Balibo
Timor-Leste · Bobonaro · 400 m
Description
Balibo is a hill town near the Indonesian border with a small Portuguese fort of the eighteenth century on its highest point, restored and now run as a guesthouse with a view over the coastal plain. The town is known internationally for the killing of five Australian-based journalists here in 1975 at the start of the Indonesian invasion, and the house where it happened is preserved as a memorial with a painted Australian flag still on its wall. The surrounding district holds hot springs and one of the last dry monsoon forests. The fort is the only place to stay.
Length of stay
Recommended length of stay: 1 to 2 days (optimal 1 day)
Travel season
Best time to visit: June – November
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Highlights
- Balibo fort and its viewpoint
- Balibo Five memorial house
- Marobo hot springs(Day trip)
- Portuguese colonial square and church
- Views over the coastal plain to the sea
- Dry monsoon forest of the district
- Community guesthouse in the fort
- Border road toward West Timor
Getting there
- Border town:
- Timor-Leste