With the demise of the “Timor Sun” back in May, there has been a long absence of English language local news.

Just recently, 2 new options have surfaced. The first was the online-only “Timor Times” and the second, a replacement for “Timor Sun” called “Guide Post”.

Guide Post looks quite similar to the old Timor Sun and I suspect the old production team have reformed under the new editor. The new editor is Leith Carroll who has taken over from the Bradridges. Leith did photography work and was a regular contributor to the Timor Sun. Then he became a driver and local can-do man for some overseas media during May and June.

Edition 2 has a nice up-to-date map of Dili with some key business (ie advertiser) locations such as restaurants.

The Timor Times is a more home-grown effort but has its own share of useful information. But surely (you ask) there must be more going on than Pilates, Quiz Night, Hash House Harriers and Floorball ? 🙂 If you want to subscribe to the Timor Times, just email [email protected]

I discovered Jinha’s internet cafe via the Timor Times and it is the best in town on price and speed (except if everyone knows this, then the speed will not be so good). No air-con but views of the sea out the window. At US$3 per hour, a few peaks out the window won’t go astray.

[2 Nov amendment]

It appears I omitted to say that Timor Times is a monthly and Guide Post is a weekly. They are both very much local news (ie community newspapers) and information and do not run national or international news.