Places / Asia / East Timor
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
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Photo: Thilver, CC BY-SA 4.0 Old town
Pastel Portuguese buildings around a grand but faded colonial market hall.
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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.
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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.
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Photo: Hans-Peter Grumpe, GFDL Mount Matebian
A sacred limestone mountain to the south-east, its peak visible on clear days.
Things to do
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Swim at the beach below town
Follow the steep road down to white sand and clear water for a lazy afternoon.
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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.
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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 townNew 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
Guide last checked October 2026. Opening times and prices change, so check before you go.