Baucau

Baucau, the second-largest city in Timor-Leste, is situated approximately 122 kilometers east of Dili. During Portuguese colonial rule, it served as a key administrative center, reflected in its architecture featuring white colonial villas and a Catholic cathedral. The city functions as a commercial hub for the agricultural region, producing rice, coffee, and coconuts. Baucau Airport is home to the longest runway in the country, originally built by the United States during World War II. The coastline includes several beaches, such as Licidere Beach, known for its coral reefs. Baucau is home to the Universidade Nacional Timor Lorosa'e, the country's leading university. The city has a population of about 16,000 and sits on a plateau at an elevation of 300 meters, providing a moderate climate. Historically, Baucau was a center of resistance during the Indonesian occupation, and its cathedral was expanded in 1996 to accommodate the growing Catholic community.

Nearby cities

Venilale

Venilale was a well-known holiday resort during the Portuguese colonial period.

Laleia

Laleia is located in a broad river valley on the northern coast.

Uatucarbau

Uatucarbau is located in the Viqueque municipality near the south coast.

Luro

Luro is a small rural administrative seat in the east of the country.

Iliomar

Iliomar is located in the south of the Lautém municipality.

Laclubar

Laclubar is a traditional mountain village in East Timor.

Fatuberlio

Fatuberlio is a small administrative unit on the coast.

History & landmarks

Baucau Municipal Pool

A historic outdoor pool supplied with fresh water from a natural mountain spring.

Fataluku Traditional Houses

Culturally significant sacred stilt houses characteristic of the architecture of the Fataluku ethnic group.

Ira Lalaro Lake

The largest lake in East Timor, situated on a plateau and known for its large crocodile population.

Nature

Seiçal River

The Seiçal River originates in the mountainous interior and flows into the sea near Baucau.

Laga Coast

The northern coast near Laga offers pristine beaches and fascinating salt pans.

Irabere River

The Irabere forms a natural border between the Viqueque and Lautém districts.

Lore Coast

A remote and untamed coast on the southeastern edge, rich in marine biodiversity.

South Laclo River

The South Laclo drains parts of the southern highlands into the Timor Sea.

More places

Old Municipal Market of Baucau

The ruins of the historic market hall in Baucau reflect classic Portuguese colonial architecture.

Baucau Terrace Fields

Terraced fields irrigated by natural springs, where rice and vegetables are grown in the hilly landscape.

Baucau Plateau

An extensive limestone plateau on which the country's second largest city is located.

Baucau Limestone Quarry

A significant limestone extraction zone on the Baucau plateau, used for local construction and cement production.

Venilale Japanese Caves

These tunnels were carved into the rock by local forced laborers for the Japanese military during World War II.

Matebian Caves

Mount Matebian was a refuge for Japanese troops during WWII and later for the Timorese resistance in the late 1970s, which faced heavy ae…

Mount Matebian

Matebian is one of the highest mountains in the country and is known as the "Mountain of the Dead".

Baguia Fort

Another ruined Portuguese fortification in the mountainous interior.