East Timor

Discover East Timor

Fun Foods

Ikan Sabuko, Batar Daan, Ikan Pepes, Grilled Corn, Feijoada, Katupa, Tropical Fruit

In East Timor, there's a beloved legend about how the country was born. A boy once found a tiny crocodile stranded on the beach and helped it back to the sea. To say thank you, the grown crocodile carried the boy across the oceans for years.

When the crocodile grew old and knew it was dying, it said, "I will turn my body into a beautiful island for you." It did, and the ridges along its back became the island's mountains.

To this day, Timorese people lovingly call crocodiles "Grandfather." And if you look at a map, the island really is shaped a bit like a crocodile.

The real island's name means "land of the rising sun," because it sits at one of the easternmost spots in Asia. Long ago, sailors from Portugal arrived and stayed for around 400 years, which is why many people here are Catholic today.

Then came a heartbreaking chapter. In 1975, East Timor declared itself a free country. But just nine days later, its powerful neighbor Indonesia invaded and took over.

The years that followed were terrible. During 24 years of harsh Indonesian rule, an estimated 180,000 people died from fighting, hunger, and sickness, an enormous number for such a small country.

But the East Timorese never stopped resisting. Finally, in 1999, the people were allowed to vote, and they overwhelmingly chose freedom.

After a few years guided by the United Nations, East Timor became a fully independent country in 2002, one of the very newest nations on Earth.

Today, peace has come, and the country's greatest treasures are natural. The waters around Atauro Island are some of the most alive on the planet, home to more kinds of reef fish than almost anywhere else.

Snorkel there and you'll be surrounded by clouds of colorful fish, while whales and dolphins swim through the nearby channel.

Above the capital, Dili, a giant statue of Christ stands on a hill with the sea on both sides. Up in the cool green mountains, farmers grow some of the world's best coffee.

For food, try ikan sabuko, grilled fish soaked in tangy tamarind and herbs. Corn is the country's staple, and a favorite dish is batar daan, a hearty stew of corn, pumpkin, and mung beans.