It is long, white, sandy and clean, and also frequently deserted, yet popular with beach users at other times.

The beach's name dates back only to about the start of this century, when East Timor was a United Nations protectorate.

[2][3] Long, spacious and frequently deserted,[3][4] the beach is nevertheless popular at other times with families, including children, and also tourists and travellers.

[4] The beach is part of the Subaun Important Bird Area (IBA), which is 23,665 ha (58,480 acres) in size.

Below about c. 400 m (1,300 ft) AMSL, its dominant vegetation is Eucalyptus alba savanna woodland, with a tall understorey of mostly Heteropogon and Themeda grasses.