Dili:The best time to visit this fascinating destination is during the May to November dry season.Credit:Jafet Potenzo/MDF
THE ONE BEACH
Dili,capital of East Timor faces the Sunda Sea. Follow its long waterfront boulevard,Avenida de Portugal (plain"Beach Road"to the locals) east from town and you come to popular Areia Branca (White Sand) beach,a lagoon-like cove with good swimming,shade trees and restaurants. Seetimorleste.tl
THE ONE ICON
The 27m Cristo Rei (Christ the King) statue that dominates Dili's most easterly headland was a 1996 gift from Indonesia,although resistance leader Xanana Gusmao dismissed it as"Jakarta propaganda". Five hundred and seventy steps lead to its platform which offers spectacular sunrise views. Just below the statue sits pristine Dolok Oan beach with excellent reef snorkeling.
THE ONE RESTAURANT
Areia Branca's Beachside Cafe dishes acclaimed breakfasts including its Eggs Atlantica with smoked salmon,while Agora Food Studio trains young Timorese restaurant crews to international standards. Using local ingredients they create unique lunches like banana blossom rendang and knockout sugar-free chocolate desserts,all served with heart-warming care. Seetimorlestefoodlab.com
THE ONE EXCURSION
Take the 47 kilometre road trip inland to Aileu,heartland of East Timor's coffee culture. The so-called"noodle road"winds up through the hills to farmlands at 1000 metres. Sample the local produce at Projecto Montanha cafe and homestay. On the return trip visit Dare Memorial Museum,which commemorates the heroic support that the people of occupied East Timor gave Australian troops during WWII. Seefacebook.com/projetomontanha;timorleste.tl/listings/dare-memorial-museum-cafe