Timor-Leste Expedition

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.

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 Agora Food Studio where proceeds fund the Timor-Leste Food Lab. This social enterprise mentors 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.

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. Make your way to the iconic statue of Christ at Cape Fatucama, standing 27 meters 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.

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. Make a stop at Projeto Montanha for lunch. This restaurant and guesthouse serves as an education and training facility, aiming to improve the quality of life of local people by promoting health, culture, income generation, environmental sustainability and emotional and spiritual development. 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. Explore the hidden Dokomali Waterfall and enjoy a picnic and a swim before returning to your guesthouse.

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. Pop into a local restaurant that’s dedicated to tackling significant social, economic, and environmental challenges facing the country. It aims to improve the quality of life for Timorese communities by empowering women, children, and youth to be agents of change. You may also stop by the beautiful Hatmatek Waterfall before checking into your accommodation, a Portuguese-era building with 360-degree views.

Today you’ll 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. Next, return to Dili to learn more about the city’s history. 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. Then visit the Timorese Resistance Archive and Museum, providing a comprehensive overview of the resistance struggle during the Indonesian occupation. Finally, 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.

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 homestay on the island, where you'll be staying with a local family. Your accommodation is just a five-minute walk from the beach and offers basic but clean and comfortable rooms, complete 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.

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, where 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.

In the morning, make your way back to Dili by boat. On arrival, you may like to pay a visit to the Agora Food Studio, one of Timor-Leste's top-rated restaurants, serving up traditional Timorese food and world-class coffee. Agora Food Studio was established by social entrepreneurs Alva and Mark and operates as a self-funded social enterprise through its restaurant and cafe. The food studio is passionate about collaborating with various industry experts and creating a harmonious connection between food, culture, and community. This evening, gather with your group at an outdoor rooftop bar for a farewell dinner while admiring views of the city of Dili.

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