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Vila
When was the last time you walked down a stretch of unpaved road lined with bright red flowers and listened to birds, laughing children, and waves in the distance—without a single car driving by? Simply walking through the village of Vila, home to some 1,800 people, is like being transported back through time. Vila is […]
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Makili
Makili is a charming fishing village approximately an hour’s walk from Vila along a gorgeous and rugged coastal path. At the last census, Makili had the second largest number of inhabitants—just over 2,000 people call this village home. This village is known for its particular and fascinating tradition of boat carving. Wandering down the coastline, […]
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Anartutu
Anartutu, located in the suko of Makadade, is the highest village settlement on the island. Located just an hour from the peak of Manukoko, Anartutu is an ideal place to spend a night before trekking up the mountain for sunrise. While relatively isolated from the rest of the island due to its location, there is […]
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Adara
There are few places in the world where you can still put your feet up in a hammock overlooking a white sand beach, listening to the sound of gently lapping waves and relaxing in the knowledge that you are entirely alone. Adara is the perfect paradise for those who find even the hustle and bustle […]
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Atekru
Atekru is a sub-hamlet that includes the Adara hamlet. A one-hour walk from Mario’s Place in Adara, this is a great day hike for you to do when staying on the West coast. Take a walk there at sunset and hike alongside fishermen and women searching for sea creatures in the shallow tide pools along […]
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Arlo
Arlo is a small village of about 500 residents, nestled in the mountains near the center of the island. You will pass through Arlo if you are on your way to Adara, but it is worth visiting or stopping over in the village itself. Ask around for a fresh coconut and take photos of the […]
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Doro
Doro, Iliana, and Vatu’u comprise the three main villages on the Northwest side of Ataúro and are rarely visited by tourists—but are equally beautiful and worth exploring. The Chefe Suko of Doro, is currently building a beautiful and simple accommodation right on the beach. The accommodation sits directly in front of one of the richest […]
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Iliana
Iliana is a small, lesser-known village nestled in the western hills of Ataúro. It is possible to reach from Bikeli, either walking for 3-4 hours or via a motorbike transfer, or from Beloi. Iliana is divided into two parts—the main village, located in the hills with a breathtaking view of the ocean, and the beach, […]
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Vatuu
Vatuu is a very remote area that is located between two of the most visited places on the island (Adara and Akrema). The community is very small with a population of roughly 200, most of which are Protestant rather than Catholic. They safeguard the local Marine Protected Areas to manage their valuable marine biodiversity. They […]
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Uaroana
Uaroana is a quiet village, halfway between Bikeli-Pala and Akrema, and an excellent place to stop for a quick coconut, some souvenirs, or even overnight in a local homestay. The local women’s cooperative of the village, Haksolok, employs over 84 women across five groups to produce handmade products such as baskets, hats, and wood carvings. […]
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Bikeli-Pala
Bikeli-Pala, just known as Bikeli to locals, is easily accessible on the main road from Beloi. You can hike over in just 1-2 hours, rent a local truck, or hop on one already passing—any car headed north from Beloi will be headed to Bikeli. This village is well-known for its hot springs, which you can […]
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Berau
Berau is a hamlet located in the south end of the island in Makadade Township, with a very small population. It has the largest spring which provides water for Makili, Vila, Beloi and Bikeli. Tourists may catch a local boat from various spots in this community by asking accommodations to arrange before traveling. There is […]
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Beloi
Nearly every visitor to Ataúro starts their journey in beautiful Beloi, the home of the only port on the island. Home to approximately 1,600 people, Beloi is often mistaken for the capital of the island due to its busier nature; however, you’ll need to head to Vila to see the government offices and NGOs at […]
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Akrema
Akrema is well-known among both locals and tourists for its white-sand beach, quiet and shaded village, and beautiful reefs and diving. This village is an excellent destination for a day hike, a mere two-hour walk from the village of Bikeli (which you can reach via truck to shorten walking from Beloi). The Chefe Suko of […]
