It's new! A brand new country, just waiting to be explored! Nothing's ready for tourism yet, but it desperately needs it, so go with few expectations taste the organically grown coffee and you'll have an epic.
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Budget Accommodation in East Timor
Sadly there are few budget sleeping options as yet in East Timor, due to the western UN personnell pushing the expectations high in terms of what a reasonable bed for the night costs. There are a couple of backackers places in Dili and then it's guesthouses and hotels. It's also possible to stay in a convent! Ask at the church...
A Traveller's Budget for East Timor
You can get round the country, or certainly between the major towns, by bus, but don't expect to get anywhere on time, the whole transport system is relaxed, to say the least. In the more rural places it's the back of a truck, hitching or walking. You can cycle but the roads are poor, motorcycle is an excellent way to get around self sufficiently, you can hire them in Dili.
Eat with the locals from the street food stalls if you're looking for a bargain, otherwise there are plenty markets to get fresh produce from. The restaurants here are good value too, no worries for the wallet around here.
Activities
Snorkelling and diving - there's a reef running along the length of the northern coast
Check out the giant Jesus statue in Dili
Climb Mt Ramelau, you can see both coasts fro the summit on a clear day.
Take the Inland road to Ermera, and smell (or taste) the coffee!
