East Timor or Timor-Leste (map) is one of the world’s youngest countries: after a long struggle, it gained independence from Indonesia in 2002 and is now an off-the-beaten-path destination for diving and adventure. The capital, largest city, and main port is *Dili, and the second-largest city is the eastern town of *Baucau.
The island of *Atauro (map) is famous for its dive sites. Nino Konis Santana National Park (map) first national park, a place rich in biodiversity (esp birds), indigenous culture, prehistoric rock art, and marine life (esp coral and coral fish).
+ More info > Wikipedia • Wikivoyage • UNESCO
For more adventurous tourists, East Timor offers world-class trekking, which can be experienced near places such as Mount Tatamailau (± 3000 m above sea level), Ainaro, Mt. Matebian (Baucau) and Mt. Kablaki (in Same district).
East Timor has a hot and humid tropical climate. November to May is the wet season. The dry season lasts for about 6 months from June to October.
Buses, mostly of the small variety found on remote Indonesian islands, run to most parts of the country and main cities like Dili, Baucau, Maliana, Los Palos and Suai are quite well linked.The Oekusi (Oecussi) Enclave, Ataúru (Ataúro) Island and Dili are well connected by ferry.
Australian Government Travel Advisory • US Consular Information on Timor Leste • UK Government Travel Advice