One Dollar Beach

One Dollar Beach or Dollar Beach (Praia do Dólar, Tasi-ibun Dolar) is a public beach on the north coast of East Timor, east north east of Dili, the capital city. It is long, white, sandy and clean, and also frequently deserted, yet popular with beach users at other times.

Etymology
The beach's name dates back only to about the start of this century, when East Timor was a United Nations protectorate. At that time, local people would charge visitors US$1 for every car arriving and parking at the beach.

Geography
Long, spacious and frequently deserted, the beach is nevertheless popular at other times with families, including children, and also tourists and travellers. It is located in the suco of Uma Caduac, about 38 km or a 45 minute drive east north east of Dili.

The beach is composed of clean, soft snow-white sand sloping gently towards the water. It forms part of the south shore of Wetar Strait. The sea floor near the shore is sandy and the water is crystal-clear. Further out, there is a reef suitable for snorkelling and diving. Often visible from the shore are pods of dolphins, and, in season, also whales. Underwater attractions at the reef include tropical fish and sea turtles.

The beach is part of the Subaun Important Bird Area (IBA), which is 23,665 ha in size. The IBA extends from sea level to the isolated peak of Mount Curi, and is mostly steep to moderately steep hills. Below about c. 400 m AMSL, its dominant vegetation is Eucalyptus alba savanna woodland, with a tall understorey of mostly Heteropogon and Themeda grasses.

Facilities
There are few facilities at the beach other than a handful of restaurants or stalls, which offer inexpensive fish meals.