Venilale Japanese Caves
Kuak Japaun Venilale
A network of tunnels dug into a hillside by Japanese forces during World War II, in the cool mountain town of Venilale. The 1933 Kingdom School is nearby.
Venilale lies in the mountains about 25 km south of Baucau, at high altitude with a cool climate. During the Second World War, while Japan occupied Timor, forced local labor was used to dig a row of tunnels into the hillside outside town, for storage and air-raid shelter. The openings remain visible, and some can be entered with a torch. The town also has the 1933 Kingdom School (Escola do Reino), built during the Portuguese period, and a church. From Baucau it takes about an hour by hired car or minibus. The mountain roads have many bends, and in the rainy season landslides are possible, so it is best to ask a local to guide you.
Opening hours
All day
Nearby sights
- Municipal Market of Baucau
- Baucau Old Town (Cidade Velha)
- Pousada de Baucau
- Piscina de Baucau
- St. Anthony Cathedral, Baucau
- Watabo Beach (Coconut Beach)
- Mount Matebian
- Baguia Fort