-Leste.
The rugged island, located to the north of the capital city, has a volcanic origin. As such, it fulfils the main criteria of the archetypal beach getaway. Visitors often marvel at the golden beaches, bucolic atmosphere, beach bungalows, traditional villages and great tropical hiking.
Most interest, however, lies underwater. Atauro ranks among the world’s leading snorkelling and diving sites. Thanks to its deep water (up to 3,000m in places) and stunning visibility, scuba enthusiasts can expect to encounter all kinds of underwater critters. Some have reported seeing giant blue whales. Regardless, there remains much to see in numerous sites as yet left off the region’s main diving trails. See divetimor.com for more details.
Things to know about Atauro
Getting there and away: A weekly ferry costing $11 return heads to the island from Dili. Alternatively, a water taxi – $45 one way for adults – departs for Atauro at 7.30 am daily. The return journey leaves at 9.30 am (Monday to Friday) or 3.00 pm (Saturday and Sunday). Prepare for a one-hour trip. Contact Compass for more details.
Where to stay: Barry’s Eco-Lodge. Cabin accommodation costs $45 a night. One of the greener options on Atauro, Barry’s offers a friendly welcome, communal atmosphere, beautiful gardens, thatched bungalows and shared bathrooms. Meals included. The venue can organise activities, tours, snorkelling, bikes, fishing and kayaking. Call (+670) 7723 6084 / 7744 1101.
(2025 update: This story first appeared in 2018 and used information gleaned from a trip to Timor-Leste in 2014. Eleven years ago. Long before content, engagement and things like that sucked the fun, soul, charm, depth, mystery, romance and personality out of travelling. Take the aura farming thing – where was it? Papua? The guy on the boat, anyway – for instance. The kid who did it first was genuinely cool. Anyone – and we mean anyone – who jumped on that trend afterwards ruined it. Well done. Congratulations on taking a cool thing and diluting it to death. It’s all a bit too cynical these days. Anyway, Atauro: prices, contact details, accommodation and so on have most likely changed – use this info only as a vague guide and make sure to do your own research.)
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