Recreation

Outside of the ocean-sports constant, the popularity of other recreation and leisure pastimes for internationals tends to rise and fall based on the presence of a critical mass of people interested in that activity. Benfica Sporting is a hub for expat-leaning athletics. The courts at the Ministry of Youth and Sports on the beach road in Lecidere are in regular use for locally led games, both formal and pickup.

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LEISURE ACTIVITIES IN DILI

There is a regular core of biking enthusiasts among Dili’s expat community. While a few bring road bikes and frequent hard-paved coastal roads, most ride a mountain or gravel bike and relish dirt in the hills. Look up “Timor-Leste MTB” on Facebook or search for Dili-area pedalers on Strava. For a taste of MTB extremes, check out fearless Australian downhiller Dave Inabinet’s entertaining bushwhacks. Dedicated local riders are also building a growing network of trails in the hills above Dili.

Boxing is popular in Timor Leste, and expats with at least beginning Tetum might have success introducing themselves at a local boxing studio and becoming part of the action. Martial arts groups exist around Dili, but these tend to be political in nature and are recommended to avoid.

For those who love golf, there is no course in Timor Leste – there’s barely enough flat space for an airport runway in Dili! Top Golf does maintain a driving range in the Metiaut suburb, next to Beachside.

Motorbiking is Dili’s primary form of transportation, but can also be a communal or recreational activity. Locals and expats go on group rides on weekends, particularly out toward Baucau. Some expats bring in their own high-powered motorcycles, touring bikes, or dirtbikes and head out to explore Timor’s network of paved roads and mountain dirt.

Nature lovers often band together to explore or share experiences, particularly around birdwatching and nature photography. Break into this community by searching Facebook for Dili-area, nature-focused groups. The Tasi Tolu lakes, Maubara Lake, and the Cristo Rei area are popular spots for birders.

Racquet sports include tennis and badminton. There are lighted ‘public’ tennis courts near the university and in the Bebonuk neighborhood. Booking a local coach to hit with you is probably the best way to start getting time on these. Some residential compounds have their own tennis court. Badminton games can be found at the courts in the Santa Cruz area, north of the cemetery. Palm Springs Estates has an AC squash court.

Dusk and dawn finds runners plying the beach road from Pertamina Pier to Metiaut, when it’s less hot and traffic is lighter. You can also find fellow runners training on the road and stairs that go up to the Pope John Paul II statue, in the Dili Rock area (there’s a church there, so avoid training on Sunday mornings). Periodic rumors surface of a Dili hash harriers group – inquire locally. While long-time residents talk of harassment for solo females out and about, more women athletes appear to be taking to the streets, with positive results.

Those who love being pampered can find massage and other spa treatments at a variety of locations around Dili. Australian-owned The Spa is a good place to start, as is the spa at Venture Hotel – both in the Lecidere area.

For swimming, the ocean is of course the biggest and most accessible pool in Timor Leste (look for the sign at Barry’s Place on Atauro that makes that point). If you want to swim in more controlled circumstances, there are a number of pools around Dili. Most are inside a residential compound or embassy, and are likely off limits if you don’t live/work there. Pools that can be used by the public (for a fee) are at JL Villa, the Novo Turismo hotel, Golgotta Hotel, Timor Lodge, and Timor Plaza.

Team sports are usually informally organized by well-connected international residents. Portuguese-led futsal and volleyball gatherings happen some weekday evenings at Benfica; Friday nights see kids on the futsal court there. Cricket matches are sometimes organized by subcontinent-led teams. Ultimate Frisbee pops up now and then. Irregular pickup basketball games can be found on the Ministry of Youth and Sports courts.

Walking in the hills brings adventure for outdoorsy expats. “Trails” are informal, usually made up of dirt roads and village tracks. Destinations, such as waterfalls, can be iffy – stay open to the moment and to the kids who might come around to ‘guide’ you. In Dili, ask your connections about a semi-regular expat Saturday morning walking group; you can also look for other walkers on Strava.

Yoga is popular in the capital. The easiest place for expats to start is with Dili Ashtanga Yoga – European-background instructor Ahimsa has been practicing in Dili since 2016. He leads classes around town, and sometimes arranges yoga retreats outside the capital.