Balibó Fort – Balibo, Timor-Leste - Atlas Obscura

AO Edited

BalibĂł Fort

Balibo, Timor-Leste

A colonial-era fort with panoramic views across the border of Timor-Leste, now home to a hotel. 

9
34

Sitting atop a hill at a commanding height above its surrounds, facing out to the Savu Sea to the north and across the Indonesian border to the west, in years past the BalibĂł Fort was a vital strategic holding for Portuguese colonists.

The Balibo Trust estimates the fort to be 350-370 years old, and it is believed to be the second-oldest such fort in Timor-Leste. According to the trust’s website, the fort was built by the Portuguese, who wanted to protect their colony of Batugade. Balibó’s height and its location at a crossroads of travel routes made it an ideal strategic location for a defensive structure.

Today, the former fort is home to a modern, heritage-influenced hotel, and a cafĂ© and restaurant with panoramic views from the mountains to the ocean. The Balibo Fort Hotel forms part of the social enterprising overseen by the Balibo Trust, which established the nearby Balibo Dental Clinic and Community Centre, and has made substantial contributions to local schooling infrastructure.

Community Contributors
Added by

March 15, 2022

Make an Edit Add Photos
In partnership with KAYAK

Plan Your Trip

From Around the Web