Photos from Our World

Dili, the capital of East Timor

Dili stretches along the waterfront, from Nicola Lobato International Airport in Comoro (about 6 km west of the town centre) all the way to Cape Fatucama, a similar distance to the east. The harbour is the main area of activity, with small boats coming and going from Atauro island, 30 km across Wetar Strait and the ferry landing where transport to the enclave of Oecussi can be had. Old Portuguese cannons still point out to see and men sit in the shade, playing cards or just relaxing.

Fishing boats come and go along the beach and fish can be bought at market stalls, set up under the massive trees. Going east, there are houses facing the beach, with outrigger canoes drawn up. About 4 km from town, a beach known by its Portuguese name of Areia Branca or the Indonesian name of Pasir Putih (white sand) is quite pleasant, with thatched shelters and a nice view across the bay to the city.

Cape Fatucama, at the eastern end of the bay, features a huge statue of Christ, not unlike its famous counterpart in Rio de Janeiro; but this one, standing on a globe, was built during the Indonesian occupation and pointedly made exactly 27 metres high: East Timor (Timor Timur or Tim Tim in Indonesian) was its 27th Province. The statue was even unveiled by President Soeharto himself in 1988 and it was subsequently blessed by Pope John Paul II when he visited in 1989. It can be reached by a path, lined with 14 Stations of the Cross and a flight of stairs, via a chapel at the base. There is a great view from the top.

	Dili Harbour	Indonesian ferry	View to Atauro	Dili waterfront
	Boat from Atauro	Coming ashore	To Cape Fatucama	Outrigger canoes
	View towards Dili	Areia Branca beach	Cape Fatucama	Statue of Christ

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