Com, Timor-Leste: Beach Village Guide and Base for Jaco

Why go

Com is where to slow down in the far east. A line of guesthouses faces a calm, sandy bay with reef just offshore, fishing boats pulled up on the beach and very little else. It sits on the western edge of Nino Konis Santana National Park.

Getting there

Drive east along the north coast via Baucau and Lautém. It takes most of a day from Dili, so many travellers stop a night in Baucau. Public transport means changing buses and is slow; a 4WD with driver is far easier.

Where to stay

Com's guesthouses are simple, family-run and right on the beach. Rooms cost about USD 20 to 35. Some have fans and shared bathrooms, others air conditioning.

• guesthouse

  Kati Guest House

  Com, Lautém

  A beachfront guesthouse in Com with simple rooms, breakfast included and grilled fish for dinner. A good base for snorkelling and the onward trip to Jaco.

  • Breakfast included
  • Beachfront
  • Restaurant

  USD 25–35 / night

• guesthouse

  Lakumorre Guesthouse

  Com, Lautém

  A beachfront guesthouse in Com with older fan rooms that share bathrooms and newer air-conditioned rooms. Breakfast is included.

  • Breakfast included
  • Beachfront
  • Air conditioning

  USD 25–40 / night

• guesthouse

  Sina Seaside Guesthouse

  Com, Lautém

  A simple seaside guesthouse in Com, popular with snorkellers and divers, with a rinse area for gear. Breakfast is not included.

  • Beachfront

  USD 20–30 / night

What to do

• Snorkelling straight off the beach; bring your own gear.
• Day trip to Jaco Island, about 1.5 to 2 hours away by road plus a short boat ride. See the Jaco Island guide.
• Walks along the coast and to nearby villages.

Practical tips

• Bring all the cash you need from Dili or Baucau.
• Meals are usually eaten at your guesthouse; grilled fish is the speciality.
• Ask about crocodiles before swimming away from the main beach.