Timor-Leste Expedition
Trip Code: TEST
Why we love it
Did you know Timor-Leste’s coral reefs are the most biodiverse in the world? See for yourself during guided snorkelling excursions on Atauro Island., Hike to the summit of Timor-Leste’s tallest mountain, Mt Ramelau, a challenging but rewarding trek that will deliver incredible views over the country at sunrise., Visit local coffee farms, plantations and cafes to learn how coffee is produced and understand its importance to local culture., Know your time in Timor-Leste is doing good with multiple social enterprise and community restaurant visits along the way., Get an unparalleled look at local life when you stay with a family in a homestay by the beach on Atauro Island. Experience Timorese hospitality and chat to your hosts about their culture., By travelling on this trip, you’ll learn about our Intrepid Foundation partner, Eden Reforestation Projects. Donations help them provide local employment opportunities and tackle climate change one tree at a time as they restore forests across 10 different countries. Intrepid will double the impact by dollar-matching all post-trip donations made to The Intrepid Foundation.
Is this trip right for me?
As Timor-Leste is off the typical tourist track, infrastructure is limited, and accommodation basic. You can expect clean and comfortable lodgings with fans, squat toilets, and traditional mandi bucket showers. On Atauro Island the group will be divided into different home stays where there may be differences in the standard of living between households.
Some guides may be very new to the tourism industry so know that you are supporting the next generation of tourism leaders. Our local Timor-Leste operator works in partnership with local universities to provide practical tour guide training opportunities to graduate students.
A good level of fitness is required to hike to the summit of Timor-Leste’s highest mountain, at 2986m above sea level. You’ll wake at 2.30 am to begin the walk, which is a 5-hour round trip.
The stories and history shared at the Santa Cruz cemetery, Chega Exhibition and Timorese Resistance Archive and Museum are confronting and many travellers will find them upsetting. This is an important part of Timor-Leste’s recent history that we feel is important for travellers to know. If you would prefer not to join these activities your leader can recommend some optional alternatives.
Important information
1. Luggage limits for this trip are max 7kg for your carry-on and 15kg for your main luggage
2. Ensure you bring $30 US dollars to pay for your visa at the airport. There are no money exchange facilities at the airport
3. An airport arrival and departure transfer is included on your trip. Please advise your flight details at time of booking
4. WIFI and internet is not readily available throughout the country. Even with international roaming the internet mostly unavailable or works very slowly even in the capital city Dili. Our Dili hotel has WIFI but it is a very slow connection.
What to bring/pack
https://www.intrepidtravel.com/packing-list, MT. RAMELU SUNRISE TREK
Ac the temperature might drop down to 5C, often with cold wind you may want to bring gloves, a padded/down jacket and a warm cap. Hiking boots are needed.
Physical rating
3
Joining your group
Timor Lodge Hotel, Av. Pres. Nicolau Lobato (enter via main road at Rentlo Car Hire), Dili, TIMOR-LESTE, Phone: (+670 7771 9993
Alternate Joining Point
Joining instructions
Timor Lodge Hotel is located 5 minutes away from the President Nicolau Lobato International Airport and Timor Plaza Mall. Airport transfers are included in your tour, please inform us of your arrival/departure time no later than 14 days before your departure.
Finishing your trip
Timor Lodge Hotel, Av. Pres. Nicolau Lobato (enter via main road at Rentlo Car Hire), Dili, TIMOR-LESTE, Phone: (+670 7771 9993
Alternate Finish Point
Meals & dietary information
Breakfasts included: 8
Lunches included: 7
Dinners included: 7
While travelling with us you'll experience the vast array of wonderful food available in the world. Your group leader or local representative will be able to suggest restaurants to try during your trip. To give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat, generally not all meals are included in the trip price. This also gives you more budgeting flexibility. As a rule, our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. If you have dietary requirements and/or food allergies, please let your booking agent know prior to departure.
The majority of meals are included on this trip due to limited options outside of Dili. In Dili you can expect a variety of Western and Asian style options. In the rural areas options are typically Timorese and Asian style. Clean drinking water is provided for the entire tour
Climate & seasonal information
In case of emergency
For general contact details please use the following page: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/contact-us
While we always endeavour to provide the best possible holiday experience, due to the nature of travel and the areas we visit sometimes things can and do go wrong. Should any issue occur while you are on your trip, it is imperative that you discuss this with your group leader or local representative straight away so that they can do their best to rectify the problem and save any potential negative impact on the rest of your trip.
We recognise that there may be times when your group leader or local representative may not be able to resolve a situation to your satisfaction - if this is the case, please ask the group leader or local representative to speak to their direct manager.
You may also choose to provide details in your online feedback, which we ask you to complete within 30 days of the end of your trip. Please do be aware that it is very difficult for us to provide any practical help after the trip is completed, so informing us while still travelling will give us the opportunity to resolve the issue in real-time.
Available for phone call or WhatsApp call on +62 822 3553 2507
Accommodations
We stay in basic guest house accommodation with fans, squat toilets and mandy bucket showers. Travelling to rural Timor-Leste is remote tourism infrastructure is limited. We work closely with all guesthouse owners to ensure the quality of accommodation is maintained to ensure a safe and hygienic stay. We only use rural guesthouses with good reputations, safe and secure locations, and the best amenities available.
Home stay Atauro Island: You will stay in homestays with your host families nearby to each other group members and close to the beach. Please note that on Atauro Island there is a regular power cut from 10:00 pm to 7:00 am but the evenings are usually pleasant with a nice breeze. The homestay does not have towels so you may wish to bring your own.
Transportation
An airport arrival and departure transfer is included in your trip.
Public transport including buses, 'microlets' and trucks are not well maintained and high risk. Many taxis are in poor condition. If traveling in Timor-Leste before or after your trip, arrange transport through your accommodation. Avoid using taxis, especially if you're a woman due to increased risk of crime.
Road conditions in Timor-Leste are poor and driving can take a long time even over short distances due to potholes, pedestrians and animals on the road, single-lane mountain roads, police checkpoints and roadblocks.
On this trip we will be using 4x4 vehicles as the road conditions in most part of the country is challenging and requires a powerful vehicle. Most probably we will be using Land Cruiser Troopy, ideal for roads in Timor Leste but can be bit challenging to enter/exit the vehicle at times due to its design.