Boneca de Ataúro

Top choice in Timor-Leste


Calling this a doll shop doesn't do this village cooperative justice: here, in a simple building by the beach, marginalised women sew modern, well-designed laptop bags and pencil cases as well as dolls and toys (check out the resistance leaders in camouflage). On Sunday it's open but the women aren't at work.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Timor-Leste attractions

1. Cristo Rei

17.53 MILES

The hard-to-miss Cristo Rei, 7km east of town, has 570 steps leading to the statue of Jesus, a gift from the Indonesian government in 1996. It's a popular…

2. Areia Branca

18.34 MILES

This lovely cove 5.5km east of central Dili is picturesque, with its white sand backed by steep hills and good places to eat and sleep. At the end of the…

3. Farol

19.58 MILES

This photogenic lighthouse beams northwest of Dili's seaport.

4. Xanana Gusmão Reading Room

19.64 MILES

This complex houses memorabilia of Timor-Leste's first president, Xanana Gusmão, including the former presidential car (he opted for a cheap one at the…

5. Dili Waterfront

19.73 MILES

Watch kids kicking soccer balls around on the patches of sandy beach and runners sweating it out while you're strolling the decent walking path that runs…

6. Igreja de Santo António de Motael

19.74 MILES

This waterfront Catholic church, fronted by a pretty garden, was one of the most important places in the story of the fight for Timorese independence…

7. Santa Cruz Massacre Memorial Monument

19.75 MILES

This sizeable monument opposite Motael Church marks where independence supporter Sebastião Gomes was shot by Indonesian forces on 28 October 1991. Built…

8. Palácio do Governo

19.95 MILES

The grand, white Palácio do Governo dominates the town centre. The grounds here occasionally play host to events, but they're usually just a fancy car…