Be one of the first to visit the world’s newest nation, a land of amazing variety, of crumbling Portuguese churches, misty mountains, pristine reefs, and an inspiring people who would not accept anything less than an independent homeland.
This unique tour is the perfect introduction to East Timor; reaching many of the remoter areas, with plenty of opportunity to meet the incredibly friendly local people. Unusually for an adventure tour we travel in some style, using 4WD landcruisers or similar.
After joining the tour in Dili, and a comfortable stay at the country’s top hotel, Hotel Timor, we head for Mount Ramelau. We camp for the evening at the foot of the mountain, ready for our early morning climb to the summit. We reach the top in time for a spectacular sunrise. For the remainder of the tour we use only the best available accommodation the country has to offer.
This trip has all the ingredients for adventure, but we aim to keep standards high for your added enjoyment. There will be plenty of time to relax at a good beach resort and enjoy some snorkelling in crystal-clear waters.
We aim to meet as many of the local people as possible, who greet every traveller with a wave and the warmest of welcomes. East Timor promises to be a rewarding experience for those travellers who like to explore places and discover a people, so far totally untouched by tourism.
A proud nation now at peace after many years of an independance struggle. A land of amazing variety with many fine examples of its Portuguese colonial past awaiting discovery by the intrepid traveller.
Tour Rating: Traveller
Day 1 (Wednesday) UK to Singapore Depart the UK and travel via Dubai, arriving in Singapore the next day.
Day 2 (Thursday) Singapore On arrival you will be met and taken to your hotel for the evening. Discover Singapore's rich ethnic, cultural and historical heritage or just visit the famous Raffles Hotel for a Singapore Sling! Overnight at a Singapore 3* hotel
Day 3 (Friday) Singapore to Dili This morning you are transferred back to the airport in time for the direct flight to East Timor, arriving in Dili mid afternoon. On arrival in Dili you are met and transferred from the airport to your hotel. Overnight at the Hotel Timor
Day 4 (Saturday) Dili After a relaxing morning, you will be taken on a tour of the capital city. Dili still sports a few Portuguese accents like the villa-lined beach roads, the former colonial garrison built in 1627 and the church built on the waterfront. But new shops, restaurants and bars are opening all the time, bringing a new energy and style to this once sleepy city. Overnight at the Hotel Timor
Day 5 (Sunday) Dili - Aileu - Maubisse - Hato-Builico After breakfast, drive southwards to Dare and Aileu, where we visit Quinta de Portugal, an agriculture farm. We continue to Maubisse and reach Hato Builico in the afternoon, where we camp. Enjoy a leisurely evening BBQ in a wonderfully tranquil setting, at the foot of Mount Ramelau (2,963m), the summit of which is our destination for tomorrow. Overnight camping (equipment provided) Breakfast and dinner included
Day 6 (Monday) Hato-Builico - Mt Ramelau - Dili Our climb (moderate trek) starts at 0300am to ensure we reach the summit, weather permitting, for the most spectacular of sunrises. We spend time enjoying the magnificent views before starting our journey back down. After our descent we head back to Dili. Overnight at the Hotel Timor
Day 7 (Tuesday) Dili - Atauro Island We travel by local ferry (2˝hrs) to Atauro, a coral island, 30km across the Wetar strait. During the crossing we hope to see schools of dolphins and pilot whales (it is said locally, that sightings occur on nine out of ten 10 crossings). There will be time to snorkel (equipment provided) and to see some fine coral and marine life before staying overnight at the island’s Eco Resort. Overnight at the Atauro Eco Resort
Day 8 (Wednesday) Atauro Island A full day to relax and enjoy the island. Spend your time on the beach or snorkelling among the pristine coral. Overnight at the Atauro Eco Resort
Day 9 (Thursday) Atauro - Dili - Baucau We return to Dili by local ferry and join our 4WD vehicles to follow the stunning coastal road to Baucau. Depending on our group size we plan to stay at the colonial Pousada de Baucau. Alternatively, we stay at a comfortable and very welcoming local guesthouse. Overnight at either the Pousada de Baucau or good a quality Guest House
Day 10 (Friday) Baucau - Venilale - Baucau We head inland through some wonderful mountain scenery, passing rice paddies on terraced hillsides before reaching Venilale. The town is known for its Portuguese architecture, particularly the ‘Escola do Reino de Venilale’ that we will visit. On our return to Baucau, time permitting; we visit the Fatumaca Catholic School. (school visits subject to local confirmation) Overnight at either the Pousada de Baucau or good a quality Guest House
Day 11 (Saturday) Baucau - Laga - Lauteem - Com We continue our tour, first heading south to Lospalos, home of the Fataluku people and then through the hills to Com, where we stay the night at a comfortable beach resort. Overnight at Com Beach Resort
Day 12 (Sunday) Com A full day to relax and enjoy the laid back atmosphere of Com Overnight at Com Beach Resort
Day 13 (Monday) Com - Lospalos - Tutuala - Jaco Island After breakfast we travel via Lospalos to Tutuala, and the IIi Kere Kere caves, East Timor’s most important archaeological site. The walk from the road to the caves can be hot and difficult but it is worthwhile to see the fascinating cave paintings, which have been dated at more than 13,000 years. From the cliff top position of Tutuala we have superb views of the uninhabited Jaco Island. Local fisherman will take us the short distance across to the island. With their agreement we may be allowed the rare opportunity to camp overnight on the island. All equipment will be provided. Our staff will prepare lunch on the beach, followed by a BBQ dinner.
Alternatively, we will return to Tutuala and camp overnight on the beach, opposite Jaco Island. Overnight - camping Jaco Island or Tutuala beach (equipment provided) Breakfast, lunch and dinner included
Day 14 (Tuesday) Jaco Island - Tutuala - Com After lunch on Jaco Island local fisherman will take us back to the mainland for our return road transfer to Com. If we have been unable to stay overnight on the island, then lunch will be taken in Tutuala, before returning to Com. Overnight at Com Beach Resort
Day 15 (Wednesday) Com - Baucau - Dili A morning departure by road to Dili, with a stop en-route at a community project Silk Worm factory. We have the afternoon in Dili to relax, before you are invited to our special evening ‘Farewell Party’ (subject to minimum number of travellers). Join our local guides and staff in Dili for a Cultural Evening of local food and dance. Your last evening in East Timor will be a memorable one and a fitting end to your adventure.
Kindly note:The Cultural Evening will be dependent on sufficient numbers in our group. Therefore, we may offer a typical Timorese dinner at a local Dili restaurant for smaller groups or individual travellers. Overnight - Hotel Timor Breakfast and dinner included
Day 16 (Thursday) Dili departure We transfer to the airport for your flight to Singapore, connecting the same evening for London, via Dubai.
Day 17 (Friday) Arrive UK We arrive back in the UK late morning.
If you want the freedom to plan your own trip, without being restricted to the consensus of the group, then a Tailormade Tour is a great way to travel. It really is the next best thing to travelling independently and will appeal to the traveller, who perhaps would normally travel this way. The practicalities of independent travel should not be underestimated. Expert local knowledge and help is essential if you are to make the most of your trip. A private tour offers extremely good value. You will enjoy the flexibility and freedom to simply stop when and where you like, and control the pace of your trip.
Give us a call, so we can informally talk about your plans, what your interests are and what you hope to get out of your trip. We will liaise with our overseas colleagues to ensure that we offer you sound and relevant advice.
Alternatively, complete and submit the Tailormade Tour Quotation Request form. We aim to get back to you within 2 working days with details of options and costs.
Tailormade Tours Quotation Request
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