Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Begin of Tour Dili (Timor-Leste) - Dili

Greetings upon arrival at the airport and transfer to the city hotel. Departing from your hotel, the three-hour city tour will take you to the main sights of the city, such as the Government Palace, the Casa Europa (the European House, a former colonial garrison), the Santa Cruz cemetery, the Hali-Laran bazaar, the Díli cathedral, the Presidential Palace, the new residential zone of Praia dos Coqueiros where the main embassies are located, the Farol Residential quarter and the White Sand Beach for a sunset view from the statue of Christ (Cristo Rei). Return to the hotel.

Day 2: Dili - Natarbora (B)

After breakfast, travel East along the north coast of country with its beautiful coastal cliffs; we will stop and pay a look at the hanging basket on the verge of the road in the small Manleo village, before continue our journey to Manatuto for a quick tour to the local bazaar and monuments. After that we will head southwards, passing through the small Cribas village to Laclubar, up in the mountain where lunch will be served. Pualaka is the rare place of "eternal flames", requiring a 30-minute trekking each way to visit this continuous gas burning flames. Our journey will end in Natarbora, an agriculture and rural area, at around 18H. Stay overnight in a very nice homestay.

Day 3: Natarbora - Iliomar (B)

After breakfast check-out and drive along the south coast to the eastern part of the country passing by Viqueque’s district town, stopping for a short walk by the local market and sightseeing. Lunch will be served at a local restaurant. Afterwards we will continue to the villages Watulari and Watukarbau. On the way we will pass by large rice paddies. You will have a rare opportunity to see family houses built on top of trees. Nearby is a beach with black sand and crystal clear water. You an swim and relay at the beach. During the late afternoon we will arrive in Iliomar for an overnight stay at a simple guest house next to the local church. Dinner and overnight in Iliomar.

Day 4: Iliomar - Lospalos (B)

Today is a adventurous trekking day. After a good breakfast, we will drive you to the starting point at the edge of the forest. There you will meet the local wildlife guide. Together you will explore the forest to learn more about the local wild life and vegetation. There is a good chance to see local birds, monkeys and crocodiles in their own habitat. The trekking tour to Lore will take approximately 5 hours. During the trek we will cross small rivers, pass by several villages and rest at beautiful beaches. Picnic lunch en route. Our vehicle will be waiting for you before you arrive in Lore to drive you up to Lospalos.

Day 5: Lospalos - Com (B)

Early morning departure to Tutuala, at the east end of the island. On the way to Konis Santana National Park we will visit some ancient tombs and see traditional Fataluku houses. These typical stilt houses with detailed wood carvings and high roofs fast became national symbols of Timor Leste. The Konis Santana National Park was named after a freedom fighter who died in 1998 before the timorese independence. It is the first National Park of East Timor. The Park was opened in 2008 and is home to many endemic animals. Beside wildlife protection it is well known for important cultural sites. There are caves near the coast with paintings and carvings dating back several thousand years. The walk to the caves at Ili-kere-kere will take 30 minutes each way. Alternatively, you can cross the channel to Jaco island on a fisherman boat and stay at the white sandy beach and swim in the clear and crystal blue water. Simple BBQ-Lunch at the beach. Return to the mainland in the late afternoon and drive to Com. Visit fishermen villages in the way. Overnight at Com Beach.

Day 6: Com - Quelicai - Webitai (B)

Take time for a walk through the village or go for a swim. Later that morning we will leave Com and drive to Quelicai where lunch will be served. We will also buy some local food for dinner. After another 5 km or so to Laumana, we will start trekking to Webitai, a very remote village on the slopes of Mount Matebian. It is also known as the mountain of spirits and at almost 2,000m height it is the third highest peak of Timor-Leste. After you settle in at the house of a local villager it will be time for dinner lit by candle or star light (depending on the weather). You will have time to talk the guide who will accompany you on the mountain trekking tomorrow. Sleeping bags will be provided. (Remarks: Tour not available during rainy season.)

Day 7: Webitai - Matebian - Baucau (B)

Today is going to be a challenging trekking day! Appropriate trekking shoes and high fitness level are highly recommended. Wake up call will be at 02:30 hrs. After a quick coffee break you will start the climb following narrow mountain trails. It will take several hours to reach the summit. You will walk trough more forested areas and grassy patches which will alternate with rocky stretches until you reach the top. You will be in time to see the sunrise or Lorosa'e in the native tongue. After a short break to replenish your strength you will start the descend towards Baguia, where lunch will be waiting for you. (Alternatively to the summit climb you can trek along the slope of Mt. Matebian to Baguia.) After lunch transfer to Baucau.

Day 8: Baucau - Dili (B)

Breakfast at the nice restaurant of the Pousada. Afterwards we will proceed to Venilale. On the way there are caves the Japanese used as bomb shelters during WWII. Since the colonial times Venilale is known as a mountain refuge because of the mild, highland climate. There are also numerous hot springs in the region. The portuguese build the Escola Reino de Venilale in 1933. For lunch we will return to Bacau and afterwards visit the portuguese church in Laleia. On our way to Dili we will see the rice paddies in Manatuto. Overnight in Dili.

Day 9: Dili (B)

Breakfast at Hotel. Today is dedicated to diving or fishing. Afternoon free at leisure. Overnight in Dili.

Day 10: Dili - Oecussi/Ferry (B)

Breakfast at the Hotel in Dili. Transfer to Dili harbour in the afternoon. From there ferry to Oecusse. Dinner will be provided abord the ferry. You will arrive in Pante Makasar early the next morning.

Day 11: Oecussi/Ferry - Kefamenanu (B)

Right after arrival we will have breakfast at a local restaurant. Our next destination is Lifau, where a monument reminds of the first arrival of the Portuguese in Timor in 1512. Soon after lunch we will drive to Oe-Silo for a visit to the remains of a mud volcano before proceeding for Immigration and Customs clearance at the border prior to entering Indonesia. Overnight at Kefamenanu.

Day 12: Kefamenanu - Suai (B)

On the morning trip to Atambua, visit to the very ancient and holly place for Catholics and Protestants in Gua Betauni. After touring the city of Atambua and its main sights we will have lunch. We will then continue via Betun to Motamauk-Salele for border control procedures before re-entering Timor-Leste. Arriving in Suai late in the afternoon.

Day 13: Suai - Maliana (B)

Today starts with a visit to the fishermen village of Suai Loro. You will learn more about the day to day life in the village and the local oil fields. The Villagers use the oil as a convenient source of energy since the 1970s. Driving from Suai via Zumalai to Marobo to visit the best known hot spring of Timor Leste. Road conditions may force us to take a half-an-hour walk down to the pool where you can relax in the pool. Picnic lunch at the hot springs. Later we will continue our journey to Maliana. If time allows, we will visit the former Portuguese Military Cavalry in Bobonaro. Overnight at Maliana.

Day 14: Maliana - Letefoho (B)

We leave Maliana after breakfast and drive northwards alongside the border with Indonesia, crossing the long bridge over Nunura river until we arrive in Balibó. The small town was the site of a massacre in 1975, when the indonesian army killed five australian journalists. We will visit the memorial and the protuguese fort. The next destination is the Batugade on the north coast. The old portuguese fort is situated at the beautiful beach. The stronghold was was build in 1655. We will continue our drive following the north coast. Lunch at the beach in Loes. Afterwards we will follow the river en route to Hatolia deep in the coffee region of Timor Leste. We will stay at the remote village of Hawei. Overnight at a simple guest house. (Program will differ during rainy season.)

Day 15: Letefoho - Letefoho - Hato-Builico (B)

Enjoy a local breakfast and organic coffee from the surrounding plantations. We will hike from Hawei to Letefoho. During harvest season (May to August) you may help the villagers collect the coffee beans. After lunch in Letefoho we drive to Hato-Builico. It is the base camp for hikes on Mt. Ramelau or Tata-Mai-Lau in the local tongue, the highest peak of Timor Leste. We do recommend an early dinner at the local Guest House followed by a resting night if you plan to climb the summit the next early morning.

Day 16: Hato-Builico - Ainaro (B)

If you decide to make the climb of Mt. Ramelau the wake up call will be at 03:00 hrs. You will be accompanied by a local guide on your way to the summit to see the sunrise. If the weather is good you can enjoy a spectacular view of the island. After return from the climb a warm breakfast will be served. The rest of the morning is at your leisure to walk around the village or relax at the guesthouse. We leave Hato-Builico after lunch and drive to Ainoro.

Day 17: Ainaro - Same (B)

or the timorese Ainaro is a village of historical importance because the local king Dom Aleixo Corte Real, who was famous for his loyalty to the portuguese administration, refused to join the japanese army to fight the Australians during WWII. He was then executed for his refusal to obey orders. After touring the village and having lunch, we will drive southwards down to Cassa and then head up to Hato-Udo. We can stop at the cliffs known as Jakarta 2. They stand today as a memorial for the freedom fighters who dared stand up to the indonesian army during the 1980s. Our trip will continue to Betano and Welaluhu, for a swim in crystal waters on a black sand beach and, if time permits and lucky enough, we may have a chance to watch crocodiles in the nearby lakes. Back on the road to Same, the capital of Manufahi district, we will spend the night in a local hostel (basic accommodation).

Day 18: Same - Dili (B)

The history of Same is tied to the warrior Liurai D. Boaventura who lead a war against the Portuguese Administration (1895 – 1912). The rebellion cots thousands of lifes on both sides of the conflict. We will visit the main sights of Same and then move on to the next destination. On the way to Maubisse we will follow the windy mountain roads up to Mt. Flecha (2,000m) to enjoy the view. Lunch in Maubisse. The next stop will be in the picturesque village of Aileu, the district capital. We will visit the historical sights of the city and have a snack in a local restaurant. Afterwards we will drive back to Dili.

Day 19: Dili - Atauro Island (B)

Breakfast at the hotel. Later transfer by speed boat taxi to Atauro island. After you crossed the channel you have time to explore the beaches and reefs of Atauro. Lunch and DInner at a local guest hose.

Day 20: Atauro Island - Dili (B)

After breakfast waiting for the return of the water taxi. Meanwhile you can explore the shore line and swim in the Bikelo hot springs in the sea. Later return to Dili. Overnight in Dili.

Day 21: Dili - End of Tour Dili (Timor-Leste) (B)

Breakfast at the hotel. Morning free at leisure until airport transfer.