Highlights
The island country of Timor-Lest has magnificent scenery, several interesting geological attractions, rich biodiversity, and promising archaeological finds. There are expected more discoveries in the future.
Map with the described wonders
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Top 11 wonders of Timor-Leste
Geological wonders
Mota Bandeira Falls
Ermera
An impressive waterfall – a stream falls down a vertical cliff.
Mare Naun Nura Springs
Aileu
A group of hot springs with water temperatures of 55 – 62 °C. Water is bubbling, and has a slight odor.
Oesilo mud volcanoes
Oecusse
Group of several active mud volcanoes.
Rock formations of Osolata Beach
Baucau
Amazing hoodoos and standing stones on the beach.
Noi Noi Kuru Cave
Lautém
Approximately 320 m long limestone cave with beautiful cave formations. The cave contains gours and also a shard of pottery and a stone wall – a sign of human habitation. People have used the cave as shelter in 1975.
Marobo hot water spring
Bobonaro
Hot water spring in a beautiful mountain setting. In the past, there have been built pools for collection of the water. The temperature of water – 46 – 47 °C.
Mainina Ponor
Lautém
In this ponor disappears water from the largest freshwater lake of Timor-Leste – the whole Irasiquero River flows in it. Water continues to flow underground and discharges into the sea. Sacred place. Endemic fish Craterocephalus laisapi has been discovered in this short stream.
Archaeological wonders of Timor-Leste
Prehistoric paintings at Ile Kére Kére near Tutuala
Lautém
Exquisite, well-preserved paintings that are up to 30,000 years old. Contains Lene Hara Cave – limestone cave, where people have lived for several periods since 30,000 – 35,000 BP. The walls of the cave are adorned with prehistoric polychrome paintings, depicting geometric shapes, boats, animals, birds, and stylized humans. Here have been found petroglyphs as well. In this area are known at least six other caves with cave art including O Hi and Ile Kére Kére.
Laili Cave
Manatuto
In this cave, people have been living for at least 44.6 thousand years ago. It shows that humans arrived in Australia through Java and the Lesser Sunda Islands.
Contemporary cultural wonders of Timor-Leste
Christo Rei of Dili
Dili
27 m tall statue of Jesus atop a globe.
Jaco Island
Lautém
This island is covered with primeval forest and is considered to be sacred by local people – a place where the souls of deceased people go. Access to this island is forbidden.
Recommended books
East Timor: Island in Turmoil
Examines the history of the ethnic conflict in East Timor and its continuing effect on the people.
Timor-Leste Land of Discovery
Timor-Leste Land of Discovery is the first-ever coffee table book created depicting East Timor s landscape, cultural and underwater wonders, with text by President Bill Clinton, UN Secretary-General & Nobel Peace Prize laureate Kofi Annan, President Xanana Gusmão, and Minister & Nobel Peace Prize laureate Jose Ramos-Horta.