Timor-Leste Expedition

9 Days | Dive into a land of incredible biodiversity and hospitality

5 out of 5 based on 3 reviews submitted.
Expeditions
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CAD $3,021
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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.

Trip overview

Map of Timor-Leste Expedition including Timor-Leste
Start
Dili, Timor-Leste
Finish
Dili, Timor-Leste
Theme
Expeditions
Destinations
Timor-Leste
Physical rating
Indicates how physically exerting a trip is, and how fit you will need to be to enjoy it. More info on physical ratings
Style
Original
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1 - Max 12
Trip code
TEST
We’re in the process of figuring out how much CO2-e this trip generates. In the meantime, find out more about our climate commitments and carbon reduction target.

Why you'll love this trip
  • 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.

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.
  • 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.

Itinerary

Map of Timor-Leste Expedition including Timor-Leste

Inclusions

Meals

8 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 7 dinners

Transport

Private vehicle, Boat

Accommodation

Guesthouse (7 nights), Homestay (2 nights)

Activities
  • Complimentary Arrival Transfer
  • Dili - Tais Market
  • Dili - Guided city tour
  • Dili - Cristo Rei Statue & Beach
  • Dili - Alola Foundation visit
  • Aileu - Hike to Dokomali Waterfall
  • Aileu - Projeto Montanha visit
  • Hatu Bulico - Mt Ramelau sunrise hike
  • Maubisse - Hatmatek Waterfall
  • Maubisse - Guided town tour
  • Maubisse - Coffee Plantation & Farmlands tour
  • Dili - Historical city tour
  • Dili - Chega! Exhibition
  • Dili - Timorese Resistance Archive & Museum
  • Dili - Santa Cruz Cemetery
  • Atauro Island - Snorkelling tour
  • Atauro Island - Social enterprise tuk tuk tour
  • Atauro Island - Fisherman's Boat snorkeling tour
  • Complimentary Airport Departure Transfer

Dates and availability

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Important notes

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.

Essential Trip Information

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

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Reviews

5 out of 5 based on 3 reviews submitted.
Reviews are from travellers who have completed their trip and want to share their experience. We show all reviews, but may remove any that include profanity or inappropriate content, are unrelated to the trip or reveal personal details.

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Janine · Traveled October 2023
Thank you tour guides - Ella Tanya and Romeo. You did such a great job looking after us and giving us a great cultural experience
Review submitted 27 Oct 2023

Gregory · Traveled October 2023
Very enjoyable, informative and challenging trip with great informative, trendily and genuinely caring guides
Review submitted 27 Oct 2023

Ashu · Traveled October 2023
Fabulous trip through Timor-Leste. From the mountains to the beaches, expect an authentic, insightful experience.
Review submitted 29 Oct 2023
Timor-Leste Expedition
From
CAD $3,021