The long way to Cacusa

Cacusa is one of the highest points in Dili, at the top of the Hera Hills, and is used for religious activities as well as offering some of the best views in the region. There are shorter ways to reach it but this 14km route up and down 580m offered a comprehensive hike through the Hera Hills, along Antenna Ridge, out to Cacusa, and back down to Becora. The ascent and descent were mostly in shade, but the ridgeline offered little…

I started from the fruit markets and walked past Jardin Ponte BJ Habibie, named after the Indonesian President whose actions (though probably not intentionally) led to Timor-Leste’s independence from Indonesia.

Santa Ana Cemetery was wonderfully lit early in the morning.

I then had a longer than expected walk through the Dili backstreets, though they’re always interesting places to explore.

Thanks to a Wikiloc map I tracked down a local path, which was relatively clear, and thankfully shady as I climbed up the hillside.

It opened up to the sun but also big views of the surrounding hills, and Cristo Rei at the end of Cape Fatucama in the distance.

There is a surprisingly large village up here.

Along with the attractive Chapel Cristo Nai Liurai Bairo Camea Knua.

Collecting firewood appeared to be a popular activity.

Antenna hill is obviously named, with Fatuahi Repiter being the tallest telecommunications tower.

There is a gate to the road to Cacusa, which costs $1 to enter with a vehicle, or free to walk around the side.

14 crosses marking the Stations of the Cross lead up to three crosses on the hillside, with Jesus in the centre.

There is a bit more of a hill to climb to reach Cacusa, notable for its Hollywood style signage.

This is one of the highest places in the Dili region, and the views are correspondingly impressive.

I returned along dirt roads past the antenna, back to the village, before following a Wikiloc route down the hillside, which was much more interesting than road walking.