Timor-Leste Expedition
9 Days Starting and ending in Dili, Timor-Leste
Visiting: Dili, Hatu Bulico, Mt Ramelau, Atauro Island
Tour operator:
Tour code:
TEST
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 12
Age range:
15-99
Trip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on a captivating journey through Timor-Leste with the Timor-Leste Expedition, a cultural adventure that immerses you in the heart of Asia's newest country. Discover the vibrant capital of Dili, explore the breathtaking coral reefs of Atauro Island, and conquer the summit of Mt Ramelau for a sunrise view like no other. Engage with local communities through homestays and visits to coffee farms, and support social enterprises that empower local artisans. Experience the rich history and culture of Timor-Leste with guided tours of significant sites, including the Chega Exhibition and Santa Cruz Cemetery. This expedition offers a unique blend of adventure, cultural immersion, and community engagement, all while contributing to environmental restoration efforts through the Intrepid Foundation. Enjoy the rugged beauty and warm hospitality of Timor-Leste on this unforgettable expedition.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Dili
Location: Dili
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Dinner
Welcome to Timor-Leste, Asia’s newest country. Your adventure begins in the bustling capital city of Dili. Surrounded by both hills and ocean, there’s plenty to see and do here. A welcome meeting will take place at 6pm today where you’ll meet your local leader and the fellow travellers joining you on your journey. After the meeting, you will be treated to a welcome dinner at a rooftop bar with breathtaking views of Dili city and the Wetar Strait. Enjoy your first taste of local cuisine as you get to know your new travel companions.
Included Activities:
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Day 2: Aileu - Hatu Bulico
Location: Hatu Bulico
Accommodation Name: guesthouse
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
In the morning, pay a visit to Alola Foundation, a not-for-profit working to improve the lives of women and children. You'll learn about their local projects, including handcraft employment opportunities for women artisans that promote Timorese cultural identity. Visit the Chega Exhibition, set in an old Portuguese-era prison, to gain insight into the harsh realities of the Indonesian military's incarceration of Timorese resistance individuals. Visit Motael Church, a significant historical site followed by lunch at a delicious Restaurant. Now, it’s time to head into the heart of Timor-Leste and travel up the Tatamailau mountain range. On the drive you’ll have the chance to take in some seriously spectacular scenery and admire the country's mountainous landscapes. This restaurant and guesthouse serve as an education and training facility, aiming to improve the quality of life of local people by promoting health, culture, income generation, environmental sustainability and emotional and spiritual development. Arrive in Hato Builico in the afternoon (it’s the highest village in the country!), settle into the guesthouse and meet your local trekking guide for tomorrow's hike. Take a guided walking tour of the village where you may have the chance to kick around a football or chat with people from the local community.
Included Activities:
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Day 3: Mt Ramelau - Maubisse
Location: Mt Ramelau
Accommodation Name: guesthouse
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Embark on an early morning adventure to the summit of Timor-Leste's highest mountain, Mt. Ramelau, standing at 2,986m above sea level. Wake up at 2:30am for a 5-hour round trip hike to catch the awe-inspiring sunrise from the summit at 6am. If it’s a clear day, you’ll be able soak in unbelievable views of the whole coastline. Afterwards, head to Maubisse, a historic hill town surrounded by stunning scenery and explore the town with your local leader. Check into your accommodation and enjoy the beautiful mountainside views.
Included Activities:
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Day 4: Maubisse - Dili
Location: Dili
Accommodation Name: guesthouse
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today wake up early for a dawn cultural ceremony by village elders of Mt Rabelau mountain, this ceremony of song and dance is to call upon the ancestors and spirits to welcome you to the land. After being welcomed to the land, you’ll take a short walk up to the top of the sacred Mt Rabelau mountain. After breakfast, take an in-depth look into Timor-Leste’s important coffee farming practices. Start by visiting local coffee farmers and learn about how coffee is grown and processed in the country. Take a guided walk through the farmlands and coffee plantations to gain a deeper understanding of the farming practices. Lunch will be traditional Timorese meals, at one of the coffee farmers homes. Make a stop at Projeto Montanha for coffee. Return to Dili in the late afternoon.
Included Activities:
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Day 5: Atauro Island
Location: Atauro Island
Accommodation Name: homestay
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
In the morning, you'll embark on an exciting adventure by boat to Atauro Island, known for its biodiverse coral reefs and rich wildlife, including whales and dolphins. Your first stop is a snorkelling tour of the tropical coral reefs, where you can admire the colourful marine life and coral formations up close. In the afternoon, you'll settle into your homestay on the island, where you'll be staying with a local family. Your accommodation is just a five-minute walk from the beach and offers basic but clean and comfortable rooms, complete with fans and mosquito nets. During your stay, you'll be treated to delicious home-cooked meals and local snacks, and have the opportunity to learn about life on the island and immerse yourself in the local culture. Spend your time relaxing by the beach, swimming in the crystal-clear waters, and chatting with your hosts. This is the perfect opportunity to experience Timorese hospitality and see how the locals live.
Included Activities:
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Day 6: Atauro Island
Location: Atauro Island
Accommodation Name: homestay
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Wake up to the beautiful sunrise over the Wetar Strait and start your day with a delicious breakfast by the sea. Today, you'll embark on a fisherman's boat snorkelling tour of the pristine coral reefs in Beloi's Marine Protected Area. Then, take a guided tuk-tuk tour of the village, here you'll visit local handicraft stores and marketplaces. You'll have the chance to visit Biojoia de Ataúro, a co-operative group of local hearing-impaired women, who produce and sell a range of beautiful jewellery pieces made from local materials such as coconut shells, seeds, and wood. You'll also visit Boneca de Ataúro, a women's co-operative that produces high-quality handmade embroidery and textile products, from dolls and educational products to trendy handbags and homeware items. After a busy day, you can relax and unwind by the beach, play football with the local community, and spend time getting to know your homestay family.
Included Activities:
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Day 7: Dili
Location: Dili
Accommodation Name: homestay
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
In the morning, visit the local seafood and vegetable market and visit Empreza Diak, a social enterprise selling locally made handicrafts. Enjoy lunch with your homestay family. In the afternoon, make your way back to Dili by boat. This afternoon make your way to the iconic statue of Christ at Cape Fatucama, standing 27 metres tall atop a world globe. Climb the 14 "Stations of the Cross" to reach the base of the statue and enjoy incredible views of Dili, Atauro Island and Back Beach. Dinner will be served on the beach with sunset views looking back over Dili city.
Included Activities:
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Day 8: Dili
Location: Dili
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Today is all about getting to know Dili. You'll be accompanied by local guides who will show you the hidden gems of the city and introduce you to its people and culture. Head to the Tais market to learn about this traditional textile, often used to make traditional clothing and garments for special occasions like weddings, ceremonies and festivals. For lunch, dine on traditional Timorese food at a social enterprise that mentor’s youth to shape the future of food and agriculture in the Asia-Pacific region, and collaborates with farmers and producers, chefs and experts in the fields of science, agriculture, humanities, community development and design. Visit the Santa Cruz Cemetery, an important commemoration site for the Timorese people, due to the massacre that occurred during the Indonesian occupation. The cemetery serves as a reminder of the Timorese struggle for independence and the atrocities committed against the people. This evening, gather with your group at an outdoor rooftop bar for a farewell dinner while admiring views of the city of Dili.
Included Activities:
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Day 9: Dili
Location: Dili
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
With no activities planned for today, your Timor-Leste expedition comes to
an end after breakfast this morning.
Included Activities:
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What's Included
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Accommodation
Guesthouse (7 nights), Homestay (2 nights) -
Meals
8 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 7 dinners -
Complimentary Arrival Transfer
A complimentary arrival transfer is included in your trip.
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Dili - Alola Foundation visit
Visit the Alola Foundation in Dili to learn about local projects improving the lives of women and children.
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Hatu Bulico - village walking tour
Enjoy a guided walking tour of the village of Hatu Bulico.
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Dili - Motael Church visit
Visit the historical Motael Church in Dili.
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Dili - Chega! Exhibition
Explore the Chega! Exhibition to gain insight into Timor-Leste's history.
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Hatu Bulico - Mt Ramelau sunrise hike
Embark on a sunrise hike to the summit of Mt Ramelau.
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Maubisse - Guided town tour
Take a guided tour of the historic hill town of Maubisse.
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Maubisse - Coffee Plantation & Farmlands tour
Tour the coffee plantations and farmlands in Maubisse.
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Aileu - Projeto Montanha visit
Visit Projeto Montanha in Aileu to learn about local initiatives.
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Maubisse - Traditional ceremony and sunrise walk
Participate in a traditional ceremony and take a sunrise walk in Maubisse.
What's Not Included
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Visa Fees
Ensure you bring $30 US dollars to pay for your visa at the airport.
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Luggage Limits
Luggage limits for this trip are max 7kg for your carry-on and 15kg for your main luggage.
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Internet Access
WIFI and internet are not readily available throughout the country, and connections are slow even in Dili.
Transport
An airport arrival and departure transfer is included in your trip.Public transport including buses, 'microlets' and trucks are not well maintained and high risk. Many taxis are in poor condition. If traveling in Timor-Leste before or after your trip, arrange transport through your accommodation. Avoid using taxis, especially if you're a woman due to increased risk of crime.Road conditions in Timor-Leste are poor and driving can take a long time even over short distances due to potholes, pedestrians and animals on the road, single-lane mountain roads, police checkpoints and roadblocks.On this trip we will be using 4x4 jeeps as the road conditions in most part of the country is challenging and requires a powerful vehicle. Most probably we will be using Land Cruiser Troopy, ideal for roads in Timor Leste but can be bit challenging to enter/exit the vehicle at times due to its design.
Accommodation
We stay in basic guest house accommodation with fans, squat toilets and mandy bucket showers. Travelling to rural Timor-Leste is remote tourism infrastructure is limited. We work closely with all guesthouse owners to ensure the quality of accommodation is maintained to ensure a safe and hygienic stay. We only use rural guesthouses with good reputations, safe and secure locations, and the best amenities available.Home stay Atauro Island: You will stay in homestays with your host families nearby to each other group members and close to the beach. Please note that on Atauro Island there is a regular power cut from 10:00 pm to 7:00 am but the evenings are pleasant with a nice breeze. The homestay does not have towels so you may wish to bring your own.
Important Information
1. Luggage limits for this trip are max 7kg for your carry-on and 15kg for your main luggage2. Ensure you bring $30 US dollars to pay for your visa at the airport. There are no money exchange facilities at the airport3. An airport arrival and departure transfer is included on your trip. Please advise your flight details at time of booking4. WIFI and internet is not readily available throughout the country. Even with international roaming the internet mostly unavailable or works very slowly even in the capital city Dili. Our Dili hotel has WIFI but it is a very slow connection.
Mode of Transport
An airport arrival and departure transfer is included in your trip.Public transport including buses, 'microlets' and trucks are not well maintained and high risk. Many taxis are in poor condition. If traveling in Timor-Leste before or after your trip, arrange transport through your accommodation. Avoid using taxis, especially if you're a woman due to increased risk of crime.Road conditions in Timor-Leste are poor and driving can take a long time even over short distances due to potholes, pedestrians and animals on the road, single-lane mountain roads, police checkpoints and roadblocks.On this trip we will be using 4x4 vehicles as the road conditions in most part of the country is challenging and requires a powerful vehicle. Most probably we will be using Land Cruiser Troopy, ideal for roads in Timor Leste but can be bit challenging to enter/exit the vehicle at times due to its design.
Accommodation
We stay in basic guest house accommodation with fans, squat toilets and mandy bucket showers. Travelling to rural Timor-Leste is remote tourism infrastructure is limited. We work closely with all guesthouse owners to ensure the quality of accommodation is maintained to ensure a safe and hygienic stay. We only use rural guesthouses with good reputations, safe and secure locations, and the best amenities available.Home stay Atauro Island: You will stay in homestays with your host families nearby to each other group members and close to the beach. Please note that on Atauro Island there is a regular power cut from 10:00 pm to 7:00 am but the evenings are usually pleasant with a nice breeze. The homestay does not have towels so you may wish to bring your own.
Check out our Q&As
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Is this trip right for you
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. On Atauro Island the group will be divided into different home stays where there may be differences in the standard of living between households.
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 universities to provide practical tour guide training opportunities to graduate students.
A good level of fitness is required to hike to the summit of Timor-Leste’s highest mountain, at 2986m 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, Chega Exhibition 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. -
What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the world for over 30 years
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Since 2002, The Intrepid Foundation has supported over 130 organisations across the world. We’re creating positive impact through the joy of travel, community and connection.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Over 50% of traveller travel solo with Intrepid. You can choose to share a room with another solo travelle of the same sex for no additional charge, or choose to pay a single supplement if you’d like your own room. Please request this when booking, and we will secure you a single supplement wherever possible. Please note, if you are booking a last-minute trip, it may be harder for us to secure a single room
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Free Date Changes
Intrepid Travel allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 56 days before the start of the tour.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Intrepid Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform intrepid travel, 56 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Intrepid Travel requires a minimum deposit of 400 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of intrepid travel charges.
Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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