Timor-Leste Expedition
Timor-Leste Expedition
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.
Activities
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.
Activities
- Complimentary Airport 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
- Atauro Island - Snorkelling tour
- Atauro Island - Social enterprise tuk tuk tour
- Atauro Island - Fisherman's Boat snorkeling tour
- Dili - Timorese Resistance Archive & Museum
- Dili - Santa Cruz Cemetery
- Dili - Historical city tour
- Dili - Chega! Exhibition
- Complimentary Airport Departure Transfer
- 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.
Interests
- Adventure and Active
8 Nights
Starting At
$2,805.00
USD
October 15, 2023 through October 23, 2023
Book by:
October 11, 2023 7:00 PM
ID: 7962776
Itinerary Map
Itinerary Overview
Day
1
Dili
Day
2
Dili
Day
3
Aileu - Hatu Bulico
Day
4
Mt Ramelau - Maubisse
Day
5
Maubisse - Dili
Day
6
Atauro Island
Day
7
Atauro Island
Day
8
Dili
Day
9
Dili
Detailed Itinerary
Intrepid Vacations: Timor-Leste Expedition
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.
(D)
Day 2 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 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.
(B, L)
Day 3 Aileu - Hatu Bulico
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.
(B, L, D)
Day 4 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. 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.
(B, L, D)
Day 5 Maubisse - Dili
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.
(B, L, D)
Day 6 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 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.
(B, L, D)
Day 7 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, 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.
(B, L, D)
Day 8 Dili
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.
(B, L, D)
Day 9 Dili
With no activities planned for today, your Timor-Leste expedition comes to an end after breakfast this morning.
(B)
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.
(D)
Day 2 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 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.
(B, L)
Day 3 Aileu - Hatu Bulico
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.
(B, L, D)
Day 4 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. 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.
(B, L, D)
Day 5 Maubisse - Dili
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.
(B, L, D)
Day 6 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 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.
(B, L, D)
Day 7 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, 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.
(B, L, D)
Day 8 Dili
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.
(B, L, D)
Day 9 Dili
With no activities planned for today, your Timor-Leste expedition comes to an end after breakfast this morning.
(B)
About Intrepid Travel
We get it – travel’s a big decision. It’s not every day you fly across the world to wander the souks of Marrakech or enjoy a dreamy Angkor sunrise. But for us, it’s been our everyday for the past three decades (whew, we’re old). Let’s just say we know what travellers really want: a balance of inclusions and free time, a mix of classic highlights and local secrets you won’t find on Google. And of course, an authentic real life experience.
Our leaders are born and raised in-country, and they know their destination better than anyone. So you’ll do more than just see a place, you’ll live it. Small groups, big adventures and responsible travel – that’s our thing. With 1,000 trips in a variety of styles across 100 countries, we’re sure you’ll find something you like. So let’s get started.
1. Real life experiences
What is travel but a search for something that can’t be Googled? We love the highlights, but the real magic for us happens well away from a beaten path. It’s the little noodle bars, hidden galleries and backstreet bodegas and real life experiences you won’t find in a search engine.
2. Connected by travel
The beauty of small group travel isn’t just new places, it’s new perspectives. It’s the stories you hear and the friendships you forge, the ones that stick around long after the tan has faded. Our travellers come from all walks of life; what unites them is where they’re going.
3. Travel works best when it's balanced
Time is your most precious resource, especially on a holiday. That’s why our trips are built with balance in mind. A little group time, a little you time – the way it should be. And because our tours have an average of just 10 people, there’s more of the world to go round.
4. With great travel comes great responsibility
The world’s a pretty amazing place, and we want to do our bit to keep it that way. And all it takes is a little dash of self-awareness, a slightly softer tread. Sustainable travel doesn’t mean no fun. It means that fun can be used to benefit others. Respect.
5. Adventure should be for everyone
Age, pillow preference, budget, travelling solo or together – it doesn’t matter where you’re from, what matters is where you’d like to go. Our mission is to deliver the best travel experiences to anyone who’s up for them. So no matter if you favour a soft landing or a wild take-off, Intrepid stands for you.
6. Our leaders are the greatest
We realised early on that the best folks to show you the heart of a destination are, funnily enough, the ones that live there. These are our leaders: travel experts and friendly locals who know their countries back to front, from every backstreet bar to every hidden gallery. They’re the big, smiling face of Intrepid (and we couldn’t be prouder).
Our leaders are born and raised in-country, and they know their destination better than anyone. So you’ll do more than just see a place, you’ll live it. Small groups, big adventures and responsible travel – that’s our thing. With 1,000 trips in a variety of styles across 100 countries, we’re sure you’ll find something you like. So let’s get started.
1. Real life experiences
What is travel but a search for something that can’t be Googled? We love the highlights, but the real magic for us happens well away from a beaten path. It’s the little noodle bars, hidden galleries and backstreet bodegas and real life experiences you won’t find in a search engine.
2. Connected by travel
The beauty of small group travel isn’t just new places, it’s new perspectives. It’s the stories you hear and the friendships you forge, the ones that stick around long after the tan has faded. Our travellers come from all walks of life; what unites them is where they’re going.
3. Travel works best when it's balanced
Time is your most precious resource, especially on a holiday. That’s why our trips are built with balance in mind. A little group time, a little you time – the way it should be. And because our tours have an average of just 10 people, there’s more of the world to go round.
4. With great travel comes great responsibility
The world’s a pretty amazing place, and we want to do our bit to keep it that way. And all it takes is a little dash of self-awareness, a slightly softer tread. Sustainable travel doesn’t mean no fun. It means that fun can be used to benefit others. Respect.
5. Adventure should be for everyone
Age, pillow preference, budget, travelling solo or together – it doesn’t matter where you’re from, what matters is where you’d like to go. Our mission is to deliver the best travel experiences to anyone who’s up for them. So no matter if you favour a soft landing or a wild take-off, Intrepid stands for you.
6. Our leaders are the greatest
We realised early on that the best folks to show you the heart of a destination are, funnily enough, the ones that live there. These are our leaders: travel experts and friendly locals who know their countries back to front, from every backstreet bar to every hidden gallery. They’re the big, smiling face of Intrepid (and we couldn’t be prouder).
About Intrepid Travel
We get it – travel’s a big decision. It’s not every day you fly across the world to wander the souks of Marrakech or enjoy a dreamy Angkor sunrise. But for us, it’s been our everyday for the past three decades (whew, we’re old). Let’s just say we know what travellers really want: a balance of inclusions and free time, a mix of classic highlights and local secrets you won’t find on Google. And of course, an authentic real life experience.
Our leaders are born and raised in-country, and they know their destination better than anyone. So you’ll do more than just see a place, you’ll live it. Small groups, big adventures and responsible travel – that’s our thing. With 1,000 trips in a variety of styles across 100 countries, we’re sure you’ll find something you like. So let’s get started.
1. Real life experiences
What is travel but a search for something that can’t be Googled? We love the highlights, but the real magic for us happens well away from a beaten path. It’s the little noodle bars, hidden galleries and backstreet bodegas and real life experiences you won’t find in a search engine.
2. Connected by travel
The beauty of small group travel isn’t just new places, it’s new perspectives. It’s the stories you hear and the friendships you forge, the ones that stick around long after the tan has faded. Our travellers come from all walks of life; what unites them is where they’re going.
3. Travel works best when it's balanced
Time is your most precious resource, especially on a holiday. That’s why our trips are built with balance in mind. A little group time, a little you time – the way it should be. And because our tours have an average of just 10 people, there’s more of the world to go round.
4. With great travel comes great responsibility
The world’s a pretty amazing place, and we want to do our bit to keep it that way. And all it takes is a little dash of self-awareness, a slightly softer tread. Sustainable travel doesn’t mean no fun. It means that fun can be used to benefit others. Respect.
5. Adventure should be for everyone
Age, pillow preference, budget, travelling solo or together – it doesn’t matter where you’re from, what matters is where you’d like to go. Our mission is to deliver the best travel experiences to anyone who’s up for them. So no matter if you favour a soft landing or a wild take-off, Intrepid stands for you.
6. Our leaders are the greatest
We realised early on that the best folks to show you the heart of a destination are, funnily enough, the ones that live there. These are our leaders: travel experts and friendly locals who know their countries back to front, from every backstreet bar to every hidden gallery. They’re the big, smiling face of Intrepid (and we couldn’t be prouder).
Our leaders are born and raised in-country, and they know their destination better than anyone. So you’ll do more than just see a place, you’ll live it. Small groups, big adventures and responsible travel – that’s our thing. With 1,000 trips in a variety of styles across 100 countries, we’re sure you’ll find something you like. So let’s get started.
1. Real life experiences
What is travel but a search for something that can’t be Googled? We love the highlights, but the real magic for us happens well away from a beaten path. It’s the little noodle bars, hidden galleries and backstreet bodegas and real life experiences you won’t find in a search engine.
2. Connected by travel
The beauty of small group travel isn’t just new places, it’s new perspectives. It’s the stories you hear and the friendships you forge, the ones that stick around long after the tan has faded. Our travellers come from all walks of life; what unites them is where they’re going.
3. Travel works best when it's balanced
Time is your most precious resource, especially on a holiday. That’s why our trips are built with balance in mind. A little group time, a little you time – the way it should be. And because our tours have an average of just 10 people, there’s more of the world to go round.
4. With great travel comes great responsibility
The world’s a pretty amazing place, and we want to do our bit to keep it that way. And all it takes is a little dash of self-awareness, a slightly softer tread. Sustainable travel doesn’t mean no fun. It means that fun can be used to benefit others. Respect.
5. Adventure should be for everyone
Age, pillow preference, budget, travelling solo or together – it doesn’t matter where you’re from, what matters is where you’d like to go. Our mission is to deliver the best travel experiences to anyone who’s up for them. So no matter if you favour a soft landing or a wild take-off, Intrepid stands for you.
6. Our leaders are the greatest
We realised early on that the best folks to show you the heart of a destination are, funnily enough, the ones that live there. These are our leaders: travel experts and friendly locals who know their countries back to front, from every backstreet bar to every hidden gallery. They’re the big, smiling face of Intrepid (and we couldn’t be prouder).
