Timor-Leste Expedition

Intrepid Travel · 9 days
Timor-Leste Expedition
Timor-Leste Expedition
Timor-Leste Expedition
Timor-Leste Expedition
Timor-Leste Expedition
Timor-Leste Expedition
Timor-Leste Expedition
Timor-Leste Expedition
Timor-Leste Expedition
Timor-Leste Expedition
Timor-Leste Expedition
Timor-Leste Expedition
9 Days
From AUD $3995
Trip Type
Small Group
Activity Level
Average

Rating


 (4 reviews)

Timor-Leste Expedition

Timor-Leste Expedition

Intrepid Travel · 9 days
4.5
4 Reviews
View Map
Duration

9 days

Tour Type

Small Group

Accommodations

Moderate

Physical Rating

Average

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

Find ancient traditions and enduring landscapes in Asia’s newest country on this 9-day expedition through little-visited Timor-Leste.

Highlights

  • 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.

Trip Details

Duration

9 days

Transportation

Private vehicle,Boat

Tour Type

Small Group

Guide Language

English

Starts

Dili, Timor-leste

Finishes

Dili, Timor-leste

Accommodations

Moderate

Travel Style

Physical Rating

Average

Itinerary

1
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.

Included Activities:

  • Complimentary Arrival Transfer

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
2
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.

Included Activities:

  • Dili - Alola Foundation visit
  • Hato Builico - Village Walking Tour
  • Dili - Motael Church visit
  • Dili - Chega! Exhibition

Accommodation:

  • Guesthouse (Number of Nights: 1)
3
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.

Included Activities:

  • Hato Builico - Mt Ramelau Sunrise Hike
  • Maubisse - Guided town tour

Accommodation:

  • Guesthouse (Number of Nights: 1)
4
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.

Included Activities:

  • Maubisse - Coffee Plantation & Farmlands tour
  • Aileu - Projeto Montanha visit
  • Maubisse - Traditional ceremony and sunrise walk

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
5
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.

Included Activities:

  • Atauro Island - Snorkelling tour

Accommodation:

  • Village homestay (Number of Nights: 1)
6
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.

Included Activities:

  • Atauro Island - Social enterprise tuk tuk tour
  • Atauro Island - Fisherman's Boat snorkeling tour

Accommodation:

  • Village homestay (Number of Nights: 1)
7
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.

Included Activities:

  • Dili - Cristo Rei Statue & Beach
  • Atauro - local market
  • Dili - dinner on beach

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
8
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.

Included Activities:

  • Dili - Tais Market
  • Dili - Guided city tour
  • Dili - Santa Cruz Cemetery

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
9
Day 9: Dili
With no activities planned for today, your Timor-Leste expedition comes to an end after breakfast this morning.

Included Activities:

  • Complimentary Airport Departure Transfer
Exclusions
  • Flights to and from origin and destinations
  • Airport transfers (arrival and departure)
  • Anything else not explicitly listed in tour inclusions
  • Recommended gratuities/tipping
  • Optional activities/tours
  • Personal expenses
  • Travel insurance
  • Visas, meals and beverages not stated in the list of inclusions.
Important Information
Meals

When meals are not included, your tour leader (where available) will be happy to help with restaurant recommendations, bookings, and directions. Please let us know if you have any dietary needs or preferences. We willdo our best to accommodate these, though we cannot guarantee that every request can be met.

Luggage

You are responsible for your personal belongings throughout the tour. You will need to carry your own bags between the vehicle and your hotel room. Drivers will assist with loading and unloading luggage from the vehicle.

Mobility

Travellers requiring wheelchair access should contact our sales and service team, who can make enquiries on your behalf.

Fitness Level

This tour requires an Average level of fitness. Activities are paced gently and include leisure time. You may be expected to join guided walks of up to one hour, navigate short stairways and mild inclines, and manage your own luggage. You should also be able to board and exit all transport without assistance.

Travellers are expected to be self-sufficient and capable of handling all aspects of their journey. Please discuss your circumstances and support needs with your booking agent to confirm this trip is suitable.

If you are unsure, we recommend consulting your doctor before booking or travelling. (Note: I assume each tour has a different description depending on level of fitness required).

Sightseeing

If a planned site visit is unavailable due to changes in operating hours or holiday closures, the itinerary may be altered, or a comparable activity will be substituted where possible and subject to availability.

Visas

Visa conditions can change. Once you receive your travel documents, check with the relevant embassy, consulate, or immigration office of your destination for the latest information.

  • It is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct and valid travel documents and to comply with all entry requirements.
  • Non-Australian citizens must also confirm visa and identification requirements with the appropriate consulate or visa agency.
  • Certain occupations (for example, journalists, government officials, or those working in charities) may face additional restrictions when applying for visas, which could affect the type of application required.
Departure Dates & Surcharges: See checkout for live dates and availability.
AUD $3,995
(Tour only)
Per Person Twin Share

Duration: 9 days

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Average

Find ancient traditions and enduring landscapes in Asia’s newest country on this 9-day expedition through little-visited Timor-Leste.

Check Availability Brochure

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 17 May 2026

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Customer Reviews

Overall Rating
Excellent
4.5
Guide
Excellent
4.5
Itinerary
Excellent
4.5
Accommodations
Excellent
4.5
Transportation
Excellent
4.5
Tour Operator
Excellent
4.5
Food
Excellent
4.5
4.5
Janine
Traveled, October 2023

10/27/2023

Thank you tour guides - Ella Tanya and Romeo. You did such a great job looking after us and giving us a great cultural experience

4.0
Gregory
Traveled, October 2023

10/27/2023

Very enjoyable, informative and challenging trip with great informative, trendily and genuinely caring guides

Tour Operator

Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.

In Business Since 1989

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