Dili - East Timor is known as an insiders' tip in the scuba diving community who prize the spectacular coral reefs off its coastline. Apart from being one of the world's top diving destinations, it also has unspoilt beaches, rich pasture lands and an impressive mountainous landscape. The country is roughly the size of Kuwait, is located between Indonesia and Australia and is largely untouched by tourism.
"Bob's Rock" is a 45 minute drive from the capital Dili on the coast. The origins of its name's origins are simple - a man called Bob decided to spray paint the letters B-o-b on the rocks there.
There are no stalls selling ice cream nor snacks, no parking spaces and no bars. Large pebble stones cover the beach, but after swimming 10 metres from shore a paradise for divers and snorkelers awaits.
The sea floor falls suddenly revealing unspoilt coral reefs.
"I have been to the Barrier Reef in Australia as well as Bali and the Caribbean - but this is spectacular," says David, 26,who works for an Australian aid agency and spends his weekends scuba diving.
For decades East Timor was not on anyone's tourist trail. The country is a former Portuguese colony and was occupied by Indonesia. A rebellion turned the country into a no-go area.
As a result, hardly any industry exploits the country's natural resources. The sandy beaches are not lined by hotels and the coral reefs have not been destroyed by dynamite fishing.
The town of Baucau on the north coast is the country's second largest urban area. The 120 kilometre drive from Dili takes between up to four hours. However, the view across the sea makes up for the discomfort of getting here.
In the village of Manatuto, a pot-bellied pig strolls across the road and four teenagers sit playing guitar. Stalls in the village market sell Tais - a handmade colourful material woven by local women.
An enormous, pink coloured hotel from the colonial period still stands in Baucau. The "Posads de Baucau" was a military headquarters during the Indonesian occupation.
But today, it is once again receiving guests who are looked after by students from the nearby hotel and catering school.
There's a down-to-earth feeling in its Benefica Restaurant which is decorated all year round with a Christmas tree.
A calendar with a picture of Pope Benedict XVI hangs on the wall indicating that East Timor is a deeply Catholic country.
Locals have built a few simple huts in the village of Tutualla in the east of the country. For the equivalent of 10 euros (14 dollars) a night, guests get a taste of paradise with a fresh sea breeze and local cuisine.
Guests can also accompany fishermen out to sea and buy locally made goods. About 3,000 people are profiting from a project run by Haburas, an organisation promoting sustainable development.
"We want to prevent local people from just becoming gardeners and servants in hotels catering to foreigners," says Demetrio do Amaral de Carvalho from Haburas.
It only takes a few minutes to reach the mountains from Dili of which Ramelan is the highest peak at 3,000 metres.
From the base camp in Hato Builiko located at 1,960 metres, it takes about three hours to reach the top which normally provides a spectacular view at sundown.
After spending a night camping and admiring the view at sunrise, it's time to return to the valley below.
Dili has retained a lot of its old Portuguese flair including its irresistible custard tarts.
Internet: www.turismotimorleste.com/en
