Jaco, Diving site in Timor archipelago, East Timor.
Jaco is an island in the Timor archipelago with white sandy beaches running along limestone cliffs and surrounded by coral reefs in waters of varying depth. The shoreline shows a mix of gentle slopes and steeper underwater formations.
Old fortifications at Lai Vai, Pitilete, and Honolati show where indigenous groups settled on the island in the past. These structures tell us that people have used this place for a long time.
Fishermen in the area practice traditional methods passed down through generations, viewing the island as a sacred place where two seas meet. This deep connection shapes how local people relate to the waters around them today.
Reaching the island requires a boat trip from Valu Beach across the Jaco Strait, which takes only a few minutes and spans about 600 meters. Visitors must return the same day since staying overnight is not permitted.
The island serves as a nesting ground where sea turtles come to lay their eggs and return to the ocean. What stands out is that deer on the island have adapted to drinking salt water because fresh water is scarce there.
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