Baucau is about 30 minutes' flight time east of Dili, on the north coast. It used to be the site of the main international airport, but at 1770 ft above sea level it is often prone to low cloud in the wet season. Timor-Leste's international airport is now at Dili, just above sea level.
As a result the runway at Baucau is a whopping 2.5 km long. The main challenge with landing there (apart from the strong wind at times) is dodging the mountains of cow, horse and buffalo manure that literally cover the entire runway surface.
Runway directions: 14/32
Length: 2500 m
Altitude: 1770 ft
Surface: Sealed (and covered with animal manure)
Slope: 1% up to southeast
Obstructions: Animals and vehicles frequently on the runway. People use the runway for driving practise.
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Flying in to Baucau from Dili. Smoke is a good wind direction indicator!
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Horses seen on the runway during my overhead inspection
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A rather forlorn looking sign and old control tower.
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View during take-off, runway 14. Note the copious amounts of animal manure.
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