Secret Garden
One of the beach dive spots east of Dili is Secret Garden. This dive site is popular due to its modest, but excellent and attractive sponge garden, which is home to purple anthias and silvery glass fish. It is aslo one of the best diving sites in Timor-Leste.
The spot has little strong current but excellent visibility almost all year. The place is notable above water for its one mangrove tree. At low tide, it appears high and dry, yet at high tide, it is partially submerged.
Secret Garden, or Secret Spot as it is also known, is located around 35 kilometers east of Dili. However, you will need a guide because it is located just off the coast road, down a little dirt road concealed behind a grove of palm palms.
The site features a very long access that either requires wading out across shallow water if the tide is in or a long walk if the tide is out. Walking out across the pebbles and coral rubble to deeper water if the tide is out. Once submerged in the sea, you should proceed straight down the sandy slope. You have the option of turning west or east when you reach the short wall. However, the sponge garden is located west... Overall, Secret Garden is a very enjoyable dive with plenty to explore!
The dive site is good for both fish action and macro divers, since encounters with sweetlips, snappers, jackfish, and mobula rays (frequently seen in big schools) are regular. Octopus, nudibranches, scorpionfish, and ghost pipefish are all common residents of this area. Due to rough water conditions, it can be difficult to reach during high season.
