The stairs
Shaded by trees.
Bro. Jeffrey Pioquinto, SJ — CC BY 2.0 · Bahnfrend — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Philip Nalangan — CC BY 4.0 · Bahnfrend — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Bahnfrend — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Khairil Yusof — CC BY 4.0
On top of Cape Fatucama east of Dili Bay, in the capital of Timor-Leste, stands the Cristo Rei statue, 27 m tall on a globe. It is one of the country's best-known landmarks, and the summit gives wide views over the bay, mountains and islands. The statue was unveiled in 1996. A concrete staircase of 570 steps shaded by trees climbs to it from the car park at Cristo Rei Beach, on the south side of the cape. Small white Stations of the Cross line the stairs. You climb the steps among the trees, stopping at the bends to see the blue water below. From the top you see Dili to the south-west, Atauro Island to the north and a quiet beach on the far side of the cape. After coming down you can swim at Cristo Rei Beach. The cape is about 7 km in a straight line east of central Dili. It is open and free. The stairs are long and the sun strong, so climb in the morning or before sunset and bring water. Keep belongings safe, avoid carrying much cash and agree taxi fares before setting off.
Shaded by trees.
The bay and Atauro.
A swim after.
Cape Fatucama, east of Dili Bay, Timor-Leste
About half an hour up 570 steps.
Morning or before sunset.