East Timor Discovery
East Timor Small Group Tour
Tour Overview
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 and visit remote islands before heading back to Dili. This trip shows the curious traveller the very best that this enchanting nation has to offer.
Tour Highlights
• Discover the charming, relaxed capital of Dili
• Climb Mt Ramelau, for superb views from the highest peak on the island
• Spend time on the idyllic island of Atauro
• Visit the remote Jaco Island and relax on the white-sand beaches
Tour Rating
To help our travellers choose the right tour for them we have applied a grading system of 1 to 5. Tours with a fitness level of 1 will generally be suitable for all ages and will not be particularly strenuous, whereas tours with a fitness level of 5 are likely to be physically challenging. To find out more please contact our well-travelled team who will often have first-hand experience of the destination.
Fitness
3/5
Unexplored
4/5
Culture
3/5
History
4/5
Wildlife
2/5
Tour Pace
3/5
Map + Tour Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in 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. We continue to Maubisse, where we will visit the Traditional Village of Hatufahe and reach Hato Builico in the afternoon. We then take a moderate hike to Mt Ramelau, 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 6am 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 or water taxi 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 the cabins at Nema Resort on the shoreline 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 walk 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.
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 a good quality guesthouse. (B)
Day 9: Laga - Lauteem - Lospalos
We continue our tour, first heading east to Lospalos, home of the Fataluku people.We will visit Nunira Traditional Village in Laga and the the ruins of the old Fort in Lauten. Overnight at ADM Guesthouse in Lospalos or similar (B)
Day 10: Lospalos - Tutuala - Jaco Island
After breakfast we travel 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. Overnight at Pousada Tutuala or similar. (B)
Day 11: Jaco Island
A full day to relax and enjoy the laid back atmosphere and serenity at Jaco Island. Overnight at Pousada Tutuala or similar (B)
Day 12: Jaco Island - Tutuala – Com
Morning departure to Com past traditional Graveyards and Pitileti Rocky Village on the way down to Com where we also visit the Fossilized Lagoon before lunch. After lunch will be a free afternoon to stroll around the village visiting traditional weavers. Overnight at Kati Guesthouse (B)
Day 13: Dili
A morning departure by road to Dili, with a stop en-route at Canossian Training Instituite and Development in Baucau or St Anthony's Statue on the hill with a view of Manatuto. We have the afternoon in Dili to relax, before you are invited to a typical Timorese dinner at a local Dili restaurant. Your last evening in East Timor will be a memorable one and a fitting end to your adventure. Overnight Hotel Timor or similar. (BD)
Day 14: Dili
Tour ends. (B)
Tour Inclusions
Arrival and departure transfers
Overland transport throughout with professional driver
All accommodation
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
Feedback from our Travellers
Foreign Office Travel Warnings
Before booking your tour, please familiarise yourself with the country specific information provided by the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) - www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice. This includes important information such as latest immigration requirements, and details of any travel advisories.
We constantly monitor the advice posted by the FCDO. In particular we will always advise clients of any travel warnings. At present there are no warnings against travel to the parts of East Timor we visit on this tour. Please feel free to contact us should you have any specific concerns or would like to know in detail what measures are being taken to ensure visits remain trouble free and without incident.
It should be noted that this information applies to British citizens. Other nationals are asked to check the current position of their respective government.
Visa Information
At the time of writing British, US and Australian nationals require a visa for a tourist visit to East Timor. For further details please visit the applicable website shown below.
British Nationals - www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice
US Nationals - travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel.html
Australian Nationals - www.smartraveller.gov.au
Other nationals should check the latest requirements with the authorities in their home country, or with the destination’s nearest embassy or consulate.
Should you require any documentation to support a visa application, such as a letter of invitation, upon request this will be provided by Undiscovered Destinations after receipt of your balance payment.
As it is the travellers’ responsibility to ensure that they meet all entry requirements it is essential that you check the rules and any other conditions at the time of booking and again when making your balance payment. In addition, we would strongly advise that you make a final check around two weeks before your arrival. This is important as requirements can change at short notice. Undiscovered Destinations, when possible, will provide guidance about entry rules, but in the first instance please contact the relevant authorities, including the applicable embassy or consulate for assistance.
Passports
It is your responsibility to ensure that you are in possession of a full passport, valid for at least six months after the date of return to your country.
We strongly advise that your passport contains a minimum of two blank pages, as this may be a requirement of the local immigration authorities. In addition, certain countries will stipulate that the two blank pages are opposite each other. If you are unable to meet these requirements, you may be refused boarding by your airline or denied entry by the immigration authorities.
For specific information about the requirements for your destination please check with the country’s embassy or consulate. Alternatively, UK citizens can visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice.
Vaccinations & Protection
As with travel to most parts of Asia, we strongly recommend that you contact your doctor’s surgery or a specialist travel clinic for up-to-date information, advice, and the necessary vaccinations. For a visit of less than one month, almost certainly you will be advised to have immunisations against the following: Diphtheria and Tetanus, Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Meningitis. The use of a DEET-containing insect repellent is highly recommended.
The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or purchased in your home country can be different in other countries. If you are travelling with prescription or over-the-counter medicine, travellers from the UK can refer to the guidance provided by the National Travel Health Network & Centre and published on the Travel Health Pro website. For further information on the legal status of a specific medicine, you will need to contact the embassy, high commission or consulate of the country or territory that you are travelling to.
Travel Insurance
It is a condition of booking with Undiscovered Destinations that you have adequate valid travel insurance. It is your responsibility to arrange appropriate travel insurance and ensure you have read and understood the full terms and conditions of your travel insurance policy to ensure that you are covered for all activities you intend to undertake whilst on the tour, including all optional activities. Your Insurance Policy must fully cover you for medical expenses (including cover for Covid-19 conditions) and emergency repatriation to your home country and be valid for the entire duration of your holiday.
Local Conditions
When travelling to our destinations, many of which are underdeveloped and untouristed by mainstream tourism, a good deal of patience and a sense of humour is an important attribute. This will help you to cope with problems such as ageing or poor infrastructure and when maintenance may not be as high as we would always like.
The choice of appropriate accommodation in some towns and cities (particularly the smaller places) can be limited, and standards of both service and maintenance can be less than polished. Guides and other service providers in some of our destinations do not always have the decades of collective practice and experience that their counterparts in more developed countries can draw upon. Although we will always try and resolve any issues as quickly as possible, on occasions there may be some shortcomings which no matter how hard we try will be unavoidable.
Essential Info
