Timor Leste Expedition 8-night 9-day Tour

Arrival – Introduction/Briefing with a Dili Tour

Welcome to Dili-Timor-Leste, Asia’s newest country. Your adventure begins in the bustling capital city of Dili. Surrounded by both hills and ocean, there’s plenty to see and do here. Visits to Tacitolu, Arte Moris, Resistance Museum, Santa Cruz and Cristo Rei and Tais Market Enjoy your first taste of local cuisine for Lunch OR Dinner *

Hotel Esplanada

Aileu – Hatubuilico

It’s time to head into the heart of Timor-Leste and travel up the Tatamailau mountain range.

 On the drive you’ll have the chance to take in some seriously spectacular scenery and admire the country’s mountainous landscapes and nature.

Stopping in Aileu for a break we will visit the local Monuments before continuing to Maubisse with visits to the magnificent Catholic Church the Pousada a Portuguese-era building with 360-degree views. Lunch at Sara Guesthouse Restaurant (Top Floor)

After lunch we will visit the Traditional Hakmatek Village of Liquitei before continuing the drive to Hatubuilico.

Arrive in Hatubuilico in the afternoon (it’s the highest village in the country!), settle into the guesthouse and meet your local trekking guide for tomorrow’s hike. Take a guided walking tour of the village and visit the beautiful local Catholic Church.

Ovalido Guesthouse

Mt Ramelau – Lauhata

Embark on an early morning adventure to the summit of Timor-Leste’s highest mountain, Mt. Ramelau, standing at 2,963m above sea level. Wake up at 2:30am for a 5-hour round trip hike to catch the awe-inspiring sunrise from the summit around 06.35*. The climb is also a popular pilgrimage amongst Catholics from all over the world who make this trek on and around the 25th of March to commemorate the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

If it’s a clear day, you’ll be able soak in unbelievable views of the whole coastline. After descending to the base, we’ll check back into the Guesthouse for breakfast before heading to Lauhata, through Aileu into Tocoluli and Tibar.  Lunch in Aileu at Vanilla Farm

Lauhata Beach Escape

Lauhata – Balibo

This morning we will drive to Balibo with visits to Liquiça Church (April 99) and check out the local architecture including Maubara Fort (Dutch Fort). Continue along this coastal drive to Batugade with a stop at the local Salt producers of Atabae reaching Batugade Junction and climbing up to Balibo for lunch. After lunch check Balibo Fort including a tour of its museum and surrounds.

Balibo Fort Hotel

Balibo – Dili

After breakfast there will be options to take walking tours around Balibo with the local operators Balibo Trails to some of their destinations. After the local walking tours there’s an option to have a swim at Balibo Fort Hotel before returning to Dili via the statue of Pope John Paul II, and Biacou deserted beach.

Hotel Beachside

Atauro Island

In the morning, you’ll embark on an exciting adventure by boat to Atauro Island, known for its biodiverse coral reefs and rich wildlife, including whales and dolphins. Arriving on the Island you will be transferred to Barry’s Place for check in and briefed about the program during your stay on the Island. Spend your time relaxing by the beach, swimming in the crystal-clear waters, and chatting with your hosts. This is the perfect opportunity to experience Timorese hospitality and see how the locals live.

Barry’s Place

Atauro Island

Wake up to the beautiful sunrise over the Wetar Strait and start your day with a delicious breakfast by the sea. Activities will include Tuk/Tuk ride tours to Vila to visit local handicraft stores and marketplaces e.g., co-operative group of local hearing-impaired women, who produce and sell a range of beautiful jewellery pieces made from local materials such as coconut shells, seeds, and wood or embark on a fisherman’s boat snorkelling tour of the pristine coral reefs in Beloi’s Marine Protected Area. After a busy day, you can relax and unwind by the beach, play football with the local community, and spend time getting to know your homestay family.

Barry’s Place

Atauro – Dili

In the morning, make your way back to Dili by boat. This evening, gather with your group at an outdoor bar for a farewell dinner while admiring views of the Dili sunset.

Hotel Beachside

Departure

With no activities planned for today, your Timor-Leste expedition comes to an end after breakfast this morning.