East Timor Discovery

Itinerary

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.

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)