Timor-Leste Expedition
Tour Description
Day 1: Dili
Find ancient traditions and enduring landscapes in Asia’s newest country on this 9-day expedition through little-visited Timor-Leste. Start in the capital of Dili where you’ll visit local cafes, the traditional Tais market, and learn about the country’s confronting past at local museums. Travel away from the city, hike to the summit of Timor-Leste’s tallest mountains, and meet farmers at local coffee plantations. Spend time on Atauro Island where you’ll get to know a local family and snorkel in the world’s most biodiverse coral reefs. Along the way, visit several social enterprises dedicated to supporting and empowering the people of Timor-Leste.
Itinerary
Day 1: Dili
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.
Day 2: Dili / Hato Builico
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. 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.
Day 3: Mt Ramelau / Maubisse
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.
Day 4: Maubisse / Aileu / Dili
Today wake up early for a dawn cultural ceremony by village elders of Mt Ramelau 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 Ramelau 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.
Day 5: Atauro Island
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 homestays on the island, where you’ll be staying with families. Your accommodation is just a five-minute walk from the beach and offers basic but clean and comfortable rooms, 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.
Day 6: Atauro Island
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.
Day 7: Atauro Island / Cape Fatu Cama / Dili
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 Fatu Cama, 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.
Day 8: Dili
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, perhaps gather with your group at an outdoor rooftop bar for a farewell dinner while admiring views of the city of Dili.
Day 9: Dili
With no activities planned for today, your Timor-Leste expedition comes to
an end after breakfast this morning.
Departure Dates
| Start Date | End Date | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 15, 2025 | Jun 23, 2025 | $4,735.00 | |
| Jul 13, 2025 | Jul 21, 2025 | $3,948.00 | |
| Aug 10, 2025 | Aug 18, 2025 | $4,475.00 | |
| Sep 7, 2025 | Sep 15, 2025 | $4,105.00 | |
| May 17, 2026 | May 25, 2026 | $4,405.00 | |
| Jun 14, 2026 | Jun 22, 2026 | $4,405.00 | |
| Jul 12, 2026 | Jul 20, 2026 | $4,580.00 | |
| Aug 9, 2026 | Aug 17, 2026 | $4,580.00 | |
| Sep 6, 2026 | Sep 14, 2026 | $4,580.00 | |
| Sep 20, 2026 | Sep 28, 2026 | $4,405.00 | |
| Oct 18, 2026 | Oct 26, 2026 | $4,405.00 | |
| May 16, 2027 | May 24, 2027 | $4,205.00 | |
| Jun 13, 2027 | Jun 21, 2027 | $4,375.00 | |
| Jul 11, 2027 | Jul 19, 2027 | $4,375.00 | |
| Aug 8, 2027 | Aug 16, 2027 | $4,205.00 | |
| Sep 5, 2027 | Sep 13, 2027 | $4,375.00 | |
| Sep 19, 2027 | Sep 27, 2027 | $4,375.00 | |
| Oct 17, 2027 | Oct 25, 2027 | $4,205.00 |