Jesus Backside Beach, Public beach near Cristo Rei statue in Dili, East Timor.
Jesus Backside Beach is a public beach near the Cristo Rei statue in Dili that stretches about one kilometer along the southern shore of Wetar Strait. White sand covers the beach and slopes upward to steep hills covered with Eucalyptus alba woodland.
The Portuguese name 'Praia dos Portugueses' came from use by the National Republican Guard troops who were stationed in East Timor during the colonial period. This military presence shaped how the place was known for many years.
The name comes from Tetum words: 'dolok' means wet ground and 'oan' means child, reflecting the local language of East Timor. Visitors can notice these linguistic connections to the land when talking with people who live nearby.
The beach has no permanent facilities like restrooms or food vendors, so visitors need to bring their own supplies. It helps to carry water, sun protection, and snacks since shops are scarce nearby.
The English name comes from the fact that the beach sits behind the Cristo Rei statue, which faces west and turns its back toward the shore. This geographical quirk is what gave the place its unusual name.
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