East Timor Discovery

Dossier

East Timor is a proud nation now at peace after many years of an independence struggle, a land of amazing variety with many fine examples of its Portuguese colonial past awaiting discovery by the intrepid traveller. On this tour we take in its highlights, starting in the relaxed capital Dili, a lovely place to wander around and soak up the East Timorese atmosphere. We climb up imposing Mt Ramelau, with its superb views over the surrounding area, before exploring delightful old colonial towns and spending time on the idyllic Atauro Island, home to a great eco-lodge with good opportunities for hiking and meeting local people. Heading to the east of the island, we relax on gorgeous beaches, visit remote islands and spend one night camping next to the sea before heading back to Dili. This trip shows the curious traveller the very best that this enchanting nation has to offer.

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Day 1 - Dili
Arrive in Dili. The rest of the time is free for you to relax or explore one of the world’s newest capital cities. Overnight Hotel Timor or similar.

Dili
With its old colonial buildings and tropical sea breezes, Dili is a pleasant and relaxed city – in fact the only city in all of the country. Originally settled in 1520 by Portuguese sailors, Dili was briefly occupied by Japanese forces in the Second World War. Neglected by its colonial master, Dili was substantially underdeveloped when the Portuguese left in 1975 and ravaged by Indonesian troops during its long and brutal occupation, but today it is emerging from its former troubles and starting to establish itself once more. The city is small – most of the main sights can be seen in a day – and pleasant to wander around, taking in the old waterfront villas, Portuguese monuments and the sights and smells of fresh fish being grilled on the numerous fish stalls. It is strongly Catholic, and contains many churches as well as the odd statue of Christ here and there. Most of the activity in Dili is centred around the waterfront, with fishermen unloading their catches and traders walking along the beach selling snacks.

Day 2 - Dili
After a relaxing morning, we embark on a tour of the capital city. Dili still sports a few Portuguese reminders 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 Hotel Timor or similar. (B)

Day 3 - 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. (BD)

Maubisse
Maubisse is located in the main coffee growing region of East Timor, and is surrounded by stunning mountain scenery. Its market is an important meeting place for villagers from miles around, and contains a wonderful old Portuguese guesthouse, now converted into a hotel.

Day 4 – Mt Ramelau - Dili
Our climb (moderate trek) starts at 3am 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 Hotel Timor or similar. (B)

Mt Ramelau
At 2963m Mt Ramelau is the highest peak on the island of Timor. A couple of hundred metres below the summit is an area where open air religious gatherings are sometimes held. The peak is marked by a statue of the Virgin Mary, and from the summit there are superb views in every direction. With petrified trees and early morning mist, this is truly a magical place to experience as the sun rises over East Timor.

Day 5 - Atauro Island
We travel by local ferry 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 and to see some fine coral and marine life before staying overnight at the island’s eco-resort. (B)

Atauro Island
Atauro, a majestic mountainous island across the Wetar Strait from Dili, offers you a unique holiday as guest of the community : sleep in bamboo cabins at Tua Koin, the eco-village on the edge of a quiet and beautiful bay, wake to the sun rising out of the sea and move slowly through the day – after fresh Timor coffee, local fruit, crusty rolls and wild honey stroll for miles on unspoilt beaches, snorkel on beautiful and diverse reefs that fringe the island, glide up the coast in a traditional outrigger, hike through mountain forests and villages, watch community life around you, or just curl up with a good book and let the world go by.

Tua Koin is managed and operated by Roman Luan, an Atauro Island community organization, and through Roman Luan, all profits from your visit go into community projects which are developing ecologically appropriate community managed tourism on the island. Tua Koin is a simple and attractive model of eco-tourism which aims to minimise the negative impacts of tourism and maximize the positive benefits for local communities.

Day 6 - Atauro Island
A full day to relax and enjoy the island. Spend your time on the beach or snorkelling among the pristine coral. (B)

Day 7 - 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. (B)

Baucau
Baucau is East Timor’s second town, a delightfully laid back town with many old Portuguese buildings, palm fringed beaches and gorgeous sunsets. Previously named Vila Salazar after the Portuguese dictator, much of Baucau suffered during the struggle for independence. Baucau is also a major religious centre and the home of the Bishop Basilio Nascimento, a legendary Timorese regional and national leader. The town is split into two parts, the Old Town where many of the old colonial architecture can still be found, and the New Town, which functions largely as an administrative centre.

Day 8 - Venilale
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 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 guesthouse. (B)

Day 9 - 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. (B)

Day 10 - Com
A full day to relax and enjoy the laid back atmosphere of Com. Overnight at Com Beach Resort. (B)

Day 11 - 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. (BD)

Day 12 - 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. (B)

Day 13 - 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. Overnight Hotel Timor or similar. (BD)

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.

Day 14 - Dili
Tour ends. (B)

Tour style: Traveller

Inclusions:

Arrival and departure transfers
All accommodation on twin share basis
Services of English speaking guide / tour leader
Meals as listed (B – Breakfast, L – Lunch, D – Dinner)
Entrance fees for sites listed as part of the itinerary

Excluded:

International flights
Any airport taxes
Travel Insurance
Visas
Drinks

Please note that you should also read the Country Notes in association with this itinerary for practical information about your trip and the destination you will be visiting.

The itinerary and supplementary information has been compiled with care and provided in good faith. However it may be subject to change, and does not form part of a contract between the client and Undiscovered Destinations.