Walk to Cristo Rei Passing By Areia Branca, Dili, East Timor

Living in Dili is not bad at all. It is generally safe, pollution is minimal to none, streets are acceptably clean and most importantly, easy access to the beach.

I have to say, Dili is not for anyone used to city life. Often, you will find yourself longing for the many comforts within a hand grasp of cosmopolitan living. But like many things in life, a little adjustment in perspective will help and it can be rewarding at the end.

Speaking of rewards, this is the reward- crystal clear seawater available anytime.

Spending weekend at the one and only mall in the city or possibly the whole country is out of the question, instead of making me happy it makes me sad even more. So, I’d rather be toasted under the sun by spending my afternoon walking around the city.

With layers of sun block on my skin, one of my favourite route is walking from Vegetable Market in front of Lita Store towards Cristo Rei passing by the magnificent beach of Areia Branca.

Don’t let the mid-afternoon heat or the lack of pedestrian walkway hinder you from discovering not only the beach area but seeing how the locals usually spend their weekends.

The fruit & vegetable market including the wet market area where the bus going to Baucau is stationed has to be one of Dili’s most crowded and liveliest place.

A warning sign about the presence of saltwater crocodile can be found on the same spot. Though less stories can be heard these days about crocodiles but if you try to talk to any locals they can always guarantee that at one point or so they have seen one lurking at the beach area.

It is also worthy to take note that among other things that can be seen around Dili are the presence of lone graveyard on the street.

The parallel road to the beach coastline is a known location for restaurants or hotel and they are home for many locals as well.

Football is their favorite pastime.
The fruits, vegetables and eggs they have at home or sold at the market are usually grown at their backyards.

For guidance and abundance on fishing, prayers and offering to the God is needed.

Diverting from the main road, inside the mangrove area complete with a walking path is one of my favorite spot. With the sun rays sneaking behind the trees, not only it is a good place to rest for a while, it also provides a perfect photo opportunity.

Seeing the Timorese kids laughing innocently and having so much fun reminded me of a childhood spend outdoors. I often went home either with bruises or filthy clothing, which my mother will spent hours shouting at me on how hard it is to remove the stains from my shirt. That was the time when kids like me took much pleasure on being outside, sweaty and dirty running from one block to another, finding much happiness on the simplest things I can discover. But nowadays, childhood happiness comes with technology- inside the house playing with Ipad or video games.

From the series of unused stalls, the beach of Areia Branca is not to far. Plastic chairs and picnic huts can be use or rented. Most of touristy activities such as kayaking or boating are done here.

The final leg towards Cristo Rei is an elevated walk towards the statue on a highway where a very small walkway is allocated for pedestrian. Nonetheless,the zooming motorbikes or the slow pace microlet should not intimidate you from taking this path as it offers an even better view.

Finally reaching the Cristo Rei area. I need to walk back later again. For now, let me just rest and enjoy this amazing view.