Tasitolu, Dili

A protected area of wetlands including three saline lakes surrounded by hills, an esplanade, and a beach, Tasitolu lies 8 km (5.0 mi) from the capital. An important bird area, it shelters both native and migratory birds--including some threatened species. Go for a dive here (but note that the site is easy to miss) and view some bizarre sea creatures--spiny tiger and tozeuma shrimp, rhinopia, or seahorses. The main landmark, a statue of Pope John Paul II (sharing the hill with a chapel), reminds of his visit in 1989, the darkest hour of East Timor's struggle for independence (eventually declared here in 2002). In 2006 the area, still torn by conflict, became a base for UN forces. Make Tasitolu part of your personalized Dili itinerary using our Dili vacation builder tool.