Timor-Leste Expedition Itinerary

Starting in

Dili, Timor-leste

Physical Difficulty

3 / 5

Breakfasts included

8

Lunches included

7

Dinners included

7

Ending in

Dili, Timor-leste

Accommodation

Hotel (4 nights) Guesthouse (2 nights), Homestay (2 nights)

Transport

Private vehicle , Boat

Find ancient traditions and enduring landscapes in Asia’s newest country on this 9-day expedition through little-visited Timor-Leste. Start in the capital of Dili where you’ll visit local cafes, the traditional Tais market, and learn about the country’s confronting past at local museums. Travel away from the city, hike to the summit of Timor-Leste’s tallest mountains, and meet farmers at local coffee plantations. Spend time on Atauro Island where you’ll get to know a local family and snorkel in the world’s most biodiverse coral reefs. Along the way, visit several social enterprises dedicated to supporting and empowering the people of Timor-Leste.

Day 1: Dili

Welcome to Timor-Leste, Asia’s newest country. Your adventure begins in the bustling capital city of Dili. Surrounded by both hills and ocean, there’s plenty to see and do here. A welcome meeting will take place at 6pm today where you’ll meet your local leader and the fellow travellers joining you on your journey. After the meeting, you will be treated to a welcome dinner at a rooftop bar with breathtaking views of Dili city and the Wetar Strait. Enjoy your first taste of local cuisine as you get to know your new travel companions.

Day 2: Dili / Hato Builico

In the morning, pay a visit to Alola Foundation, a not-for-profit working to improve the lives of women and children. You'll learn about their local projects, including handcraft employment opportunities for women artisans that promote Timorese cultural identity. Visit the Chega Exhibition, set in an old Portuguese-era prison, to gain insight into the harsh realities of the Indonesian military's incarceration of Timorese resistance individuals. Visit Motael Church, a significant historical site followed by lunch at a delicious Restaurant. Now, it’s time to head into the heart of Timor-Leste and travel up the Tatamailau mountain range. On the drive you’ll have the chance to take in some seriously spectacular scenery and admire the country's mountainous landscapes. Arrive in Hato Builico in the afternoon (it’s the highest village in the country!), settle into the guesthouse and meet your local trekking guide for tomorrow's hike. Take a guided walking tour of the village where you may have the chance to kick around a football or chat with people from the local community.

Day 3: Mt Ramelau / Maubisse

Embark on an early morning adventure to the summit of Timor-Leste's highest mountain, Mt. Ramelau, standing at 2,986m above sea level. Wake up at 2:30am for a 5-hour round trip hike to catch the awe-inspiring sunrise from the summit at 6am. If it’s a clear day, you’ll be able soak in unbelievable views of the whole coastline. Afterwards, head to Maubisse, a historic hill town surrounded by stunning scenery and explore the town with your local leader. Check into your accommodation and enjoy the beautiful mountainside views.

Day 4: Maubisse / Aileu / Dili

Today wake up early for a dawn cultural ceremony by village elders of Mt Ramelau mountain, this ceremony of song and dance is to call upon the ancestors and spirits to welcome you to the land. After being welcomed to the land, you’ll take a short walk up to the top of the sacred Mt Ramelau mountain. After breakfast, take an in-depth look into Timor-Leste’s important coffee farming practices. Start by visiting local coffee farmers and learn about how coffee is grown and processed in the country. Take a guided walk through the farmlands and coffee plantations to gain a deeper understanding of the farming practices. Lunch will be traditional Timorese meals, at one of the coffee farmers homes. Make a stop at Projeto Montanha for coffee. Return to Dili in the late afternoon.

Day 5: Atauro Island

In the morning, you'll embark on an exciting adventure by boat to Atauro Island, known for its biodiverse coral reefs and rich wildlife, including whales and dolphins. Your first stop is a snorkelling tour of the tropical coral reefs, where you can admire the colourful marine life and coral formations up close. In the afternoon, you'll settle into your homestays on the island, where you'll be staying with families. Your accommodation is just a five-minute walk from the beach and offers basic but clean and comfortable rooms, with fans and mosquito nets. During your stay, you'll be treated to delicious home-cooked meals and local snacks, and have the opportunity to learn about life on the island and immerse yourself in the local culture. Spend your time relaxing by the beach, swimming in the crystal-clear waters, and chatting with your hosts. This is the perfect opportunity to experience Timorese hospitality and see how the locals live.

Day 6: Atauro Island

Wake up to the beautiful sunrise over the Wetar Strait and start your day with a delicious breakfast by the sea. Today, you'll embark on a fisherman's boat snorkelling tour of the pristine coral reefs in Beloi's Marine Protected Area. Then, take a guided tuk-tuk tour of the village, here you'll visit local handicraft stores and marketplaces. You'll have the chance to visit Biojoia de Ataúro, a co-operative group of local hearing-impaired women, who produce and sell a range of beautiful jewellery pieces made from local materials such as coconut shells, seeds, and wood. You'll also visit Boneca de Ataúro, a women's co-operative that produces high-quality handmade embroidery and textile products, from dolls and educational products to trendy handbags and homeware items. After a busy day, you can relax and unwind by the beach, play football with the local community, and spend time getting to know your homestay family.

Day 7: Atauro Island / Cape Fatu Cama / Dili

In the morning, visit the local seafood and vegetable market and visit Empreza Diak, a social enterprise selling locally made handicrafts. Enjoy lunch with your homestay family. In the afternoon, make your way back to Dili by boat. This afternoon make your way to the iconic statue of Christ at Cape Fatu Cama, standing 27 metres tall atop a world globe. Climb the 14 "Stations of the Cross" to reach the base of the statue and enjoy incredible views of Dili, Atauro Island and Back Beach. Dinner will be served on the beach with sunset views looking back over Dili city.

Day 8: Dili

Today is all about getting to know Dili. You'll be accompanied by local guides who will show you the hidden gems of the city and introduce you to its people and culture. Head to the Tais market to learn about this traditional textile, often used to make traditional clothing and garments for special occasions like weddings, ceremonies and festivals. For lunch, dine on traditional Timorese food at a social enterprise that mentor’s youth to shape the future of food and agriculture in the Asia-Pacific region, and collaborates with farmers and producers, chefs and experts in the fields of science, agriculture, humanities, community development and design. Visit the Santa Cruz Cemetery, an important commemoration site for the Timorese people, due to the massacre that occurred during the Indonesian occupation. The cemetery serves as a reminder of the Timorese struggle for independence and the atrocities committed against the people. This evening, perhaps gather with your group at an outdoor rooftop bar for a farewell dinner while admiring views of the city of Dili.

Day 9: Dili

With no activities planned for today, your Timor-Leste expedition comes to
an end after breakfast this morning.

Essential Trip Information

Joining point

Timor Lodge Hotel, Av. Pres. Nicolau Lobato (enter via main road at Rentlo Car Hire), Dili, TIMOR-LESTE, Phone: (+670 7771 9993

Finish point

Timor Lodge Hotel, Av. Pres. Nicolau Lobato (enter via main road at Rentlo Car Hire), Dili, TIMOR-LESTE, Phone: (+670 7771 9993

Important information

SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
A Single Supplement is available for purchase on this trip excluding nights 5 and 6 where you will share with someone of the same gender.

LUGGAGE LIMIT
Luggage limits for this trip are max 7kg for your carry-on and 15kg for your main luggage

VISA ON ARRIVAL
Ensure you bring $30 US dollars to pay for your visa at the airport. There are no money exchange facilities at the airport

ARRIVAL & DEPARTURE TRANSFERS
An airport arrival and departure transfer is included on your trip. Please advise your flight details at time of booking

Emergency contact

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

Is this trip right for you

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.

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.

Group leader

All group trips are accompanied by one of our group leader or local representative. The aim of the group leader or local representative is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. Intrepid endeavours to provide the services of an experienced group leader or local representative however, due to the seasonality of travel, rare situations may arise where your group leader or local representative is new to a particular region or training other group leader or local representative.

Your group leader or local representative will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense, you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the places visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious, and social aspects. At Intrepid we aim to support local guides who have specialised knowledge of the regions we visit. If you are interested in delving deeper into the local culture at a specific site or location then your group leader or local representative can recommend a local guide service in most of the main destinations of your trip.

Safety

TRAVEL ADVISORIES & ALERTS
We recommend that you check your government's foreign travel advisory for the latest information about the destination before you travel. You will also need to ensure that your travel insurance covers you for all destinations and activities on your trip. Links to travel advisories and any current travel alerts for our trips can be found here: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/travel-alerts

PERSONAL SAFETY
Ensure you have a secure method of carrying your passport, phone, credit cards and cash while travelling such as a money belt. Leave all other high value items, including jewellery, at home Use safety deposit boxes at hotels to store your valuables when available and ensure your luggage is lockable. Be aware of the risk of pick-pocketing and petty theft. Exercise caution when walking at night, don’t walk alone and stick to well-lit streets wherever possible. Be vigilant on public transport and look out for your fellow travellers. Take precautions such as carrying your bag in front of you and never leaving personal items unattended.

LGBTQIA+ TRAVELLERS
Intrepid welcomes all LGBTQIA+ customers on our trips, however we operate in parts of the world that are less accepting. We support LGBTQIA+ customers to travel to these destinations and are committed to ensuring they face no discrimination on any part of the trip we control. We recommend you visit Equaldex (https://www.equaldex.com/) and your government's foreign travel advice for LGBTQIA+ travellers when choosing your trip., https://www.intrepidtravel.com/safety-guidelines, Although stable for some years, there are still occasional demonstrations and protests in Timor-Leste. Stay away from unplanned gatherings, demonstrations, protests, street rallies and large public gatherings and always pay close attention to your personal security.

Criminals sometimes target foreigners for petty crime such as theft. Crime and harassment risks increase at night, and if you're travelling alone. Travel as a group if you can, don't visit isolated areas alone or travel alone on public transport or in taxis, especially at night.

Visas

PASSPORT
You’ll need a valid passport to travel internationally and most countries require your passport to have a minimum of 6 months validity, so remember to check the expiry date.

We need your passport information to get everything ready for your trip so it’s important that the information on your booking matches your passport exactly. Please take care to provide the correct details. We recommend carrying a copy of the photo page of your passport while travelling and leaving a copy at home with family or friends.

VISAS & ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Many countries require a visa and obtaining the correct visa for your trip and any countries you may transit through is your responsibility. We recommend you check your visa requirements as soon as you have booked your trip. This will ensure you have time to prepare your documents and for your visa application to be processed. You can check the entry requirements for your nationality on your government's foreign travel advisories, consular websites or on our page here:  www.intrepidtravel.com/visa-entry-requirements

Last modified (date)

08 Aug 2024

Validity

Validity: 11 Aug 2024 to 31 Dec 2025

Additional Information

Health

GENERAL HEALTH
All travellers need to be in good physical health in order to participate fully on this trip. For the safety and wellbeing of yourself and others, if you are unwell prior to travelling, please stay at home and contact us to make alternative arrangements.

When selecting your trip please make sure you have read through the itinerary carefully and assess your ability to manage and enjoy our style of travel. Please note that if in the assessment of our group leader or local representative a traveller is unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group, we reserve the right to exclude them from all or part of a trip without refund.

You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information or for any necessary vaccinations before departure. We recommend that you carry a first aid kit as well as any personal medical requirements in their original packaging as they may not easily be obtained while travelling. If you are carrying medication, ensure you check your government's foreign travel advice for any local restrictions or requirements. 


MEDICATION
Not all medication available over the counter or by prescription in your home country is available in other countries. Some may even be considered illegal or a controlled substance, even if prescribed by your doctor. If you plan to bring medication, check if it's legal in Timor-Leste. Take enough legal medicine for your trip. Carry a copy of your prescription and a letter from your doctor stating:
- what the medicine is
- how much you'll take
- that it's for personal use

MOSQUITO-BORNE DISEASES
While cases of malaria are not common, other mosquito-borne diseases can be found in Timor-Leste. Dengue is endemic in Timor-Leste and outbreaks can occur. Protect yourself from mosquito bites by:
- using mosquito nets at accommodation
- using insect repellent
- wearing long, loose, light-coloured clothing

WATER
Clean, safe drinking water will be provided on your trip. To protect yourself from illness:
- drink boiled water or bottled water with sealed lids
- don't eat ice cubes
- don't eat raw or undercooked food, such as salads

MEDICAL CARE
You should be in excellent health to travel on this trip. Medical facilities in Timor-Leste are limited, and only a limited supply of basic medications is available. If you become seriously ill or injured, you'll need to be evacuated. Medical evacuation can be very expensive.

Food and dietary requirements

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

Money matters

SPENDING MONEY
When it comes to spending money on the trip, every traveller is a little different. You know your spending habits better than we do, so please budget an appropriate amount for things like optional meals, drinks, shopping, optional activities, and laundry. Make sure you have read the itinerary and inclusions thoroughly so you know what is included in the trip price and what you may need to pay for while travelling.

TIPPING
Tipping can be an appropriate way to recognise great service when travelling. While it may not be customary in your home country, it is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry across many of our destinations and is greatly appreciated by the people who take care of you during your travels. It is always best to avoid tipping with coins, very small denomination notes, or dirty and ripped notes, as this can be regarded as an insult rather than the goodwill gesture it is intended to be.

OPTIONAL TIPPING KITTY
On Day 1 of your trip, your group leader or local representative may discuss with you the idea of operating a group tipping kitty, whereby everybody contributes an equal amount and your group leader or local representative distributes tips for drivers, local guides, hotel staff and other services included on your trip. This excludes restaurant tips for meals not included in your itinerary. The group leader or local representative will keep a running record of all monies spent which can be checked at any time, and any funds remaining at the end of the tour will be returned to group members. We have found that this is easiest way to avoid the hassles of needing small change and knowing when and what is an appropriate amount to tip. Participation in this kitty is at your own discretion, and you are welcome to manage your own tipping separately if you prefer. Please note the tipping kitty excludes tips for your group leader or local representative.

YOUR GROUP LEADER OR LOCAL REPRESENTATIVE
You may consider tipping your group leader or local representative for outstanding service throughout your trip. The amount is entirely a personal preference; however, as a guideline, 4-7 USD or EUR per person per day (in a currency relevant to your destination), can be used. Of course, you are free to tip more or less as you see fit, depending on your perception of service quality and the length and involvement of your group leader or local representative on your trip.

The official currency is the US Dollar (USD). USD banknotes issued before 2000 are not accepted. Most places won't take credit cards, including hotels, shops and restaurants. Bring enough USD in cash to meet your needs.

What to take

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.

Climate and seasonal

Information not available.

A couple of rules

Intrepid won't tolerate any kind of violence, harassment (whether physical, verbal or sexual), or disrespect toward fellow travellers, our teams or local communities.

To ensure the wellbeing of everyone on the trip, decisions made by your group leader are final.

Romantic relationships between travellers and group leader or local representative are not permitted while on trip.

Any behaviour that prevents your leader from continuing the itinerary as planned, breaks local laws or opposes any of these guidelines may result in Intrepid denying your booking or removing you from the trip.

If something concerns you during your travels, please speak to your group leader immediately. Alternatively, you can contact us on the emergency contact number detailed in the Problems and Emergency Contact Information section of this Essential Trip Information.

Accommodation notes

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.

Transport notes

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.

Travel insurance

Travel insurance is compulsory on all our trips for those travelling internationally. We require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. If you are travelling within your home country or region please confirm before travel that you are entitled to access the public medical system easily should an accident occur. We strongly recommend all travellers have a policy that also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage or personal effects. For international trips, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance and the insurance company's 24-hour emergency contact number has been sighted by your group leader or local representative.

If you have credit card insurance your group leader or local representative will require details of the participating insurer/underwriter, the level of coverage, policy number, and emergency contact number rather than the bank's name and your credit card details. Please contact your bank for these details prior to arriving in-country.

For travellers who reside within the European Union, Switzerland or USA the requirement to purchase travel insurance cannot be compulsory. However the purchase of travel insurance is still highly recommended, and travellers from these regions who decline travel insurance when travelling outside of their home region must sign a Travel Insurance Waiver Form at the Group Meeting, recognizing personal responsibility for emergency medical and repatriation costs should they arise.

For assistance with travel insurance or other services, please visit the link below:


https://www.intrepidtravel.com/booking-resources/our-services

Your fellow travellers

As you travel on a group trip you will be exposed to all the pleasures and maybe some of the frustrations of travelling in a group. Your fellow travellers will probably come from all corners of the world and likely a range of age groups too. We ask you to be understanding of the various needs and preferences of your group - patience with your fellow travellers is sometimes required for the benefit of everyone's travel experience. Remember too that you have responsibilities to the group. If you are requested to be at a place at a certain time, ensure that you don't keep the rest of the group waiting. We have found time and time again that the very best trips we operate are those where the dynamics within the group work well - this takes just a little effort on your part. Due to privacy reasons, we are unable to provide you with contact details and any personal information about your fellow travellers booked on your trip prior to departure.

SOLO TRAVELLERS
On our trips, rooming is organised on a twin-share basis. We pair up solo travellers with another traveller of the same gender, as per the gender marker on each of their passports.

We also offer an optional single supplement on most trips for travellers who prefer to have their own room. This only applies to accommodation during the tour. Pre-trip and post-trip accommodation booked through us will always be on a single-room basis.

On a small selection of trips some accommodation will be open-gender and multishare, such as a felucca in Egypt or an overnight train in Vietnam. Please review the Accommodation section of the Essential Trip Information for details about your trip.

LGBTQIA+ TRAVELLERS
We strive to create a safe and inclusive environment for everyone. If your gender identity differs from what is indicated on your passport, please contact us so that we can discuss rooming options with you.

Itinerary disclaimer

ITINERARY CHANGES
Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It's important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, political unrest or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. Your group leader or local representative will keep you up to date with any such changes once your trip is underway and has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if deemed necessary due to safety concerns.


OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES
A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance fees only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and maybe on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. When it's recommended that travellers pre-book these activities, look for a note in the Special Information section of the day-to-day itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your group leader or local representative know you are interested at the Welcome Meeting and they can assist.

Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high-risk activities not listed above have not been assessed by us and as such our staff and group leader or local representative are unable to assist you with organising these activities. Activities that contravene our Responsible Travel policies are also not listed. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk.