Dili
Southeast Asia · Timor-Leste
Did you know?
- The seaside city became the capital of a newly independent country in 2002.
- A nearby beach carries the informal name Jesus Backside Beach.
- Steps climb to Cristo Rei for a panorama above the coast.
See also
Overview
Dili is a seaside capital with Portuguese-influenced architecture and food. Coastal walks, resistance-history sites and nearby diving give the city a varied visitor circuit.
Languages: Portuguese, Tetum
Why go?
Dili is a charming, lazy little seaside city that became the capital of newly independent Timor-Leste in 2002. It offers a distinct Portuguese flavour with colonial architecture and cuisine, and serves as a gateway to stunning beaches, world-class diving, and mountain adventures. The city has recovered remarkably from past conflicts, yet retains a relaxed, backwater vibe.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Getting in
Presidente Nicolau Lobato International Airport (DIL) is 6 km west of Dili, served by FlyBus Airport Shuttle and Green Path Transfers. Taxis are available from the airport into town. The airport provides visa on arrival for many nationalities for US$30.
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Getting around
Dili is compact and walkable along the beachfront. Taxis are plentiful; a trip to Cristo Rei costs about US$5. Mikrolets (minibuses) are cheap at 25 centavos per ride. For longer trips, taxis and private car hire are available.
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When to go
Dili is hot all year round. The dry season (May to October) is ideal for outdoor activities and diving. The wet season (November to April) brings heavy rain but still manageable. It can get very cold overnight in the central districts, so bring a warm layer.
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Where to stay
Accommodation in Dili ranges from basic container rooms for about US$5 per night to comfortable air-conditioned hotels for US$40+. Backpacker favourite DaTerra Hostel offers dorms for $20 and doubles for $30 including breakfast. Other options include guesthouses and 'kos' style living with local families for around US$150 per month.
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Food and drink
Dili has a vibrant dining scene from local warungs to Italian and Portuguese restaurants. The Bebonuk beach BBQs serve excellent skewers for $1 each and katapas (rice cooked in coconut milk). Warungs like New Lili's and Starco Cafe offer Indonesian dishes for $3-5. For western food, Castaway is popular with $6-15 meals. Portuguese and Italian options are available at higher prices.
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Things to do
Climb the steps to Cristo Rei for panoramic views, explore the Resistance Museum and Chega. Exhibition to understand Timor's history, relax at Areia Branca or Jesus Backside Beach, dive with operators like Dive Timor Lorosae around Dili and Atauro Island, and hike to the top of Mount Ramelau for dawn.
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Stay safe
Traffic accidents are the biggest risk; wear a helmet on motorbikes. Avoid walking alone after dark, especially for women. Gang activity occurs at night in the Bairo Pite district. Petty theft and occasional break-ins happen. During the day, Dili feels generally safe.
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Connectivity
WiFi is available in some cafes and hotels but is unreliable, often no better than the slow 4G cellular service. SIM cards can be purchased at Timor Plaza and other cellphone stores. The main mobile provider is not named in the article.
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Budget
A daily backpacker budget of about $40-50 is reasonable for a dorm bed ($20), two warung meals ($6-10), local transport ($1-5), and an attraction ($1-3). Street food and BBQs can save money.
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Etiquette
Dili is more liberal than the districts. In the city, dress is relaxed but dressing conservatively (shoulders and knees covered) is respectful in rural areas. Tipping is not expected but appreciated. Haggling is not aggressive at markets.
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Go next
Popular day trips include Areia Branca beach, Atauro Island (ferry $4 each way, Saturday only), Jaco Island (requires 4WD), Liquica and Maubara with ruins and beaches, and Gleno for mountain scenery. Overnight trips to Baucau and the eastern coast are also possible.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Field guide adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0. Text has been adapted and organized for this guide. About our sources.
Places to know
A few starting points from the guide. Check current hours and prices before you go.
- eat
Arriba
A good opportunity to savour some of the worst Mexican food in the world. Very bland, poorly-made and quite expensive. Despite being the only Mexican option in town, still doesn't seem to get much business.
Recorded price: $10
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
Bebonuk beach BBQs
This is a string of identical BBQs that sets up every evening on the beach, serving excellent chicken, pork and fish skewers for about $1 each (they may try to overcharge foreigners) as well as katapas (rice cooked in coconut milk). Gets very messy but it is surely the best value beach dinner in Dili. The stalls set up low tables and chairs straight on the beach.
Recorded price: $2-4
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
Castaway
One of the hippest and most reliable western joints. Good food, good staff, good crowd and views over the water.
Recorded price: $6-15
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
Caz Bar
Great for drinks or food on the beach (just find the plastic tables and chairs on the sand, or ask staff to get some for you; the main bar is across the road and under cover). Big menu of mostly-western items that are good value considering the location and quality.
Recorded price: $5-10
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
Dilicious Timor
Tasty Timorese food made from local ingredients. Several vegetarian options.
Recorded price: $6+
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
Early Sun
Reliable Chinese restaurant on the beachfront with a big menu of good-value dishes.
Recorded price: $6-10
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
Gion
Best Japanese restaurant in town, but be careful about the sashimi.
Recorded price: $12+
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
Golden Star
Attractive Chinese restaurant in the suburbs with a few interesting "Timorese" dishes, like the saboco fish dish.
Recorded price: $8+
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
Before you go
Dress
Dili is relaxed, but in districts women should cover shoulders and knees. Jeans and collared shirts are respectful for men.
Health
Bring mosquito net for upcountry. Contact lens solution is unavailable. Medical services are limited.
Money
US dollars are the currency. MasterCard is not accepted anywhere. ATMs are available at Timor Plaza and branches of Bank Mandiri and BNU.
Visa
Visa on arrival for many nationalities costs US$30, payable in cash at the airport.