Bali · 26 September
On the Way
Timor-Leste was the reason for this trip, but getting there meant spending a night in Bali. We landed in the afternoon and had dinner on Kedonganan Beach before flying to Dili the next morning.
Dili · 27 September
Dili
We had one night in Dili before continuing to Atauro Island. It was our first time in Timor-Leste, and we spent the little time we had along the waterfront and visiting the Timorese Resistance Archive and Museum. Then we returned to the hotel and let the children play in the pool.
Atauro Island · 28 September
Across to Atauro
The next morning, we took the boat from Dili to Atauro Island. After landing at Beloi, we took a tuk-tuk to where we were staying: simple accommodation by the beach, with a fresh breeze and home-cooked food.
Atauro Island
Atauro Island
During my research, I had read about Atauro’s coral and its reputation for diving, and we were not disappointed. Even today, its reefs remain among the best we have seen anywhere.
We asked a local boatman to take us to the best snorkelling spots, and it was well worth the trip. Perhaps because there are so few tourists, much of the coral remains pristine. Back on the beach, the children played with starfish.
Bali · 29–30 September
Back in Bali
With one full day before heading home, we kept it simple: time at a nearby beach club, followed by the Kecak performance at Uluwatu that evening.
We were glad we did this trip.
Singapore · 1 October