Dili is a great base from which to explore Timor-Leste’s untouched wilderness, and the city’s finest experience is arguably a day trip to Atauro Island, which is ever visible from the city’s shores. One of the most visible landmarks in Dili is the 27m-tall statue of Jesus Christ (erected in 1996 by Indonesia as a gift to Timor-Leste) perched on the headlands just east of central Dili past the end of Areia Branca beach. Cristo Rei is reached via 500 steps punctuated by bronze carvings depicting the Stations of the Cross that some climb as a form of pilgrimage. Others use the steps for exercise and to access both the headlands for a superb view west toward Dili and to the Backside Beach (now possible to access via a flight of steps from the landing just before the statue). The more adventurous can continue tramping up into the mountains from here for even more dramatic views.
i live near timor plaza, i spend around 30 minutes to get Cristo Rei parking area. And we did a photo shoot around 7 am, I suggest you arrive there at 6 am because you need to climb a lot of stairs. It’s actually a little late to take pictures at 7am. I don’t know if there are very many stairs to go to the top, but that doesn’t matter because the sun here isn’t so hot in the morning. but during the day you will really feel hot haha. ahh yyaaa, it’s very difficult to find public transportation here. If you don’t have a vehicle or friend here you should first find out about “how to travel in Timor Leste” on Google.
