Till the independence in 1999 it was the colony of Portugal. I took a public bus to Baucau – second town of East Timor. There is no terminal in Dili – just come in front of Lita Supermarket in the morning – buses depart when full – no timetable and no chance to depart in the afternoon. Crowd inside – yes- there is a/c – the windows are open… the driver is the lord – stops for talks and to buy fresh fish. 3 USD only for 3 hours drive along the coast… You will pass nice villages under palms with poor churches… Nice hills overlooking the coast – great panoramic views…
In Baucau I found the guesthouse Laro sae close to mercado municipal – 10 USD per room. No fan, no mosquito net, no shower – mandi only – but this is old, clolonial, atmospheric place. There is more comfortable “Pousada Baucau” but they charge 55 USD per night.
Baucau has colonial – partly ruined Mercado building, the church and is located 330 m above the sea. o see nice beach I was walking down 5 km and 5 km uphill back. Good exercise but is was worth!
