Timor‑Leste’s first and largest protected area, encompassing the entire eastern tip of the island and the surrounding marine waters that form part of the Coral Triangle, the global center of marine biodiversity. This vast sanctuary includes Jaco Island and Lake Ira Lalaro, combining coastal reefs, dense forests, and culturally significant villages into one extraordinary landscape. Named in honor of local independence commander Nino Konis Santana, the national park is both a natural and cultural treasure.
Visitors encounter forested mountain ranges thick with orchids, ferns, banyan, rosewood, and fig trees, alongside over 200 species of rare and endemic birds, Rusa deer and spotted cuscus. Off-shore, sea turtles, manta rays, whale sharks, dolphins, dugongs, and giant clams thrive in the deep‑water trenches and seagrass beds. The adjoining reef system hosts an astonishing diversity of reef fish and more than 367 coral species, making it one of the richest marine ecosystems on Earth.
Beyond its ecological value, the park holds immense cultural significance, with sacred sites, local rituals, and Uma Lulik (traditional sacred houses) woven into its landscape. As of June 2026, the park has been recognized as the UNESCO Nino Konis Santana Biosphere Reserve, covering aalmost 300,000 hectares of national park, buffer zones, and transition lands — a milestone that elevates its global importance and ensures stronger conservation and sustainable tourism efforts.
