Travel Responsibly
Safety Precautions for Aquatic Adventure
🙎🏽♂️ Ask locals to show snorkeling/swimming designated areas.
🏊🏽♂️ If swimming or snorkeling in designated areas, do it with one or more buddies, preferably locals.
🔦 Keep a whistle, flashlight, or mobile phone in a waterproof case for emergencies.
⚠️ Always stand a minimum of five meters from the water’s edge when fishing.
🪸 If the coral site is more than 50 meters from the shore, ask local boats service to take you (always go in group).
🚣🏽 Do not lean over the edge of a boat.
🙅🏽 Never dangle your arms or legs over the side of a boat.
🧥 Always wear a life jacket, even if you are a strong swimmer.
🦶🏽 Avoid stepping on or touching coral reefs.
Respect Nature
Timor-Leste is home to incredible biodiversity, from lush forests to vibrant coral reefs. Here’s how you can protect it:
🚶♂️ Stay on Trails: Stick to designated paths to prevent damage to flora and fauna.
🌊 Snorkeling & Diving: Avoid touching coral reefs or marine creatures to preserve underwater ecosystems.
🐾 Tip: Observe wildlife quietly and from a safe distance to avoid causing stress.
Respect Local Communities
Traveling sustainably means empowering the communities you visit:
🛏️ Accommodations: Stay in local homestays, eco-lodges, or community-based accommodations to support local families directly.
🛍️ Shopping: Buy handmade crafts and locally sourced products to boost small businesses.
🚶 Tours: Opt for community-led tours for an authentic and meaningful experience.
Minimize Waste
Small actions can make a big difference in reducing waste during your travels:
💧 Reusable Items: Carry a reusable water bottle, shopping bag, and utensils to cut down on single-use plastics.
🗑️ Proper Disposal: Dispose of trash responsibly, especially in rural or natural areas.
🍃 Tip: Refuse unnecessary packaging and bring your own containers for takeaways.
Cultural Sensitivity
Timor-Leste’s rich cultural traditions deserve respect and appreciation:
👗 Dress Modestly: Wear appropriate attire, especially in rural areas and at cultural or religious sites.
📸 Photography: Always ask permission before taking photos of locals.
🛐 Tip: Familiarize yourself with local customs and traditions to build trust and mutual respect.
Eco-friendly Product
Protect the environment by choosing sustainable products:
☀️ Biodegradable Sunscreen: Use reef-safe sunscreen to prevent harm to marine life.
🧴 Eco-Friendly Toiletries: Pack biodegradable shampoos and soaps to minimize pollution.
🌊 Tip: Avoid using harsh chemicals near rivers, beaches, or coral reefs.
Participate in Conservation Activities
Give back to the environment by joining local conservation efforts:
🐢 Sea Turtle Conservation: Volunteer to protect nesting turtles and their habitats.
🌳 Reforestation: Help plant mangroves to restore coastal ecosystems.
🏖️ Beach Clean-Ups: Join local initiatives to clean up beaches and prevent ocean pollution.