Timor Leste (26 Nov - 1 Dec 2016)

Flight details

Departure Flight

From: Singapore - Changi	To: Dili - Nicolau Lobato
Flight Date	Flight	Departure	Arrival
26/11/2016	MI296	09:25 SIN	14:15 DIL

Return Flight

From: Dili - Nicolau Lobato	To: Singapore - Changi
Flight Date	Flight	Departure	Arrival
01/12/2016	MI295	15:25 DIL	18:10 SIN

Cost: AUD$865.55 (SGD$907.87)

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Planning resources:

http://www.padi.com/blog/2015/06/05/scuba-diving-the-biodiverse-east-timor/

http://www.australiangeographic.com.au/travel/destinations/2015/09/timor-leste-tropical-haven-free-from-tourist-crowds

Map: http://www.openstreetmap.org/ is more detailed compared to Google maps






Brochure map

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I was expecting the USD rate be towards my advantage from the United States presidential election, on 8 Nov 2016. However, it was quite the opposite; the election concluded at 9 Nov 16, 2.45am Eastern Standard Time (7.45am UTC) as shown in the red line below which is about USD$1 = $1.39026


Source: XE Currency Converter

Being hopeful, I waited, wishing that USD will drop due to the results, but I was wrong and had to exchange at USD$1 = SGD$1.428 (I will lose out USD$19 for every SGD$1000 exchanged)

Source: XE Currency Converter


My total spending is SGD$2,299.30 (Changed USD$700 plus the leftover USD from my Myanmar trip)

Although Timor Leste is a developing country, the expenses are quite high. This is probably one of the most expensive trip I've ever been on; a simple meal can cost more than SGD$10.

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Day 1

Dive #1
Location: Dili Rock East
Max depth: 23.2m
Average depth: 13.3m
Bottom time: 69min (1606 - 1715)


Getting ready


Lunch on flight


Up above the clouds


Some Indonesia islands


Visa on arrival for USD$30


Diving with Aquatica Dive Resort


Room at Aquatica Dive Resort


The dive shop


Check-out dive






Evening walk-about






Fish-on-stick, pork belly, chicken and katupats for USD$6




Timor Plaza


Soft drinks for USD$0.50 each




Distance walked at night

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Day 2

Dive #2
Location: Anemone Garden
Max depth: 23.8m
Average depth: 10.6m
Bottom time: 77min (1051 - 1208)

Dive #3
Location: The Track
Max depth: 26.2m
Average depth: 11.0m
Bottom time: 69min (1336 - 1445)


Sunrise


Mota Comoro river


New German Shepherd puppy in the house


On the way to the dive site


Lighthouse Farol


Motael Park




Getting dusty






Possible NTRL Kamenassa or NTRL Dili or NTRL Hera – ex-Republic of Korea Navy Chamsuri-class patrol boat










Anemone garden






Lunch


So much trash




Local bus






Arquivo & Museu da Resistência Timorense (Based on reviews, there is an admission fee of USD$1 and photography is prohibited)


Sunset


The Comoro River - It is actually possible to walk across the river during dry season


Comoro bridge


Night walk



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Day 3

Dive #4
Location: Bubble beach
Max depth: 19.2m
Average depth: 10.1m
Bottom time: 62min (0942 - 1044)

Dive #5
Location: Cable Table
Max depth: 23.2m
Average depth: 11.8m
Bottom time: 60min (1159 - 1259)

Dive #6
Location: Tasi Tolu
Max depth: 19.7m
Average depth: 11.5m
Bottom time: 62min (1650 - 1752)


Sunrise








Tais Market


Presidência da República Democrática de Timor-Leste




Timor Leste flag


Morning cycling


Breakfast

Tasi Tolu, Timor Leste - Spherical Image - RICOH THETA

360 at Tasi Tolu


Shooting macro stuffs


Cuttlefish




Sunset




Into the night

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Day 4

Dive #7
Location: K41
Max depth: 27.7m
Average depth: 12.5m
Bottom time: 64min (1036 - 1140)

Dive #8
Location: Secret Garden
Max depth: 16.6m
Average depth: 8.3m
Bottom time: 67min (1257 - 1404)


Fish congee
















Mango


Dumplings


Grilled fish set


Banana Fritters with ice-cream


Wedding ceremony

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Day 5

Dive #9
Location: Tasi Tolu
Max depth: 10.1m
Average depth: 4.6m
Bottom time: 71min (0930 - 1404)

Dive #10
Location: Tasi Tolu
Max depth: 19.2m
Average depth: 11.6m
Bottom time: 64min (1148 - 1252)


Wanton mee


TG Tracker




360 from the van


Tasi Tolu again


Dugong sighting






Local children doing spear fishing


Chicken burger


Children playing in the water


The Comoro river is dry (seasonal) and it is possible to walk across it




Neighbourhood kids




Arte Moris


Felt like it is an abandoned place




Sculptures from the artists




Starting to rain


Evening walk


Timor plaza


Arcade


Food court


Supermarket


Snacks at USD$4.10 are extremely expensive


10-inch Seafood pizza for USD$13.95, and had an ice cappuccino for USD$3.50


Sunset








Fish market


Slow internet speed

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Day 6


Woke up 5am for sunrise at Cristo Rei
















360


Although Google Maps recommended the approach from the East, it is possible to get to Cristo Rei via the West; use openstreetmap for better reference


Breakfast


Lobsters!


Burger King at the Airport


Planes watching


Airport


Luggage check-in area


Waiting for boarding


Meal on flight


Goodbye

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More pictures: Timor Leste (26 Nov - 1 Dec 2016)