Atauro Island
Atauro Island is the untouched eco-tourism gem of Southeast Asia. Just a short boat ride from Dili, Atauro Island has everything you could want in a relaxing tropical getaway: lush mountains with dozens of trails to explore; white sand beaches and gently lapping waves; volcanic mountains shrouded in wispy clouds; people and communities still practicing local customs; and the world's most biodiverse reefs, with hundreds of dolphins and whales swarming the surface.
An amusing tidbit is that Atauro means "goat" in the local language; nevertheless, it is not in the middle of nowhere, so expect to see plenty of goats. During the Portuguese and Indonesian occupations of what is now the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, Atauro Island was used as a local jail. You may also use crafted goggles and spear guns to try your hand at traditional fishing for a discount.
- Location: East Timor (between the Indonesian islands of Alor and Wetar)
- Best time to visit: between June to September when it is dry and the weather predictable with a clear sky and good visibility underwater
- Things To Do: Go Snorkeling In The Morning, Go Snorkeling Along The Beloi Beach, Go For A Morning Hike Up The Viewpoint, Walk Around The Saturday Morning Market
- Best Places To Stay: Beloi Beach Hotel, Timor Lodge Hotel
