Eco Resort Atauro Island Review: Beachfront Bungalows in Vila

During our stay on Atauro Island in Timor-Leste, we spent two nights at Eco Resort in Vila, a beachfront accommodation with spacious bungalows, air conditioning and an on-site dining area.

We had originally booked a homestay in Beloi, but the room became uncomfortably hot without air conditioning. Loud music from an event near the market continued late into the night, making it difficult to sleep. We decided it was time to look for somewhere quieter.

I had injured my foot on the ferry from Dili to Atauro Island and could no longer go snorkelling, so I went for a walk around Vila instead. That was when I spotted Eco Resort and arranged to move there the next day.

The property had only reopened around two weeks earlier, following renovations and a change of management. We enjoyed the spacious bungalow, the relaxed beachfront setting, the generous meals and the friendly staff.

Here is my honest review of Eco Resort Atauro, including room facilities, prices, food, transport from Beloi and what to expect from the beach and nearby snorkelling.

Please note that the prices and facilities described below reflect our stay. Confirm the latest details directly with the property before booking.

🇯🇵 この記事を日本語で読む：Atauro島Vila村のEco Resort宿泊レビュー｜ビーチフロントのバンガローと料金

Where Is Eco Resort on Atauro Island?

Eco Resort is located on the edge of Vila village, on the Beloi side of the village, on the western side of Atauro Island.

We discovered it shortly after arriving on the island. Following my foot injury on the ferry from Dili, snorkelling was off the agenda, so I explored the village on foot instead. When I came across the resort, it looked like a better option for a comfortable and quieter stay.

The staff explained that they had taken over an existing resort property, renovated it and reopened it around two weeks before our visit. The new name had not yet appeared on Google Maps at that time.

If you have trouble finding the property on a map, it may be worth checking its location around Vila rather than relying solely on the resort name.

Our Room: A Spacious Beachfront Bungalow

The accommodation consists of separate bungalows facing the beach, with twin and double rooms available.

Our room was very spacious, with enough room for our luggage without feeling cramped. It also had a balcony, which was a lovely place to sit and enjoy the sea view.

The mattress was on the soft side, but we found it comfortable. One of the biggest advantages was having air conditioning, particularly after our hot and uncomfortable stay in Beloi.

There is one important limitation: electricity is available from 6 am until midnight, so the air conditioning switches off at midnight. We kept it running until then and found that the room remained comfortable enough for sleeping afterwards.

There were no mosquito nets over the beds, so bringing insect repellent is a sensible precaution.

Wi-Fi was provided through Starlink and worked very well.

Shared Bathrooms and Common Areas

The bathrooms at the Resort are shared there was one large mandi room and two toilets. A mandi is a traditional Indonesian-style bathing room, usually with water for washing rather than a conventional private shower cubicle.

The mandi room was surprisingly spacious. However, travellers who require an en-suite bathroom should be aware that the facilities here are communal.

There is also a dining room and outdoor seating around the property. The atmosphere was informal and relaxed, with places to sit outside and enjoy the surroundings.

Eco Resort Atauro Prices: Room Rates and Meals

At the time of our stay, the room rate was US$35 per night for two people sharing. Meals were charged separately.

There was initially some confusion over whether breakfast was included in the room price. We eventually settled the bill on the basis that breakfast was extra, so I recommend confirming exactly what is included when arranging your stay.

These were the prices quoted to us:

• Room: US$35 per night for two people
• Breakfast: US$5 per person
• Lunch: US$7.50 per person
• Dinner: US$7.50 per person
• Bintang beer: US$2.50 per can
• Bottled water: US$1 per bottle

Meals needed to be ordered in advance. The property also offered alcoholic drinks, and our beer was served cold.

These prices are based on our visit and may have changed since the resort reopened. Check current rates and meal arrangements directly with the staff.

Food at Eco Resort: Generous and Tasty Meals

There were only three other people staying at the resort during our visit, so the dining area never felt crowded.

Breakfast included banana pancakes, eggs, fruit, coffee, tea and yoghurt, among other items. Lunch and dinner featured dishes such as seafood, vegetables, rice and fruit.

We enjoyed the food. The portions were generous, and having meals available at the accommodation was convenient, especially when we did not feel like walking into the village to find somewhere to eat.

The usual arrangement was a buffet, with meals ordered in advance. The menu appeared varied enough that à la carte options may also be possible, although it is best to ask the staff directly if you prefer to order individual dishes.

Vila has restaurants as well, but being able to eat at the resort makes a difference if you want a simple, relaxing stay without having to organise every meal elsewhere.

Getting to Eco Resort from Beloi

You can travel from Beloi to Eco Resort by tuk-tuk.

At the time of our visit, the fare quoted for foreign visitors was US$2 per person one way, compared with US$1 per person for local passengers. Transport prices can change, so confirm the fare before setting off.

The resort is on the outskirts of Vila, closer to Beloi than the village centre. You will need to walk a little way to reach the centre, where you can find supermarkets and restaurants.

We were told that bottled water at the resort cost US$1 per bottle.  We bought ours at a supermarket in the village when we were out walking (50 cents).

If you need drinking water or basic supplies, it is worth picking them up when you head into Vila.

The Beach and Snorkelling Conditions

One of the main attractions of Eco Resort is its beachfront location. The beach had umbrellas and chairs set up for guests, and there were additional outdoor tables and chairs within the property.

The beach faces east, making it a lovely place to watch the sunrise. It was a pleasant setting for a quiet morning by the sea.

However, if you are considering staying here primarily for snorkelling, there are a few things to know.

The water close to shore is shallow, with plenty of seaweed. We estimated that reaching the coral reef required swimming around 100 metres offshore. The reef was not in particularly good condition in the area we explored, although we saw plenty of fish.

To the right when facing out to sea, there is an area with extensive mangroves. The waters beyond this area are part of a marine protected zone, and a separate fee was required according to the information we received. Buoys in the water mark the boundary.

Before entering the water, check the sea conditions, currents and any local access requirements with the resort staff. Do not cross into a protected area without confirming the applicable rules and fees.

Overall, the beach is attractive for relaxing and enjoying the sunrise, but snorkellers should not expect an easily accessible reef immediately in front of the accommodation.

Friendly Staff and a Relaxed Atmosphere

The staff were friendly and helpful throughout our stay. Communication was easy in both English and Indonesian, which made it straightforward to arrange meals and ask questions.

Music played from the dining area in the evening, but it was generally mellow and not particularly loud. After struggling to sleep in Beloi because of the late-night event music, we appreciated the more relaxed atmosphere here.

Of course, noise levels can vary depending on the number of guests and what is happening at the property, but our experience was a comfortable one.

After our two-night stay, the staff also helped arrange a vehicle to Atecru, on the other side of the island. Having someone who could assist with onward transport was another useful advantage.

Is Eco Resort Atauro Worth Staying At?

I enjoyed our two nights at Eco Resort. It offered a comfortable base in Vila, with spacious beachfront bungalows, air conditioning, tasty meals and genuinely friendly staff.

The property had only recently reopened when we visited, so some details, including the map listing and the services offered, were still in transition.

What I liked

• Spacious, independent beachfront bungalows
• Air conditioning until midnight
• A balcony and a pleasant beachside setting
• Generous, tasty meals available on site
• Friendly staff who could communicate in English and Indonesian
• A relaxed atmosphere during our stay
• Assistance arranging transport to other parts of the island

Things to consider before booking

• Bathrooms and toilets are shared
• Electricity and air conditioning stop at midnight
• There are no mosquito nets over the beds
• Meals cost extra and need to be ordered in advance
• The village centre is a short walk away
• The reef is around 100 metres offshore, and seaweed is common near the beach
• Access to the marine protected zone may involve a separate fee

Final thoughts

Eco Resort is worth considering if you want a beachfront stay in Vila with a comfortable room, meals on site and a laid-back atmosphere. It was a welcome change after our difficult nights in Beloi.

It may not be the best choice for travellers who insist on private bathrooms or want a coral reef immediately accessible from the beach. However, for us, the spacious bungalow, the food and the friendly service made it a pleasant place to spend two nights on Atauro Island.

As the resort had only recently reopened when we visited, I recommend contacting the property directly to confirm the latest room rates, meal prices and facilities before making a booking.