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Suai Supply Base
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Industrial site
The Suai Supply Base is a fundamental element of the Tasi Mane project, which aims to transform East Timor's south coast into a hub for the oil and gas industry. Located in the Cova Lima municipality, this industrial facility serves as a logistics and service hub for offshore operations in the Timor Sea. The infrastructure includes a protected port with breakwaters, quays for specialized vessels, and extensive storage and workshop areas. The project is intended to drive economic development in the south of the country and create thousands of jobs in logistics, maintenance, and administration. It represents one of the state's largest individual investments in non-oil infrastructure to reduce dependency on foreign supply bases, such as those in Australia. The Suai Supply Base is closely linked to the new Suai Airport and the planned highway along the south coast to ensure a seamless industrial logistics chain.
- Location: Timor-Leste
- Top sights: Old oilwell · Jesuita Suai · Capela Suai Loro
- Nearby: Fohorem (20 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jul–Sep.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 29 | 29 | 29 | 29 | 28 | 27 | 26 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 29 |
| Rain mm | 198 | 162 | 128 | 70 | 54 | 32 | 15 | 6 | 7 | 12 | 47 | 159 |
📋 Practical info
What is this place?
The Suai Supply Base is a logistics center for the oil and gas industry along the Timor Sea. It supplies drilling platforms and exploration vessels with materials, fuel, and equipment.
Visiting
The base is a secured industrial facility and not open to the public. From Suai beach, one can often observe supply vessels and activities at the docks.
Where to view it
Suai beach gives a good view of the bay and the supply base docks. The coastal road eastwards also provides a distant overview of the facility and the supply vessels.
Local products
In the Suai region, one mainly encounters agricultural products such as coconuts, coffee, and vanilla from the hinterland. The base's primary output (oil and gas equipment) is not directly visible to travelers.
Active season
The supply base operates year-round, with activity levels depending on the drilling season and platform maintenance intervals. The quieter period is during the monsoon from November to March, when the sea is rough.
Nearby
A visit to the supply base can be combined with exploring the town of Suai, which features local markets and a relaxed beach atmosphere. The border region to West Timor (Indonesia) is also worth a detour.
Geography
Facts
- Centerpiece of the Tasi Mane oil and gas project
- Located in Cova Lima on the strategic south coast
- Reduces dependency on Australian logistical bases
- Includes a new port with a 3.3 km breakwater
- Planned creation of up to 1,500 direct jobs
- Part of the Strategic Development Plan 2011-2030
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.
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© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Suai Supply Base (4)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What is Suai Supply Base?
A logistics hub supporting the oil and gas industry.
Is it open to tourists?
No, it serves purely industrial purposes.
What role does it play?
It supplies offshore projects with necessary equipment.
Can the base be seen from outside?
Yes, it is visible from the surrounding main road.
What is Suai region known for?
The region is mainly known for its agricultural tradition.
Suai Supply Base: where is it located?
Suai Supply Base is located in Timor-Leste.
Suai Supply Base: what is there to see?
Highlights include Old oilwell, Jesuita Suai, Capela Suai Loro.
Suai Supply Base: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jul, Sep.
Suai Supply Base: why is it worth visiting?
The Suai Supply Base is a fundamental element of the Tasi Mane project, which aims to transform East Timor's south coast into a hub for the oil and gas industry.
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Nearby cities
Suai
Suai is located in the southwest of the country near the Timor Sea.
Fohorem
Fohorem is located near the border and is surrounded by hills.
Zumalai
Zumalai is located on a river and borders the Timor Sea.
Maliana
Maliana is located near the border with Indonesia and is an important agricultural center.
Ainaro
Ainaro is known for its cooler climate and mountainous landscape.
Gleno
Gleno is the administrative center of the Ermera municipality, known for coffee cultivation.
Same
Same is located inland and is surrounded by mountains.
Liquiçá
Liquiçá is a coastal city west of Dili with picturesque beaches.
Turiscai
Turiscai is located at an altitude that offers a pleasant climate.
Dili
Dili, the capital of East Timor, is located on the northern coast of Timor island.
Alas
Alas is located in the Manufahi municipality.
History & landmarks
Marobo Hot Springs
Natural hot springs in the mountains, including the remains of an old Portuguese bath complex.
Letefoho Coffee Plantations
Picturesque plantations in the mountains where world-famous organic coffee is grown at high altitudes.
Virgin Mary Statue on Mount Ramelau
A white alabaster statue of the Virgin Mary perched on the highest peak of the country.
HMAS Voyager Shipwreck
The visible remains on the beach of a Royal Australian Navy destroyer from World War II.
Tasi Tolu Peace Park
An expansive protected area west of Dili, known for its three salt lakes.
Arte Moris Cultural Center
East Timor's first art school and gallery, which promoted local talent after independence.
Nature
Suai Coast
The southwestern coastal section, characterized by flat beaches and wide river estuaries.
Belulik River
The Belulik River drains the central highlands towards the Timor Sea.
Be Malae Lake
Be Malae Lake is a sacred lake in the Bobonaro district.
Lóis River
The Lóis River is the longest river system in East Timor that carries water year-round.
Lake Maubara
Lake Maubara is a coastal lake west of Dili.
Caraulun River
The Caraulun cuts through the Manufahi district, shaping a picturesque landscape.
Betano Coast
An open and wild coastal strip on the Timor Sea with prominent black sand beaches.
Lake Seloi
Lake Seloi in the Aileu district fills up especially during the rainy season.
More places
Tilomar Nature Reserve
An important forest reserve in the southwest that provides shelter for many endangered bird species and native flora.
Mount Taroman
Mount Taroman in the Covalima district is known for its steep, forested flanks.
Mount Legumau
A steep mountain peak in western Timor-Leste, near the Indonesian border.
Mount Tapo
A forested mountain in the west, providing shelter for various rare animal species.
Balibo Fort
This old Portuguese fort is best known as the site of the death of the 'Balibo Five'.
Mount Kablaki
Kablaki is a prominent limestone mountain in the Manufahi district.
Ermera Coffee Co-op
A network of coffee farmers promoting fair trade and sustainable farming practices in the mountainous region.
Maubisse Pousada
A former hilltop Portuguese governor's mansion that now serves as a guesthouse.