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Timor-Leste, formerly known as East Timor, became the world’s newest, independent, democratic nation, in May 2002. Situated north west of Darwin, between Australia and Indonesia, East Timor is already beginning to draw small numbers of travelers to the island. With its beautiful, unspoiled beaches, world class scuba diving, spectacular landscapes and rich history, it is easy to see why.

Brief History of East Timor
For centuries the people of East Timor lived a subsistent farming life-style in isolated hamlets, scattered throughout the mountainous region and spoke many different languages and dialects.

In 1512 the arrival of sailors and merchants from Portugal, resulted in the colonization of the island that would last for over the next 400 years.

During World War II, Timor was invaded by the Japanese who stayed for over 3 years, causing devastation and human misery. During the time of Japanese occupation approximately 50,000 Timorese lost their lives. Following the war, Portuguese rule was restored in East Timor, but development of the country was slow, leaving the Timorese society almost unchanged.

On 28th November 1975, following an attempted coup and clashes between rival political contenders, the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste was proclaimed. Within 7 days, the new nation was invaded by Indonesia and thousands more Timorese were to lose their lives, during the next 24 years of Indonesian control.

In 1999, a United Nations sponsored referendum, led to the people of Timor-Leste voting overwhelmingly in favour of independence. The declaration of independence was finally implemented on the 20th of May 2002, creating the first Constitutional Government of Timor-Leste.

Over the last three years the capital, Dili, has sprung to life with many homes, shops, restaurants, bars, hotels and businesses popping up around the town. Dili still retains a few Portuguese influences, such as the villa-lined beach roads, ruins of an old fort built in 1627, many churches and a giant statue of Christ that adorns the headland of Cape Fatacumu, reminiscent of Rio de Janeiro.

Beautiful beaches with sheltered coves and white sands lie in both directions from Dili, with snorkeling and diving just a fifteen minute drive away. With the introduction onto the world tourism stage, Timor-Leste will continue to thrive and grow. The people are warm and friendly and look forward to welcoming visitors to their homeland. Be one of the first to explore this unique and exciting island nation and experience some of the best and as yet untouched diving in the world.

East Timor offers the adventurous diver the opportunity to explore the unexplored. The diving is world class with kilometres of majestic walls, that drop off into the deep blue sea, acres of untouched reefs, and an abundance of prolific marine life. Dolphin and Whale watching cruises can also be arranged on request. The best time of the year for diving is February to June and September to December.

Dive Timor Lorosae is Timor's premier PADI dive centre. The professional and friendly staff will guide you to some of the best diving in South East Asia. With their purpose built dive vessels all built and run as per Australian standards, the centre can cater from 2 to 20 divers. All boats are powered by Honda 4 stroke outboards. The best dive sites can be reached within 45 minutes in comfort and total safety.

Click here to learn more about dive sites in East Timor