The exotic tropical island of Timor Leste remains unspoiled, making it a prime destination for serious eco-travelers. The small nation is setting standards in eco-cultural sustainability with its community–based tourism model.
By Pamela Grant
The Democratic Republic of Timor Leste, also known as East Timor, became the world's newest and first sovereign state in the 21st century in 2002 after gaining independence from Indonesia. Located in Southeast Asia on the eastern half of Timor Island, it is on the farthest island of the Lesser Sunda Islands and approximately 300 nautical miles from Australia.
With a terrain consisting mostly of rugged mountains and unmarred beaches, the small country is large in terms of environmental sustainability, making it a magnet for serious eco-travelers. Unspoiled, beautiful, culturally interesting, and inviting, Timor Leste is also a standard bearer for community-based tourism.
Contributing to the Community Through Travel
There is really no place on earth quite like Timor Leste, from its unique historical background to its pristine coral reefs. Mountains with tropical rainforests in the center of the country give way to grassy plains, and white and black sand beaches. Its history includes colonization by the Portuguese, Indonesian occupation, and a regular flow of Chinese merchants.
Since gaining independence, Timor Leste has continually worked to achieve a stable economy, a peaceful existence, and a sustainable environment. Eco-travelers are welcomed as long as they fully respect the environment because East Timor is clear about one thing: It will rigorously protect its environment and culture for generations to come.
Today, tourism is in its infancy, and that means eco-travelers still have a rare opportunity to enjoy a country's environmental treasures without fighting crowds. Even more exciting is that visitors can choose to stay in eco-lodges constructed on the basis of the traditional architecture of bush building, and the revenue is shared with the community.
In too many cases, tourism revenues around the world go only to the government and business owners, with the people in the communities having little voice in development and no access to revenues. Timor Leste's community-based development approach, in places like Tutuala and Maubisse, has been an enormous success, with the income from eco-lodges and tourism benefitting local communities as eco-tourists are given opportunities to experience the country's culture in the most natural way. Community members serve as guides, hosts, caterers, environmental managers and craftspeople.
Leave Only Footprints
Dili is the capital of Timor Leste and a good place to begin a cultural immersion. It is a bustling city with restored Portuguese colonial buildings and is near the Areia Branca beach. Wandering the streets lined with quaint shops and markets, like the Tais Market filled with local crafts, gives visitors an opportunity to get to know the locals.
Businesses that are 100 percent owned by local people from Timor Leste offer tours that focus on experiencing different ethnic groups of Timor Leste. Eco Discovery, headquartered in Dali, has a tour that visits the Kemak and Mambae people in the mountains and the Makasae on the northern island coast. The village people adhere to traditional lifestyles that include subsistence farming, thatched-roof homes, and traditional dress and craft making.
This is such a small country but so large in breathtaking opportunities to experience undisturbed nature. Take a three-hour hiking trek to the top of Mount Ramelau, where the highest mountain peak Tataimalau is found, and be rewarded with stunning views of the mountains. Stay in the town of Hatobuilico the day before the hike and get to know the villagers.
If beaches are more to the liking, Timor Leste has perfect beaches to suit every preference. Areia Branca is one of the more popular beach sites with its white sand and nearby wetland habitats for birds. Since it is popular, it also has a variety of bars and restaurants nearby, so you can fish or swim and then enjoy a seafood meal. The Cristo Rei Back Beach is less frequented and an excellent spot for laying back and enjoying the azure blue waters and pure white sand. Swim, snorkel or fish to the heart's content. All along the coast is found a number of pristine beaches where all visitors leave is footprints.
Atauro Island is a 15-mile boat trip from Dili. It is an ecological haven. Recently, scientists discovered the reefs have more species of fish compared to any other place in the world. It is not deserted because 8,000 people live on Atauro Island, but there is no argument with describing the lifestyle on the island as laid back. Eco-travelers can stay on the island and spend time diving the crystal clear waters filled with colorful tropical marine life or lay on one of the beautiful beaches.
There are traditional hotels, but this is an excellent spot for staying in an eco-lodge to fully enjoy the cultural and environmental experience. Barry's Place eco-lodge with thatched-roof accommodations adheres to the principle of living sustainably and frugally in tune with Mother Nature. The eco-lodge also supports the local community by providing economic assistance for scholarships, grants and project work.
Discovering Laid Back Contentment and Island Life
Unlike Atauro Island, Jaco Island is uninhabited because it is considered sacred. Like Atauro Island, it is a gorgeous location. Eco-tourists can visit the island, now a part of the Nino Konis Santana National Park, during the day and fish, snorkel or walk the sands that ring the island. There are no lodges on the island, but the eco-resorts on the Tutuala Beach shore across the water from Jaco Island offer thatched-roof guest houses and beach camping. Jaco Island offers something nearly impossible to find anymore – serene isolation.
Is there such a thing as being too laid back? Eco-travelers to Timor Leste would likely say "no" because laid back implies taking the time to enjoy life. In this country, residents and visitors alike want the same things – to preserve the natural environment and cultural heritage and to find tranquility in a hectic world.
Here is some advice: First, visit Dili, Maubisse, Baucau, Lautern, Same, Suai, or any other city or town. Then find an outdoor café, enjoy a cup of Timor Leste's homegrown coffee, and ponder the mysteries of life while asking local townspeople the best way to experience an eco-adventure. It is the best travel advice a person can get.