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. (D)
Overnight Portuguese Hotel or similar
The fascinating story continues while you explore Dili from the panorama of Cristo Rei, the white sand of Areia Branca, to the resistance museum. Our tour guide will share their encyclopaedic knowledge of Timor-Leste’s history and culture.
After lunch its off to Baucau, Timor-Leste’s second largest city, a 3 hour stunning coastal drive. (B,L,D)
Overnight Pousada Baucau
Travel through traditional villages where time has stood still. Here you will be greeted by our friends at the Luro village who open their homes to visitors and share the delights of Timorese traditional culture, dance, song and food. After a 2 hour hike to Mt Huffa Huffa, wind your way down through rice paddies and be rewarded by a traditional meal. (B,L,D)
2 nights Traditional Homestay
Travel 3 hrs to the very eastern tip of Timor. Take a short boat ride with local fishermen to the sacred island of Jaco. (B,L,D)
Overnight in a Beach Guesthouse
This morning take a 1 ½ hr morning hike to view ancient cave art. After a short but bumpy drive arrive at the sleepy fishing village of Com, if you’re lucky, there will be crayfish for dinner. (B,L,D)
Overnight Beach Bungalow
Travel via Baucau into the mountains; after a 5hr drive you will arrive at the guesthouse in the middle of resistance country.
The following day take a 5 hr hike deep into the mountains to discover Mundo Perdido, the lost land. (B,L,D)
2 nights Mountain Guesthouse
Today you will travel down to the South Coast, watch out for crocodiles along the way. Stay at the base of the mountains and learn about Dom Bom Ventura, Timor’s revolutionary who led the great and sadly losing battle to rid the country of its Portuguese invaders. (B,L,D)
Overnight Gia Ria Guesthouse
Travel up and up to Timor’s highest village as you prepare for a dawn climb to the summit of Mt Ramelau, Timor’s highest mountain. (B,L,D)
Overnight Mountain Guesthouse
Today you will visit a traditional village and participate in the traditional welcome ceremony. You will also be invited into a sacred house. Learn about the various seasonal ceremonies. You will then visit a local coffee farm and sample Timor’s famous organic coffee. (B,L,D)
Overnight Portuguese Style Pousada
Today is a long drive day back to Dili. On arrival, the remainder of the day is yours at leisure. (B,L,D)
Overnight Portuguese Hotel or similar
Following breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for your onward flight. (B)
Download this tour’s PDF brochure and start your planning offline!
**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.
Stay up to date with the latest travel trends and new destinations opening up. To be the first to go, you need to be the first to know.
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.
Back to Australia/Oceania
