This is my 1st time in East Timor and had a good chance to visit Atauro island, a relatively small but beautiful island in Timor-Leste.
There are few ways to go to Atauro island, you can charter a speed boat at USD 45.00 per person/way, using Dragon fast boat at USD 15.00 per/person/way, Laju Laju Ferry at USD 5.00 per/person/way or even local fishing boat at USD 5.00 to USD 20.00 depending on your luck and negotiation skills.
- For booking of Laju Laju Ferry – Telephone: +67073022266/73022000. Operate only on Thursday. Departing 8.00am from Dili port to Atauro island and 2.30pm from Atauro island back to Dili port. There will also be someone selling ferry ticket in the Dili port on the day itself. To avoid any dissapointment, buying ticket in advance is always recommended.
- For booking of Dragon Fast Boat – Telephone: +67073022266. Email: dragonstarshippinglda@gmail.com
- For booking of Speed Boat – Telephone: +67075583421 or contact Beloi Beach Hotel Water Taxi
For me, I decided to go by the most economical way, the Laju Laju Ferry. This ferry only operates on every Thursday, it will take about 3 hours to reach the island and 3 hours to return to Dili, and thus you will only have about 2 to 3 hours of playtime if you intend to return on the same ferry on the same day. Alternatively, you can also choose to go by Laju Laju Ferry and return by speed boat or fishing boat. If you are adventurous enough, you can try the fishing boat, but the risks are definitely much higher in choppy water. I booked the fishing boat to go around the island, it was really fun and enjoyable! The water is clean and the people are wonderful!
My Photo Gallery
Laju Laju Ferry
Fishermen Boat
- Go around the Atauro island on fishing boat – about USD 200
- Go to Akrema area for snorkeling – about USD 60
- Bikeli area – about USD 60
- There are other places like seeing dolphin, diving too. Fishermen know best!