Timor-Leste

Timor was invaded by the Japanese during World War 11 and there is an incredible story of our Australian 2/2^nd Commandos fighting a Guerrilla campaign against the enemy with the help of the Timorese people.

When faced with Japan’s lightning thrust through Asia in early 1942, the 270 men of this company became the only unit in the entire army to remain an integrated force and continue offensive action while all around them, 22,000 Australians were captured or killed.

The company fought the Japanese to a standstill in the colony of Portuguese Timor months before Australia’s main force in New Guinea successfully halted Japan’s drive on the Kokoda Track. When news came back to Australia, and around the world, that the 2/2 men were still fighting, their campaign proved to be a huge morale boost during the nation’s darkest hour.

But the company’s contribution was much more than morale. It played a crucial role in turning back the Japanese by tying up several thousand seasoned troops in the mountains of Timor while the battle for Kokoda was hanging in the balance.

For ten long months they continued fighting on Timor, pulling off scores of successful ambushes that kept the enemy running around in circles.

Australia’s Oscar-winning film-maker Damien Parer, who spent 16 days with these forces in November 1942, said the men of the 2/2nd Company were something special. “These men of Timor are unique in that they remained an organised fighting body all through the lightning Jap successes… These lads are writing an epic of guerrilla warfare,” he said.

During Timor’s fight for independence, the nation was occupied by the Indonesian military for over two decades until 2002, when they achieved independence.

When East Timor experienced a humanitarian and security crisis in 1999, Australia led a multinational peacekeeping force in response. The International Force East Timor (INTERFET) and several United Nations (UN)-led missions assisted the country as it achieved independence and established itself as an independent and democratic country. Australia’s deployment of troops to East Timor in 1999 was the largest since the Vietnam War.

Australia’s involvement in East Timor, from 1999 to the end of 2012 was instrumental in that nation gaining independence.

The International Force East Timor (INTERFET), deployed from 1999 to 2000, remains Australia’s largest peacekeeping mission to date, and the largest overseas military deployment since the Vietnam War. Furthermore, it was the first time Australia had led a major international coalition.

In 2006 Operation Astute was an Australian led military deployment to Timor Leste to quell unrest and return stability.

Our expeditions start in the capital of Dili where you’ll visit local cafes, the traditional Tais market, and learn about the country’s confronting past at the local museum.

Travel away from the city, hike to the summit of Timor-Leste’s tallest mountains, and meet farmers at local coffee plantations.

On the way to Balibo we travel through the Liquiça Municipality learning about past and recent history in this part of Timor Leste.

Spend time on Atauro Island where you’ll get to know a local family and snorkel in the world’s most biodiverse coral reefs. Along the way, visit several social enterprises dedicated to supporting and empowering the people of Timor-Leste.

As Timor-Leste is off the typical tourist track, infrastructure is limited, and accommodation basic. You can expect clean and comfortable lodgings with fans, squat toilets, and traditional mandi bucket showers.

Some guides may be very new to the tourism industry so know that you are supporting the next generation of tourism leaders.

Our local Timor-Leste operator works in partnership with local communities to provide practical tour guide training opportunities to graduated students.

 A good level of fitness is required to hike to the summit of Timor-Leste’s highest mountain, at 2963m above sea level. You’ll wake at 2.30 am to begin the walk, which is a 5-hour round trip.

 The stories and history shared at the Santa Cruz cemetery, and Timorese Resistance Archive and Museum are confronting, and many travellers will find them upsetting.

This is an important part of Timor-Leste’s recent history that we feel is important for travellers to know. If you would prefer not to join these activities your leader can recommend some optional alternatives.