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Baucau

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At a glance

Country
East Timor
Region
Baucau Municipality
Population
17,000
Best time to go
May to November
Main airport
None — nearest is Dili (DIL)
Coordinates
8.47°S, 126.45°E

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Overview

Baucau is Timor-Leste's second town, set on a limestone plateau above the north coast. Its old quarter has a crumbling Portuguese market hall, a historic pousada and a spring-fed swimming pool.

It's a quiet, cooler stop on the drive east from Dili, with a white-sand beach below town and the remote eastern tip of the island beyond. Facilities are basic, so travel with plenty of patience.

Things to see

  • Old town
    Photo: Thilver, CC BY-SA 4.0

    Old town

    Pastel Portuguese buildings around a grand but faded colonial market hall.

  • Pousada de Baucau
    Photo: David Stanley, CC BY 2.0

    Pousada de Baucau

    A pink colonial-era guesthouse overlooking the old town, good for a drink with a view.

  • The spring-fed pool
    Photo: David Stanley, CC BY 2.0

    The spring-fed pool

    A natural spring fills a public swimming pool in the old town, popular with local children.

  • Mount Matebian
    Photo: Hans-Peter Grumpe, GFDL

    Mount Matebian

    A sacred limestone mountain to the south-east, its peak visible on clear days.

Things to do

  • Swim at the beach below town

    Follow the steep road down to white sand and clear water for a lazy afternoon.

  • Visit Venilale
    Photo: Isabel Nolasco, CC BY-SA 4.0

    Visit Venilale

    A hill village to the south, known for tunnels dug during the Second World War occupation.

  • Drive to Jaco Island
    Photo: Colin Trainor, CC BY-SA 3.0

    Drive to Jaco Island

    Continue east to the island's tip for an uninhabited island of white sand and reefs.

Where to stay

  • Old town

    The pousada and a few guesthouses, the most atmospheric option.

    Hotels in Old town

  • New town

    Simple guesthouses on the plateau, closer to shops and the main road.

    Hotels in New town

Getting around

Walk around the old town; for trips out of town you'll need a driver or a four-wheel drive.

Baucau is about three hours' drive east of Dili along the coast road, by minibus or private car.

When to go

The dry season from May to November is best for travel and swimming. Heavy rain in the wet season can make roads difficult.

Plan your trip to Baucau

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Guide last checked October 2026. Opening times and prices change, so check before you go.

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