The second-largest city in East Timor has Portuguese colonial buildings, a central market, and limestone caves. Located on a coral terrace above the Timor Sea.
Baucau, East Timor's second-largest city, lies 122 kilometers east of Dili on a plateau cooled by ocean winds. The old town includes pastel-colored Portuguese-era buildings, a natural spring-fed swimming pool shaded by coconut trees, and the restored Mercado Municipal market hall. White-sand beaches such as Uatabo sit below the plateau, accessible by a steep road. To the southeast, Mount Matebian’s slopes attract hikers and hold cultural importance for local communities. Morning markets, roadside food stalls, and restored colonial structures reflect the city’s mix of daily life and history.
Portuguese-Era Buildings and Key Sites
In Baucau's old town, a spring-fed plaza with banyan trees anchors the area. The Pousada de Baucau, a pink 1950s hotel with arched balconies, overlooks the ocean. This building first housed Portuguese officials, then Indonesian soldiers after 1975. Nearby, the Mercado Municipal market hall—rebuilt after 1999—has red roofing and columns that frame stalls selling produce and textiles. St. Anthony Cathedral, a short walk away, has a plain white exterior and a wooden ceiling carved with geometric patterns. For views of the city and coast, climb the overgrown stone steps behind the old town to an abandoned lookout post.
Swimming Pools and Beaches
The Piscina de Baucau, a large pool filled by mountain springs, stays cool even in midday heat. Limestone cliffs and coconut palms surround the area, where locals swim daily. A 7-kilometer road leads down to Uatabo Beach, a strip of white sand dotted with fishing boats. Swim cautiously here, as saltwater crocodiles sometimes appear along Timor’s northern shores. East of the city, the village of Osolata provides access to rocky coastal paths. Inland near Venilale, explore limestone caves dug by Japanese soldiers during World War II.
Markets and Daily Routines
Baucau’s morning market near the bus station fills with vendors selling papayas, bananas, mackerel, and betel nut. People gather here to exchange goods and talk, creating a steady hum of activity. Street food stalls serve dishes like mie ayam (chicken noodles) and kulu, a corn-and-coconut porridge. For a calmer setting, visit the Catholic Teachers College campus, where students train in quiet classrooms shaded by trees. After sunset, families often walk along the road connecting the old town to the beach, pausing to socialize under streetlights.
Hiking and Nearby Villages
Mount Matebian, Timor’s second-tallest peak at 2,315 meters, takes a full day to hike from villages like Baguia. Guides can lead you through grassy slopes and forests to the summit, where views stretch across the island. Venilale, 25 kilometers south, has warm springs and crumbling Portuguese school buildings now being repaired. Further east, the coastal hamlet of Com lets you watch fishermen using handwoven nets and bamboo traps.
Getting There and Travel Tips
Buses from Dili’s Becora terminal take 5–6 hours to reach Baucau, passing through coastal hills and villages. Shared vans called microlets run between the old town and newer districts for small fares. Visit between June and September for dry weather, making hikes and beach trips easier. Carry enough cash, as ATMs are scarce, and fuel stations sometimes close early. Wear clothing that covers shoulders and knees near churches, and ask before taking photos of people.
