- Information
- Traveler Advice
- Forums
48HourVisit.com
Planning a short visit? Check out 48HourVisit.com, your online guide for short stays and weekend getaways. Ad
The Glossary
Baucau Travel Guide
A two hour drive to the east along the coast of Dili via Manatuto will take you to the Baucau, the second largest city in East Timor, which, despite the ravages of 1999 post-referendum carnage, is still a charming town with gorgeous clear water and beaches along the way. Divided into six sub-districts, Baucau has approximately 16,000 inhabitants. The 1,600 kilometers of land serves as a gateway for the neighboring districts of Lautem, Manatuto and Viquegue. During Portuguese occupation in East Timor, Baucau was called Villa Salazar, named after the Portuguese dictator Antonio de Oliveira Salazar.
The political events that beset Baucau in the late 90's coincided quite strangely with the influx of people shipping their products into the country. Nonetheless, Baucau has always been an administrative and agricultural hub. A stroll around the colonial center of town where one can find abandoned Portuguese ruins can be quite uncanny but provides an interesting insight into East Timor's turbulent history. Just be wary of the scruffy dogs roaming in the streets.
Heading out east of Baucau town, the main road curves through arcades of trees and a long way below the ocean providing a picturesque backdrop of terraced rice fields. Baucau has the most highly developed agriculture in East Timor, it produces beans, copra and sweet potatoes besides rice and corn.
The languages spoken in Baucau include Makkasae spoken by the majority of the populace while a number of people above 40 and a few young ones as well understand Portuguese. Most of the inhabitants are Roman Catholics and a few Muslims also live here.
Noteworthy is the airfield of Baucau with the longest runway in East Timor. The Cakung Airport, located six kilometers from the city, which served as the country's principal airport before the invasion of Indonesia in 1975, and is still functional.
Baucau Landmarks:
- Markets (1)
User blogs:
Cheaper galactic spaceliner unveiled
News from http://news.ph.msn.com/top-stories/article.aspx?cp-documentid=3737940 Richard Branson unveiled Monday a commercial spaceliner offering tourists a cheaper chance to experience the thrill of weightlessness and view the splendor of the Earth from space. The British billionaire hopes to offer tickets aboard his spacecraft at a cost of 200,000 dollars each, giving adventurous ... Read full Blog post
Indonesia Eco Tourism
Tour Itenaray Day 01 BALI - LABUAN BAJO – RINCA ISLAND – KOMODO ISLAND (L.D) Pick up from your hotel in Bali and transfer to the airport, for flight to Labuan Bajo (West Flores) for approximately one and half hours. On arrival in Labuan Bajo airport, will be welcomed and met with our local representative or tour guide. Than transfer to the harbour to catch a boat cross to Rinca ... Read full Blog post
San Gimignano and San Pellegrino
Night falls on the flourishing and industrious San Gimignano, its 72 towers stand on the low roofs of the houses lit by the moon. This is not a luxury travel spot but is something you don't see every day. In the distance the clatter of hooves echoed tired in the Via Francigena. The hand of the blacksmith stops beating, the frame of the weaver becomes silent, the streets of the tank only a concert ... Read full Blog post
An Aerial fiesta in Clark Pampanga
Its a party in the sky as multi colored hot air balloons piloted ny different pilots from various partso of the world participated in this annual gathering. As early as 5am, the 2,500 hectare aviation complex at Clar Economic Zone in Pampanga was already crammedi with excitement. Clusters of hot air balloon participants busily prepare their own balloons for liftoff as they need to take advantage of ... Read full Blog post
In our Magazine
Summer Destination to Avoid: Gulf of Mexico
EPA is failing to do their job monitoring the air and reporting factual data. The people need to be made aware that their lives and long term livelihood are at stake because of the air quality in Gulf of Mexico.
How to Avoid Traveling Troubles
Traveling to a certain destination might not become memorable if there are too many troubles along the way. Remember that even the best trips are usually not trouble-free. Follow these tips that help lessen the hassles.
Unique Toys from Japan
Japan is known for its fascinating, and sometimes, eccentric culture. From anime, karaoke, to advanced technology, the Land of the Rising Sun always has something unique to offer.
