Road Trip to Jaco Island

Jaco Island is one of the few must-see places in Timor-Leste. For a brief profile of Jaco Island, here is a link from wikipedia: Jaco Island.

Together with friends in Dili, we have been planning this journey sometime back. Initially, it was a big group but on its final stage, we ended up a 'group of four', Zeidy and her son, Dhidhak and me. Due to different reasons, the rest of the gang failed to join us. 


Despite the long and bumpy ride, it was worth the trip. The turquoise blue waters, long stretch of white sands, diverse mangrove species, absence of infrastructure, litter-free surroundings, these are few of the many attractions of the island. I just hope that even when the government of Timor-Leste or other 'aid' or 'development' organizations develop this area for tourism, the ecological aspect of it will be seriously considered. What it is now is the reason why people visit the Island. It should be maintained the way it is and the present development in Valu Beach, not in the Island. However, there are a few things that need to be improved for the safety and security of visitors/tourists: 

• life vest on the boat while crossing the short stretch (more or less 15 minutes) from Valu beach to Jaco Island;
• a stand-by boat in Jaco Island instead of just dropping and picking up visitors and leaving them on their own in the island; 
• minimum standards of toilet in the guest house at Valu Beach;
• signage in the junctions on the road, either ways - using Com or Lospalos road

Mere description of Jaco Island and the trip is not enough, so I made a photo story for better appreciation of its natural beauty, and to tickle the reader's imagination and eventually be encouraged to come and visit.  

I hope you enjoyed the road trip to Jaco Island...