Home to rugged and untouched beaches, dotted with traditional mountain villages offering panoramic views, East Timor, or Timor-Leste, is one of the world’s last great off-the-beaten-track destinations.
A land of true contrasts, explore Timor’s pristine reefs, sacred mountain temples and century old traditions. Asia’s newest country, once ravished by war has a dark but fascinating history which you will delve into to gain a sound understanding of how this paradise could once have been so unstable. Trek through jungles, embrace the charm of the Portuguese heritage and bump along dusty roads. Be one of the first few to venture through this country in depth as you embrace the warmth of the people, the culture and the infusion of European charm.
Welcome to Timor! Upon arrival, our English speaking guide will meet you at Nicolau Lombardo airport and set the scene introducing you to the recent history of resistance in this amazing half island. Depending on your flight arrival time, if you land in the morning, explore some of the historical and cultural sites in and around Dili. This afternoon, take a short walk up to Cristo Rei of Dili, a 27 metre high colossal statue of Jesus Christ situated atop a globe at Cape Fatucama. Head back down to the coast and enjoy a welcome dinner at a restaurant on the beach as the sun is setting. (D)
Overnight Portuguese Hotel or similar
This morning, drive into the mountains of Timor-Leste. Stop along the way at a local community project, (Projeto Montanha a NGO working to improve rural livelihoods through tourism and hospitality), where you will try traditional Timorese coffee at Maubisse Pousada a Portuguese colonial era guesthouse with 360 degree views around the mountainside.
Drive to Hatu Bulico village at the base of the Mt Ramelau walking trail. Here, you will have a guided tour of Hatu Bulico village, where traditional village life still takes place. (B,L,D)
Overnight Maubisse Pousada or similar
Wake up at 3:00am to hike to the summit of Mt Ramelau for sunrise. The journey is approx. 5hrs return. At the highest point in the country, you can see the entire coastline and across Indonesia. Take in the impressive views before returning for breakfast. Drive to Same where you will enjoy a village tour on arrival. The afternoon is yours at leisure. (B,L,D)
Overnight Local Guesthouse or similar
Drive to Loihuno via the southern coastline, passing through farmlands and rice fields. Learn about the history of Dom Bom Ventura the revolutionary leader who led the great battle to rid Timor-Leste of Portuguese invaders. Arrive in Loihuno village where you will be staying in a local guest house at the base of Mt Mundo Perdido which literally translates to ‘Lost World’ in Portuguese. (B,L,D)
Overnight Local Guesthouse or similar
Today you will enjoy a hike into the ‘Lost World’ to the heart of Timor Leste’s resistance country and explore the mountains that for decades gave refuge to Timor-Leste’s guerrilla fighters. This afternoon, return to your guesthouse and visit the nearby limestone waterholes. Learn about how this region became abundant in water and agriculture. (B,L,D)
Overnight Local Guesthouse or similar
Depart this morning for Baucau, Timor-Leste’s second largest city, on the way stopping to admire the scenery of the remote villages of Ossu and Venilale. Visit the seven caves, a historic excavated tunnel system constructed by Timorese prisoners of war during the Japanese occupation of Timor-Leste in WWII. Upon arrival in Baucau, enjoy a historical and cultural tour of Baucau city where you will visit a local community farming and cultural project. (B,L,D)
Overnight Local Guesthouse or similar
Today you will return to Dili (4 hrs) with stunning coastal views across the Wetar Strait. Lunch today will be back in Dili before you enjoy a guided tour of the historical and cultural sites of Dili. Take in the sunset at Cristo Rei statue overlooking Dili city. (B,L,D)
Overnight Beachfront Hotel or similar
This morning take a boat transfer to Atauro Island, home to the most biodiverse coral reefs in the world. The journey will take approx. 3 hours. Keep your eyes peeled from the boat for the hundreds of whales that migrate past Atauro Island. Arrive in Beloi village where you will meet your local homestay family. Enjoy a welcome lunch with your homestay family before being escorted on a tour of the local village. Spend the afternoon snorkelling from a local fisherman’s boat. Spend the evening with your local village homestay family. (B,L,D)
Overnight Village Homestay or similar
You have a choice this morning of a morning hike up the sacred mountain to Manucoco Peak for sunrise with stunning views across the island (5 hrs return), a morning hike to a look-out point (2hr return trip), or relaxing/free time on the island. This afternoon, set off on a tuk tuk tour of the local community where you will witness handicraft projects and community projects. You have more time today to get back in the water and snorkel from a local fisherman’s boat. Spend further time you’re your local village homestay family. (B,L,D)
Overnight Village Homestay or similar
Enjoy your final morning snorkelling activity before your boat transfer back to Dili. Lunch today is at Agora Food Studio restaurant where you will enjoy locally sourced traditional foods and coffee. Drive to Balibo. Arrive at Balibo and meet with the local community tourism establishment. Stay in the historic Balibo Fort, constructed by the Portuguese in the early 1700s. (B,L,D)
Overnight Balibo Fort or similar
Today is a day of exploring and learning about the historical and cultural elements of Balibo. You will visit Balibo House, famously known as the location that five Australian journalists were murdered during the Indonesian occupation, veteran museum, and Balibo Fort. In the afternoon, visit Leohitu village to visit a community fish hatchery and swim in the jungle at Leohitu waterfall. (B,L,D)
Overnight Balibo Fort or similar
Enjoy a short shady walk to the Gruta Mortaua look out for panoramic views across the Indonesian border. Return to Dili with lunch today at a seaside restaurant in Liquica. You will stop along the way at the historical Ai Pelo Prison ruins. (B,L,D)
Overnight Beachfront Hotel or similar
Following breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for your onward flight. (B)
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**Please note that this tour can be organised on request for private departures.
* Pricing is subject to change at anytime until full payment has been received.
* A minimum of 2 adults is required to guarantee this departure.
A non-refundable deposit of $1000 AUD per person is required to secure your place. Final payment is due no later than 60 days prior to departure. Travel insurance is mandatory for travelling with Crooked Compass. For full terms and conditions, please click here.
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This category of tours involves light trekking, walking, cycling, rafting or kayaking for a few hours each day with a small amount of inclines and declines. You will require a reasonable level of fitness and good health to participate. It is important to note that due to the nature of some of our trips, they may take place in remote areas (with basic facilities) and can involve long travelling days on various modes of transport.
Suggested preparation : At least 3 months prior to departure, it is recommended that you undertake aerobic exercise (this may include jogging, cycling or fast walking) for 30 minutes, three times a week. It is also advised to walk on variable terrain and in variable weather conditions. For a cycling adventure, road cycling twice a week is recommended and for adventures which involve paddling and kayaking, it is important to gain confidence and rhythm rather than speed prior to departure.
This category of tours involve trekking, kayaking and cycling for period of 6 to 8 hours a day at a fairly consistent pace. Ideal for people looking to slightly increase the heart rate. For our moderately rated tours, you must have a good level of fitness and also be in good health. It is also important to be prepared for variable weather conditions. Altitude may also come into play. This category of tours may involve visiting remote areas where facilities can be quite basic. Accommodation may also involve camping, homestays or basic accommodation where facilities may not be considered of western standards. To enjoy this style of travel, it is suggested for travellers to have a reasonable level of fitness and health, a positive attitude, as well as a fairly active lifestyle. An open mind is also required.
Suggested preparation: At least 3 months prior to departure, it is recommended that you undertake 45mins – 1 hour of aerobic exercise, three to four times a week. Some potential exercises that could be beneficial include hill walking with a backpack on over variable terrain and weather conditions, as well as running and cycling dependent on the activity you plan on undertaking.
This category of tours involves trekking, kayaking, cycling or other adventure activities in remote areas for up to 8 to 10 hours a day. It is important to note that with the remoteness of some regions comes a variety of other challenges such as variable weather conditions, accommodation as well as facilities. You must have an excellent level of fitness and good health to be able to partake in this category of tour. You must have confidence in your own ability and be in good physical condition. Includes extended periods of endurance.
Suggested preparation: At least 3 to 4 months of strenuous exercise, four times a week. When preparing for treks it would be beneficial to participate in hill walks with a weighted day pack (approximately 5-8 kg) once a week for aerobic fitness and strengthening of leg muscles. It is also important to do this on variable terrain to prepare for challenging adventures. When preparing for cycling adventures, regular bike riding (at least 4 to 5 times a week for 1-4 hours is essential). It is also important to cycle on uneven surfaces or even participate in other aerobic exercises such as running or swimming to build up strength and stamina. Altitude may also be a factor in these tours.
This category of tour often involves extreme trekking, cycling or other extreme adventure activities. It is important to expect remote and poorly defined tracks and to be prepared for variable weather conditions for 10 to 12 hours per day (may sometimes be more depending on weather and altitude). These adventures are suitable for travellers who have prior experience in strenuous travel and activities, are extremely fit and have excellent health. It is also important to note that some of the terrain on these adventures will involve trekking in snow, at high attitude levels and may require technical equipment.
Suggested preparation: It is important to note that physical fitness should be an ongoing activity, commencing around 5-6 months prior to departure, or even before if you have no prior fitness. Exercise should focus on building maximum endurance and stamina. Four to five hard sessions of 40-60 mins per week should be completed and can include exercises such as going to the gym, running, swimming or cycling to focus on building aerobic stamina. It could also be beneficial to prepare by hiking on rough terrain, in extreme weather conditions or partake in altitude training.
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