Hotels in East Timor

Hotels in East Timor: your guide to where to stay

How much does a hotel in East Timor cost?

The price depends on the standard, the place and the dates. The table shows indicative nightly rates for a double room. The cheapest month is usually April, while March is the priciest. Hotels and resorts in Dili cost more than simple guesthouses. East Timor uses the dollar, so prices are easy to compare. Booking ahead usually brings better rates.

Indicative rates, updated periodically. For exact prices and availability, select your dates in the search above.

Where to stay in East Timor: most popular places

Life in the country centres on the capital, but there are islands and coastal towns too. These are the places travellers choose most often:

• Dili. The capital and almost the entire choice of hotels, from hostels to upper-tier properties. The main port, a base and home to the country's airport.
• Atauro Island. Facing Dili, known for some of the richest coral reefs in the world and dive resorts.
• Baucau. The second city, in the east, with a Portuguese old town and nearby beaches.
• Maubisse. A mountain town inland, with a cooler climate and views over rice terraces.
• Com. A coastal village at the eastern tip, a base towards Jaco Island and Nino Konis Santana Park.

Nightly rates vary between places. Here are indicative prices per night for a double room:

What to see in East Timor

East Timor is a destination for those after nature, diving and quiet. The country is small, with attractions spread along the coast and in the mountains.

• Jaco Island. An uninhabited island at the eastern tip, with golden beaches and crystal water, one of the finest spots in the country.
• Diving off Atauro. Reefs with some of the highest biodiversity in the world, a paradise for divers and snorkellers.
• Cristo Rei in Dili. A large statue of Christ above the bay, with views over the city and the sea.
• Mount Ramelau. The highest peak in the country, a popular night climb for sunrise.
• Portuguese heritage. Colonial architecture in Dili and Baucau, a trace of Portugal's long presence.

How much does a trip to East Timor cost

Beyond the room, prices can be higher than the country level suggests, as many goods are imported. East Timor uses the US dollar. Cards work in the better hotels in Dili, but outside the capital cash is the basis. ATMs are few, so it is worth withdrawing a reserve of cash in dollars before heading out of Dili.

When is the best time to visit East Timor

The dry season from May to November is the best for travel, with good underwater visibility and passable roads. The rainy season from December to April makes travel inland harder. Room prices are lowest in April and highest in March. The best diving conditions fall in the dry months.

Getting to and around East Timor

The main airport is in Dili, with connections mainly from Bali, Singapore and Darwin in Australia. It is the entry gateway for most travellers. Public transport is limited, so it is most convenient to get around by a rented car, often a four-wheel drive, as roads inland can be tough. A ferry and boats reach Atauro Island from Dili. In the city there are minibuses and taxis.

Example hotels in East Timor

A few recognisable properties, mostly in the capital, for reference:

• Hotel Esplanada and Plaza Hotel in Dili (upper tier, from approx. 95 USD).
• Arbiru Beach Resort and Golgota Hotel Resort in Dili by the coast (from approx. 62 USD).
• Atauro Dive Resort on Atauro Island (a dive base, from approx. 90 USD).