Cristo Rei sits in the shadow of Timor-Leste's most iconic landmark—a large statue of Christ overlooking Dili Bay, reminiscent of Rio's famous monument. The north-facing reef break catches monsoon season swells during the wet season, offering a surprisingly legitimate wave in Southeast Asia's youngest nation. The setting combines Portuguese colonial history, tropical warmth, and a surfing community that has grown since independence. For travelers exploring Timor-Leste, Cristo Rei provides accessible waves with meaningful cultural context.
Water temp
29°C
Wetsuit
Boardshorts / Rashguard
Difficulty
4/10
Crowd level
2/10
Access: East of Dili. Near famous statue.
Peak: Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar
Secondary: Nov, Apr
NW monsoon season. North coast receives wind swells.
Verified by Surf-forecast, local expat reports
How well swell angle matches the spot
Wave height in the ideal range
Each spot has different period requirements. Points and reefs can handle longer periods than beaches.
Offshore/glassy conditions