Things To Do
in Baucau
Baucau is Timor-Leste's second-largest city, perched along the eastern coast with a blend of rugged hills and white-sand beaches. The town preserves a strong Portuguese colonial heritage visible in its architecture, plazas, and churches, while the surrounding countryside offers lush landscapes and hillside views. It serves as a gateway to waterfalls, traditional villages, and coastal bays that showcase Timor's diverse scenery.
Visitors can savor fresh seafood, explore lively markets, and experience warm Timorese hospitality in a setting that remains refreshingly unspoiled.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive in Baucau and settle into your accommodation, enjoying a traditional Timorese breakfast. Take a leisurely stroll around the town, soaking in the vibrant local culture. Visit the local market to witness the colorful displays of fruits, vegetables, and traditional crafts.
Discover the historical significance of Baucau by visiting the beautiful Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Graça, an iconic church that offers stunning views of the surrounding area. Engage with local artists and learn about their crafts at the nearby workshops. Relax at a local café with a refreshing coconut drink as you watch the world go by.
Dine at a popular local restaurant, trying fresh seafood dishes paired with local rice and vegetables. Enjoy the serene ambiance as the sun sets over the hills, painting the sky with vibrant hues. Conclude your evening by mingling with locals at a nearby cultural center where traditional music and dance may be showcased.
Start your day with a hearty breakfast at your accommodation before heading out to explore the ancient ruins of the old Portuguese fort. Marvel at the architecture and imagine the historical events that took place here. Take your time to absorb the panoramic views from the fort's vantage point.
Travel to the stunning beaches of Com, where the blue waters and white sandy shores await. Spend your afternoon swimming, snorkeling, or simply relaxing under the sun. Indulge in a beachfront picnic, taking in the fresh sea air and breathtaking scenery.
Return to Baucau in the early evening and freshen up before heading out for dinner. Sample delicious local fare at an inviting eatery known for its warm atmosphere and friendly service. As the night unfolds, enjoy conversations with fellow travelers about your adventures and discoveries.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $4-8 |
| 💧Bottled water (1.5L) | $0.25-0.75 |
| 🚖Taxi within town | $1-5 |
| ☕Coffee at cafe | $1-2.5 |
| 🛏️Budget hostel bed per night | $8-15 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Warm hospitality and relaxed pace
- Beautiful beaches and traditional villages
- Rich Portuguese-influenced heritage in architecture
- Limited infrastructure for long-distance travel
- Smaller nightlife and fewer international-standard services
- "Olá" - Hello
- "Bom dia" - Good morning
- "Obrigado / Obrigada" - Thank you
- "Por favor" - Please
- "Desculpe" - Sorry
- "Quanto custa?" - How much does it cost?
- "Onde fica o mercado?" - Where is the market?
- "Pode falar inglês?" - Can you speak English?
Places to Visit in Baucau
Visit one of these nice places.
Portuguese-era façades, wide plazas, and pastel-painted buildings perfect for daytime and golden-hour photography.
Dramatic coastal views with a working lighthouse; great for sunset silhouettes and long-shutter sea shots.
Panoramic hilltop vistas over valleys and the town—ideal for sunrise panoramas.
Colorful stalls, local fabrics, and candid portraits—best in the morning when activity is high.
Food in Baucau
Baucau Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Fish simmered in a spicy coconut curry with turmeric, garlic, and lime leaves, typically served with rice.
Must-Try!
Rice cooked with coconut and chunks of fish, a comforting coastal dish common in markets and small eateries.
Sweet or savory steamed cassava cakes, a common street snack or dessert accompaniment.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Central market filled with fresh fish, produce, and small stalls offering quick bites and snacks.
Casual bites along the waterfront area—grilled fish, cassava, fruit skewers, and local snacks.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A respectful handshake is common; address elders with politeness and courtesy.
Ask before photographing people, especially in homes or sacred spaces.
In villages and religious sites, modest dress is appreciated; shoulders and knees should be covered in some areas.
Many Timorese are Catholic; be respectful around churches and during religious observances.
Safety
Tipping in Baucau
Ensure a smooth experience
Tips are appreciated but not expected; leave small amounts for guides, drivers, and staff if service is good.
Cash (USD or local ETL) is widely accepted; some places may take cards, but carry cash for markets and small eateries.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Warm to hot days with high humidity; brief tropical showers possible in the afternoons; great for beach time and outdoor exploration early in the day.
Frequent rain and occasional storms; roads can be slick; pack quick-drying clothing and waterproof gear; essential for waterfalls and lush landscapes.
Baucau at Night
Hiking in Baucau
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Iconic ridge hike in the eastern highlands offering expansive views over valleys and the coast.
Gentle to moderate hike leading to a scenic waterfall and swimming holes near the countryside.
Airports
How to reach Baucau by plane.
Main international gateway to Timor-Leste; frequent flights to regional hubs and limited international connections.
Small airstrip serving domestic flights to Dili and nearby towns; limited schedules and services.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Primarily Timorese communities speaking Tetum or Fataluku in the eastern region; Catholic majority with village-based social structures.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport across Timor-Leste; played casually in streets and formally in facilities.
Common in schools and community centers; local pickup games are frequent.
Popular on beaches and in recreation spaces; suitable for all ages.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Baucau.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian choices exist in markets and some restaurants; communicate no meat or fish and ask about stock/accounting for fish-based broths.