In the last couple of months before I left Timor-Leste in February 2025, I set myself the challenge of walking around every neighbourhood in the capital Dili. This was a wonderful way to explore the city, and get some exercise during the wet season. This post covers walks around Timor Plaza, the only shopping mall in the country.

A scenic walk to start with was out to the mouth of the Comoro river and then along the Dili waterfront.

There were a few less scenic but interesting sights along the way.

Coming back through Farol at the end there were a few eye catching pieces of street art.

This walk through the backstreets from Timor Plaza to home in Vila Verde was more typical.

Heading north from Timor Plaza to the waterfront and back through the back streets offered plenty of variety.

Heading south from Timor Plaza I found a couple of interesting neighbourhood shrine.

The most interesting walk I did in the area was a big zig zag headed east from Timor Plaza through the backstreets. The abandoned Majid Lurumata mosque caught my eye. It now appears to be used as classrooms by the neighbouring school.

The Al Munawwaroh Mosque was still functioning though, and I think is the second largest in Timor-Leste, though much smaller than the nearby An-Nur Mosque.

The Comoro markets were typically Timorese, other than the tannery at the back, the first I’d come across in the country.

The newly opened Palm Street Hotel Dili was quite a contrast from the surrounding neighbourhood.

Abandoned cars, mostly taxis it appears, is a thing throughout Dili.

Few examples of street art.

A few of the many storm water channels that run throughout Dili.

There were attractive views near Pertamina Pier.

Along with lots of street art.

Near opposite Timor Plaza is St Joseph Church of Aimutin. This huge church near Timor Plaza was designed to hold 1,200 people. Construction started in 2015 but they ran out of money and as of 2024 it is a concrete shell. They still hold masses outside the church though.

Most walks are filled with interest but some are just filling in gaps in the map, and this walk south of Timor Plaza was one of those.