Map of Timor-Leste – Cities, Regions & Location Guide
Explore Timor-Leste (East Timor) using the interactive map below. Locate the capital, Dili, and follow the coastlines, mountain ranges, towns, roads and islands of this Southeast Asian country. The map also helps show why the separate Oecusse territory appears west of the main part of Timor-Leste.
Timor-Leste lies in Southeast Asia, occupying the eastern part of the island of Timor, northwest of Australia. Its capital is Dili, on the northern coast. The country also includes Atauro Island, Jaco Island and the Oecusse exclave, which is separated from the main territory by Indonesian West Timor.
Interactive Map of Timor-Leste
Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors. Zoom and drag to examine towns, roads and islands. View larger map.
Where Is Timor-Leste?
Timor-Leste sits at the eastern end of the Lesser Sunda island chain, with Indonesia to the west and the Timor Sea to the south. Across the sea lies northern Australia. Its northern shore faces the Wetar Strait and other waters separating Timor from nearby Indonesian islands. The country's unusual outline is easiest to understand on a regional map: most of its land is in eastern Timor, but the Oecusse exclave lies farther west.
Timor-Leste is also commonly called East Timor. Its official languages are Tetum and Portuguese; other languages are used throughout the country. Place names can appear with different spellings and accents, particularly Oecusse/Oé-Cusse and Atauro/Ataúro.
Capital and Major Towns
- Dili: the capital and principal urban centre, with the main international airport, waterfront and government institutions.
- Baucau: an important eastern town on a plateau above the north coast, known for its historic centre.
- Maliana: a western inland town in Bobonaro, near routes connecting with Indonesia.
- Suai: a southern coastal town in Covalima, close to the Timor Sea.
- Same: the principal town of Manufahi, surrounded by mountainous country.
- Lospalos: a town in eastern Lautém, often used as a reference point for the far eastern peninsula.
- Pante Macassar: the main town of the Oecusse exclave, separated from Dili by Indonesian territory.
Administrative Areas and the Oecusse Exclave
Timor-Leste has 14 first-level administrative areas, although the exact classification has changed over time. The twelve municipalities on the main part of the country are Aileu, Ainaro, Baucau, Bobonaro, Covalima, Dili, Ermera, Lautém, Liquiçá, Manatuto, Manufahi and Viqueque. Oé-Cusse Ambeno has special administrative status, while Ataúro is administered separately. Older maps and reference works may describe Atauro and Oecusse differently, so check the publication date when comparing administrative boundaries.
Oecusse is an exclave: it belongs to Timor-Leste but is physically separated from the rest of the country by Indonesia. It has its own northern coastline. This makes it an important feature to look for when comparing political and physical maps.
Mountains, Rivers and Coastlines
A rugged mountain spine runs along much of Timor-Leste. The country's highest mountain is Mount Ramelau (Tatamailau), rising to approximately 2,963 metres in the central highlands. Steep slopes, short river valleys and contrasting coastal landscapes mean that journeys between places can be much slower than straight-line distances suggest.
The north coast includes bays, rocky headlands and beaches, while the south opens towards the Timor Sea. The central highlands support farming settlements and coffee-growing districts, particularly around Ermera. The map can help distinguish the populated coastal corridors from more isolated mountain communities.
Islands and Natural Areas
Atauro Island lies north of Dili and is known for coastal villages, coral reefs and marine biodiversity. Jaco Island lies near Timor's far eastern tip, beside the Tutuala area. Both are useful reference points when exploring a map of the country.
In the east, Nino Konis Santana National Park protects a varied landscape of forests, coast and marine habitats. The map also shows how the eastern peninsula narrows towards Jaco Island and how far it lies from the capital.
Roads, Airports and Travel Distances
Main roads link Dili with western and eastern coastal towns, while routes into the highlands often follow winding valleys and mountain slopes. Presidente Nicolau Lobato International Airport serves Dili. Local roads, weather conditions and infrastructure work can affect journey times; a map is useful for understanding general connections but should not be treated as live navigation advice.
Travel to Oecusse or Atauro may involve sea or air transport, depending on services. Timetables and border requirements can change, so confirm current details separately before travelling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is East Timor the same as Timor-Leste?
Yes. East Timor is the familiar English name; Timor-Leste is the country's official short name.
What is the capital of Timor-Leste?
Dili, on the northern coastline of the main island.
Which country borders Timor-Leste?
Indonesia shares its land borders. Australia lies across the Timor Sea rather than sharing a land border.
Why is Oecusse shown separately on the map?
Oecusse is a Timor-Leste exclave surrounded on its landward sides by Indonesian territory.
Where is Atauro Island?
Atauro is north of Dili, across the strait from the capital.
What is the highest mountain in Timor-Leste?
Mount Ramelau, also called Tatamailau, is approximately 2,963 metres high.
Can I use this map for driving directions?
Use the map for general geographic orientation. For travel, check current road conditions, access restrictions and navigation information.
About This Map
This page is intended for general geographic and educational reference. Boundaries, place names, road information and administrative arrangements may change, and map details may be incomplete or out of date. External websites are independent; links do not imply affiliation or endorsement. Verify important travel, legal or border information with relevant authorities.