Manatuto

Manatuto sits on the north coast east of Dili where the Laclo, one of the country's largest rivers, reaches the sea, a district town with salt pans worked along the shore, a Portuguese-era church and the dry hills of the north coast rising behind it. The river mouth is wide and shallow and crocodiles are in it. The coast road runs through the town toward Baucau. Salt from the pans here supplies much of the domestic market and is worked by hand through the dry season.

What you actually see

• The Laclo river mouth - one of the country's largest rivers reaching the sea.
• The salt pans - the workings along the shore.
• The Portuguese church - the colonial-era building in the town.
• The dry hills - the north coast country rising behind.

When to go

May to November is the dry season. The rains from December raise the river considerably. Salt working runs in the dry months.

Honest expectations

There is little arranged for visitors and the town is a stop rather than a destination. Crocodiles are present in the river mouth and it should be treated seriously. Facilities are basic.

Nearby

Laleia is east, and Dili is west.