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.
Download this tour’s PDF brochure and start your planning offline!
Signature Tour 
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. You will also visit Dili Vanilla farm in Aileu. (B,L,D)
Overnight – Alecrim Guesthouse or similar
Wake up at 3:00am to hike to the summit of Mt Ramelau for sunrise. The journey is approx. 10km and will take about 5hrs in total. 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 Village (75km, 2hrs) 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 (120km, 4hrs) 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. The hike will take approximately 5 hours total (12km) to Mt Mundo Perdido and back, and it is of a moderate difficulty level with rugged and hilly terrain.
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. 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 (25km, 3hrs). Spend the evening with your local village homestay family. (B,L,D)
Overnight – Village Homestay
You have the option this morning of a hike up the sacred mountain to Manucoco Peak for sunrise with stunning views across the island (10km,5 hrs return). Manucoco Peak is a tough, steep ascent but the views make the exertion worth the effort. Alternatively you could hike to a look-out point (4km, 2hr return trip) which is a moderate hike, or if you prefer have some relaxing fre 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
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. You will then drive to Balibo (125km, 4hrs) where you will 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 (125km, 4hrs) 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)
Download this tour’s PDF brochure and start your planning offline!
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**Please note that this tour can be organised on request for private departures.
* Pricing is subject to change at any time until full payment has been received.
* A minimum of 2 adults is required to guarantee this departure.
A non-refundable deposit of 25% 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.
Small group tours providing intimate connections to gain a deeper understanding and emotional connection to the community, tribes, cultures and lands explored.
Exploring the world’s most remote reaches and challenging destinations requires a high level of expertise which can only be learned from first-hand experience. We know because we go.
In an ever-changing global landscape of rules, regulations and restrictions, rest-assured you are being looked after by those in the know. Given the remote regions that we explore, our passengers safety is our top priority.
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.
Travel professionals are welcome. For partnerships or agent enquiries, we recommend contacting us directly.
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.
Our Signature Tours are the cornerstone of the Crooked Compass journey: meticulously designed small-group itineraries that balance authenticity, comfort, and ease. These are destinations where travel can be complex—from navigating evolving logistics to reaching places far from the usual tourist path—yet our expertise ensures your experience feels smooth, effortless, and deeply rewarding.
From the moment you arrive, every detail is handled with care. You’re welcomed personally on arrival and met for a private transfer to your accommodation, where you’ll join the rest of your group. Your guide will walk you through an orientation, helping you understand the rhythm of the journey ahead and settling you in with clear, practical insights from the very start.
Accommodation is selected for both comfort and character, reflecting the richness of its locality through thoughtful design, creative ingenuity, and a genuine sense of place. Whether it’s a boutique property, a sustainable lodge or a homestay, each choice is made to connect you meaningfully with the destination.
Cultural integration sits at the heart of our approach. Every itinerary is crafted with respect for local communities, aligning sensitively with their values and protecting the authenticity of their culture. Through this, travellers experience a deeper connection —stories shared firsthand, traditions encountered in their true context, and moments that shift perspectives long after returning home.
With a maximum of 12 travellers and our most trusted local partners, you explore with confidence, guided by teams who combine deep regional knowledge with an intuitive understanding of Western traveller expectations. Through the powerful medium of storytelling, our journeys inspire personal reflection and spark genuine emotion, turning travel into something transformative.
For travellers seeking even more flexibility or personalisation, our Tours By Design journeys are crafted with the same care — mindfully designed around your interests for a more tailored experience.
Why travellers love our Signature Tours:
More about our Tour Styles.
Our Founders Tours are rare, one-of-a-kind journeys personally hosted by Crooked Compass founder, Lisa Pagotto. Designed for the traveller who seeks more than just adventure, these exclusive small-group expeditions uncover places few have ever seen – experiences not featured in our regular collection, chosen for their depth, beauty, and story.
Each itinerary is hand-crafted by Lisa to offer meaningful connection and unique access built through years of trust and collaboration with local communities. Travelling alongside her gives you an unparalleled perspective into the world of ethical exploration – from the behind-the-scenes partnerships that shape our journeys, to the human stories that inspire them.
With an intimate group size and seamless support from our expert team, a Founders Tour is less a trip, and more a masterclass in discovery.
Why travellers love Founders Tours:
More about our Tour Styles.
Set sail on a rare journey across remote islands, wild coastlines, and untouched ecosystems aboard a small, luxury expedition vessel. Travelling by sea unlocks access to places few travellers ever reach – from isolated villages and pristine reefs to dramatic landscapes that can’t be accessed by land – while each evening, you return to the comfort of your beautifully appointed cabin.
These voyages blend adventure with refinement. Expert-led excursions bring you face-to-face with raw nature and vibrant cultures, while exceptional onboard dining, service, and comfort allow time to unwind and reflect.
To complete your experience, Crooked Compass can seamlessly craft pre- or post-cruise land extensions, ensuring your journey flows effortlessly from sea to shore.
Why travellers love our Expedition Cruises:
More about out Tour Styles.
Our Tours by Design experiences are private journeys curated exclusively for you by the Crooked Compass team. Whether you’re drawn to one of our existing itineraries, wish to adapt a small-group tour for private travel, or want to design something entirely new, we’ll craft a journey that reflects your pace, passions, and sense of discovery.
Why pay for inclusions that don’t fit? With Tours by Design, every detail is intentional – from the destinations and experiences to your style of travel and choice of accommodation. Each itinerary is hand-built through our deep local partnerships and expertise, ensuring authenticity, comfort, and connection in every moment.
Why travellers love Tours by Design:
More about our Tour Styles.
Our Partner Tours are carefully chosen group journeys operated by our long-standing, in-country partners — experts who share our values of authenticity, cultural respect, and meaningful connection. These departures, averaging between 17 and 22 travellers, are designed and delivered by our partners, while Crooked Compass manages your booking and provides full support from start to finish.
Enjoy the reassurance of booking through an Australian-based company, delivering our same personalised service and attention to detail you expect from Crooked Compass. We take care of the logistics, so you can focus on what matters most – the journey itself.
Why travellers love our Partner Tours:
More about our Tour Styles.
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