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Maliana
ℹ️Practical info — Maliana
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🌤 Weather — 5 days
📍 Nearby
Sights nearby
💡 Tips
- Transport: A 4WD vehicle is necessary to reach the remote Marobo Hot Springs in the mountains.
- Cash Tips: Use US Dollars in small denominations; ATMs are limited and often unreliable for international cards.
- Border Area: Maliana is close to the Indonesian border; keep your passport handy if traveling near the frontier.
- Etiquette: This is a traditional area; dress modestly (covering shoulders and knees) when visiting local villages.
🍽 Food
The locally grown rice is the pride of the region; try it in any local 'warung' style eatery.
Freshly grilled fish often found at street stalls in the town center during the evenings.
Timor-Leste is famous for coffee; look for small kiosks serving locally roasted beans.
🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots
Traditional hand-woven textiles with patterns unique to this district, sold in community craft shops.
Finely woven baskets and mats made from local palm fibers, found at the Maliana market.
Natural geothermal pools in the mountains near Maliana, offering a serene retreat with valley views.
Walk through the expansive rice fields on the outskirts at sunset for a peaceful, meditative experience.
Water temperature…
Maliana is the capital of Bobonaro district in western Timor-Leste, near the border with Indonesia. The town has about 12,000 inhabitants and lies in the fertile valley of the Bazartete River, which supports the cultivation of rice, corn, and vegetables. Economically, Maliana benefits from cross-border trade with Indonesian West Timor. During the Indonesian occupation, the town served as a strategic military post, and the struggle for independence left its marks. Notable is the Catholic Church of St. Anthony, featuring a modern architectural style. Maliana is also known for traditional tais weaving, practiced by women in surrounding villages. The town has a small market and a hospital that serves the rural population. Each year, the feast of Saint Anthony draws pilgrims from across the region.
- Location: Timor-Leste
- Top sights: Hosana · Camara Diocese Maliana · Area Camara Diocese Maliana
- Nearby: Balibo (20 km)
- Population: ~22.000 (2026)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 26 | 26 | 26 | 26 | 26 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 27 |
| Rain mm | 276 | 242 | 147 | 60 | 39 | 24 | 11 | 5 | 6 | 16 | 66 | 203 |
Geography
Facts
- Population: approximately 12,000 (2015)
- Elevation: 300 m
- Area of Bobonaro district: 1,378 km²
- Distance to Indonesian border: 15 km
- Number of health posts: 3
- Establishment of St. Anthony parish: 1965
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Maliana (3)
Area Camara Diocese Maliana
Area Camara Diocese Maliana refers to the grounds of the diocesan administration in Maliana.
Frequently asked questions
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