Jewels of Timor

13 Days
from AUD$ 7,505

Highlights

  • Snorkel the most biodiverse coral reefs in the world on Atauro Island
  • View the entire nation from above the clouds of Mt Ramelau at sunrise
  • Explore ‘The Lost World’ jungles of Mundo Perdido
  • Experience traditional Timorese culture, dance, song and food
  • Live with a local family in a village homestay
  • Historical tour of Balibo village
  • Whale watching from boat in Ombai-Wetar Strait – a major migratory route

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.

Journey map

Fitness level

Easy
Moderate
Challenging
Tough

Itinerary

Day 1 - Arrival Dili

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

Walking Distance: Short walks around historical and cultural sites in and around Dili.Walking Time: Approximately 1-2 hours.Difficulty: Easy, mostly flat terrain.

Day 2 - Dili – Maubisse – Hatu Bulico

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

Walking Distance: Short walks around the local community project and Hatu Bulico village.Walking Time: Approximately 1-2 hours.Difficulty: Easy to moderate, some uneven terrain in the village.

Driving Distance & Journey Time: (Approx. 85km) Approximately 5 hours (including rest break).

Day 3 – Hatu Bulico - Same

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

Walking Distance: Approximately 10km (round trip to Mt Ramelau summit).Walking Time: Approximately 5 hours (to the summit and back).Difficulty: Moderate ascent to the summit of Mt Ramelau.Driving Distance and Journey Time: Approximately 75km, 2 hours to Same village.

Day 4 - Same - Loihuno

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

Walking Distance: Short walks around Loihuno village and nearby attractions.Walking Time: Approximately 1-2 hours.Difficulty: Easy, mostly flat terrain.

Driving Distance and Journey Time: (120km) Approximately 4 hours.

Day 5 – Loihuno

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

Walking Distance: Approximately 12km (round trip to Mt Mundo Perdido).Walking Time: Approximately 5 hours (to the heart of Timor Leste’s resistance country and back).Difficulty: Moderate, rugged and hilly terrain.

Day 6 – Loihuno – Baucau

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

Walking Distance: Short walks around Baucau city and local community project.Walking Time: Approximately 1-2 hours.Difficulty: Easy, mostly flat terrain.

Driving Distance and Journey Time: (48km) Approximately 2-3 hours.

Day 7 - Baucau – Dili

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

Walking Distance: Short walks around Dili and Cristo Rei statue.Walking Time: Approximately 1-2 hours.Difficulty: Easy, mostly flat terrain.

Driving Distance and Journey Time: (120km) Approximately 2 hours.

Day 8 - Dili - Atauro Island

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

Walking Distance: Short walks around Beloi village.Walking Time: Approximately 1-2 hours.Difficulty: Easy, mostly flat terrain.

Distance and Journey Time: Boat distance (25kms) approx. 3hrs, drive approximately 1-2 hours.

Day 9 – Atauro Island

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

Walking Distance: Options for a morning hike up to Manucoco Peak (10km round trip) or a shorter lookout point hike (4km round trip).Walking Time: Approx. 5 hours for the Manucoco Peak hike, or 2 hours for the lookout point hike.Difficulty: Manucoco Peak hike is tough, steep ascent; lookout point hike is moderate.

Day 10 – Atauro - Balibo

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

Walking Distance: Short walks around Balibo village.Walking Time: Approximately 1-2 hours.Difficulty: Easy, mostly flat terrain.

Distance and Journey Time: Boat distance (25kms), drive (125km) approximately 4 hours.

Day 11 – Balibo

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

Walking Distance: Short walks around Balibo and Leohitu village.Walking Time: Approximately 1-2 hours.Difficulty: Easy, mostly flat terrain.

Day 12 - Balibo – Dili

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

Walking Time: Approximately 1 hour.
Difficulty: Easy, mostly flat terrain. Short shady walk to Gruta Mortaua lookout.
Distance and Journey Time: Drive (125km) approx. 4hrs

Day 13 - Departure

Following breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for your onward flight. (B)

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What’s included

  • Return airport transfers
  • 12 nights accommodation
  • 12 Breakfasts, 11 Lunches, 10 Dinners
  • Services of an English speaking local guide
  • Transportation in an air conditioned vehicle
  • Sightseeing as per the itinerary
  • Water taxi to/from Atauro Island in speedboat
Exclusions
  • International and domestic flights
  • Visas
  • Travel and medical insurance
  • All services, meals other than those indicated above
  • Any changes to the proposed and confirmed program.
  • All items of a personal nature e.g. drinks, laundry, telephone calls, tips etc

**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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Availability

Start Date
End Date
Duration
Availability
Price
Start Date
16th Oct 2023
End Date
28th Oct 2023
Duration
13 Days
Availability
Enquiry Only
Price
$7,505 AUD
Start Date
14th Oct 2024
End Date
26th Oct 2024
Duration
13 Days
Availability
Available
Price
$7,880 AUD