Jaco Island is a part of the Lesser Sunda Islands belonging to East Timor. It offers amazing natural landscapes – from majestic mountain ranges to grassy plains, from fabulous beaches to pristine coral reefs. The Island is a part of the protected Nino Konis Santana National Park and designated as a “Wild Area”. You can spend the time in bush walking, swimming and snorkeling in the pristine azure waters. The island covers an area of about 10 square km and is uninhabited. It is considered holy by the indigenous population, so setting foot on the island is forbidden. There are no accommodations but campers frequent the park.

Jaco Island is One of the top destinations in East Timor has got to be Jaco Island just off the east end of Timor. It is about an 8 hour drive from Dili. A trail bike or 4×4 would be the best transport out there.

A regular car could make it up to Tutuala but you would have to leave it in town and walk the rest of the way because the trail really deteriorates the closer you get. It is even a challenge for 4×4′s.

Local transport could be taken to Tutuala but there are few vehicles going that way and the trip would only be for people with a lot of patience and endurance. Then you would have to walk the last 8 km or so to the beach. There are no facilities there but some fishermen hang out there selling fish and coconuts and they don’t mind having visitors. Some people bring tents and others sleep in their vehicles. Another option is to sleep in the undercuts that are in the rock walls along the beach. The fishermen have some bamboo benches that they will let you use, but it is a good idea to help them out a little and buy some fish and coconuts or whatever to help out their economy a bit. There doesn’t seem to be any mosquitoes down there so you can sleep in peace but watch out for when the rains come! These guys will transport you across to the island and back for 5 dollars. Jaco has no permanent settlement but some fishermen hang out there from time to time. If you decide to stay there be sure to bring drinking water or coconuts. Big schools of dolphins pass through the channel and it is loaded with fish. This is the only place where I’ve seen snorkelers spear tunas. Before the rains come the water is clear and the visibility is almost unlimited. I have yet to dive the channel but judging by the variety of fish these guys bring in the marine life must be astounding. The beach on Jaco is superb. There are clean wide stretches of white sand and plenty of shade trees further inland. It is good in a way that Jaco is not that easy to get to or it could be over run with tourists and it might some of the magic of this place. If you make it to East Timor be sure to try to squeeze in a trip to Jaco! Mega Tours in Dili East Timor does expeditions to the island if you don’t have the desire to go there on your own.