Jaco Island

Jaco Island (Ilha de Jaco) is a 10km² uninhabited island roughly 700 meters off the easternmost tip of Timor-Leste. It is sacred to the Fataluku people, who believe it is the home of ancestral spirits. No permanent structures are allowed on the island, and traditionally only ritual specialists could set foot there.

Today, visitors can access Jaco by local fishing boat from the southern end of Valu Beach. The crossing takes about 15 minutes. What you find is extraordinary — pristine white sand, coral reefs starting at the waterline, a forested interior, and whale bones on the south side of the landing area. The boat costs $10 return per person.

The snorkeling is exceptional. Schools of colorful reef fish swarm in ankle-deep water. Sea turtles are common. The coral is healthy and diverse, undamaged by fishing or anchoring. Bring your own snorkel gear — there are no rental facilities.

Jaco sits within the Nino Konis Santana National Park — 123,600 hectares established in 2007, with over 200 bird species. The park encompasses the eastern tip of the mainland, including Lake Ira Lalaro (Timor-Leste's largest lake, expanding from 1,000 hectares in the dry season to 5,500 in the wet), the dry forests around Tutuala, and the coastal cliffs.