Timor-Leste’s most popular tourist attraction, the 27m high Cristo Rei Jesus statue, is a great spot for stretching your legs and enjoying some of the best views in Dili.

It is easy to reach Cristo Rei with the #12 microlet, costing just 25c. There is also extensive parking, which can be seen clearly after climbing the steps toward the statue.

This was my second visit and I found a few new viewpoints. At the opposite end of the platform with the Jesus statue there is an opening in the railings which leads down closer to the end of Cape Fatucama which Cristo Rei was built upon.

In the other corner I found another opening and rocky lookout with good views back towards the hills behind.

Where the two sets of steps leading from Cristo Rei Beach and Back Beach meet there is one of the last Stations of the Cross, to the right of which is a path that leads along the ridgeline behind Cristo Rei.

The first ridge is relatively easy to follow, though care needs to be taken, and it offers great views and a different perspective on Cristo Rei. Coming down the ridge to the old water tank the path is much less clear, as I discovered to my cost on a later hike. Unless you have good directions and are well equipped the water tank is probably the best spot to turnaround and return the way you came.