Suai

Suai is the capital of Cova-Lima district in southern Timor-Leste, near the coast of the Timor Sea. The town has about 7,000 inhabitants and serves as a hub for the petroleum industry, as the Greater Sunrise oil field lies offshore. Agriculture, particularly rice and corn cultivation, and fishing are also economically important. Suai was the site of the Suai church massacre in 1999 during the Indonesian occupation, where dozens of civilians were killed. The Catholic church of Suai stands as a memorial. Suai Airport provides connections to Dili. The town has a tropical monsoon climate and is surrounded by wetlands that host a rich birdlife. Annually, the Suai Festival features traditional dances and music.

Nearby cities

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.

Liquiçá

Liquiçá is a coastal city west of Dili with picturesque beaches.

Same

Same is located inland and is surrounded by mountains.

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

Suai Supply Base

A logistical center for the oil and gas industry along the Timor Sea.

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'.

Ermera Coffee Co-op

A network of coffee farmers promoting fair trade and sustainable farming practices in the mountainous region.

Mount Kablaki

Kablaki is a prominent limestone mountain in the Manufahi district.