Jaco Island Guide: How to Visit Timor-Leste's Sacred Island

Why go

Jaco is the image on many Timor-Leste postcards: white sand, clear turquoise water and not a building in sight. The island is uninhabited and sacred to local communities, and it lies within Nino Konis Santana National Park, Timor-Leste's first national park. The snorkelling around it is excellent.

Getting there

It is a long way: about 270 km from Dili, taking 8 to 10 hours by 4WD. The road runs along the north coast through Manatuto, Baucau and Lautém, then climbs to the Tutuala plateau. It is sealed most of the way but rough near the end, and wet-season rain can close sections. Check conditions in Lospalos before the last leg. Most people break the journey in Baucau or Com.

From Tutuala village, an 8 km road drops steeply to Valu Beach, opposite the island. Motorbike riders take people down for about USD 3 to 8 if you do not have a car.

The boat

Local fishermen run boats from Valu Beach to Jaco in about 10 minutes, for about USD 5 to 10 per person each way, cash. Boats run on demand from morning to early afternoon, and the last return is before sunset. Agree your pick-up time before you are dropped off. A local cooperative also offers trips around the island.

Where to stay

• Valu Beach: the community-run Valu Sere guesthouse and camping (about USD 10).
• Tutuala: the Pousada de Tutuala on the cliffs, with views towards Jaco.
• Com: beachfront guesthouses about 1.5 to 2 hours away. See where to stay in Com.

What to bring

• Snorkel gear (rentals are unreliable)
• At least 2 litres of water per person, and food
• Reef-safe sunscreen, a hat and a shirt for sun protection
• Cash in small notes: there are no ATMs east of Baucau you can rely on

When to go

May to November, and ideally June to September, when roads are driest and the crossing calmest.