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Peregrine Travel Centre

Timor-Leste Expedition

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Timor-Leste Expedition

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Description

Find ancient traditions and enduring landscapes in Asia’s newest country on this nine-day expedition through little-visited Timor-Leste. Start in the capital of Dili where you’ll visit local cafes, browse the traditional Tais Market and learn about the country’s confronting past at local museums. Then, venture out from the city – hike to the summit of Timor-Leste’s tallest mountain, meet farmers at local coffee plantations and 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 Name
Timor-Leste Expedition
Last Updated
1970-01-01
Days
9
Capacity
12
Highlights
  • Join guided snorkelling excursions on Atauro Island to see the most biodiverse coral reefs in the world.
  • 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.
  • Travel consciously, knowing 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.

Itinerary

ITINERARY CHANGES Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It's important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, political unrest or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. Your group leader or local representative will keep you up to date with any such changes once your trip is underway and has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if deemed necessary due to safety concerns. , OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance fees only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and may be on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. When it's recommended that travellers pre-book these activities, look for a note in the Special Information section of the day-to-day itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your group leader or local representative know you are interested at the Welcome Meeting and they can assist. Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high-risk activities not listed above have not been assessed by us and as such our staff and group leader or local representative are unable to assist you with organising these activities. Activities that contravene our Responsible Travel policies are also not listed. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk.

Day 1 - Dili
Benvindu! 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. You’ll have a welcome meeting at 6 pm where you’ll meet your local leader and the fellow travellers joining you on your journey. After the meeting, you'll head out for a welcome dinner at a rooftop bar with excellent views of Dili city and the Wetar Strait. Enjoy your first taste of local cuisine as you get to know your new travel companions.
Day 2 - Hatu Bulico
This morning, visit the Alola Foundation – a not-for-profit working to improve the lives of women and children. You'll learn about their local projects, including handicraft employment opportunities for women artisans, which promotes Timorese cultural identity. Visit the Chega Exhibition, set in an old Portuguese prison, to gain insight into the harsh realities of the Indonesian military's incarceration of Timorese resistance individuals. Visit Motael Church, then head to a restaurant for lunch. Next, it’s time to venture into the heart of Timor-Leste and travel up the Tatamailau mountain range. On the drive, take in some seriously spectacular scenery of the mountainous landscapes. Arrive in Hato Builico in the afternoon – this is 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 the locals.
Day 3 - Mt Ramelau to Maubisse
Embark on an early morning adventure to the summit of Timor-Leste's highest mountain, Mt Ramelau, standing at 2986 m above sea level. Wake up at 2.30 am to begin the hike so you can catch the sunrise from the summit at 6 am. If it’s a clear day, you’ll be able soak up views of the whole coastline. After, 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.
Day 4 - Dili
Wake up early for a cultural ceremony by the village elders of Rabilau at dawn. This ceremony of song and dance is to call upon the ancestors and spirits to welcome you to the land. After, you’ll take a short walk up to the top of the sacred Mt Rabilau. Have breakfast, then get an in-depth look into Timor-Leste’s important coffee farming industry. Start by visiting local coffee farmers to learn about how coffee is grown and processed. Take a guided walk through the farmlands and coffee plantations to gain a deeper understanding of the local agricultural practices. For lunch, head to one of the coffee farmers’ homes for a traditional Timorese meal, then stop at Projeto Montanha for coffee. Return to Dili in the late afternoon.
Day 5 - Atauro Island
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 island homestay. During your stay, you'll be treated to delicious home-cooked meals and local snacks, and will 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 inviting waters and chatting with your host family. This is the perfect opportunity to experience Timorese hospitality and see how the locals live.
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 hop aboard a fisherman's boat for a snorkelling tour of the coral reefs in the Beloi Marine Protected Area. Then, take a guided tuk-tuk tour of the village, where you'll visit local handicraft stores and marketplaces. You'll also visit Biojoia de Atauro, a co-operative group of local hearing-impaired women who produce and sell a range of beautiful jewellery pieces made from local materials like coconut shells, seeds and wood. You'll also visit Boneca de Atauro, another women's co-op 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.
Day 7 - Dili
In the morning, check out 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, return to Dili by boat. This afternoon, make your way to the iconic statue of Christ at Cape Fatu Cama, standing 27 m 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.
Day 8 - Dili
Today is all about getting to know Dili. You'll be accompanied by local guides who will show you the city’s hidden highlights 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 mentors youth to shape the future of food and agriculture in the Asia-Pacific region and collaborates with farmers, 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 in 1991 during the Indonesian occupation. The cemetery serves as a reminder of the Timorese struggle for independence and the atrocities committed. This evening, maybe gather with your group at a rooftop bar for a farewell dinner while admiring views of the city of Dili.
Day 9 - Dili
With no activities planned for today, your Timor-Leste expedition comes to an end after breakfast.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
06-09-202614-09-2026AUD $ 4,690-
20-09-202628-09-2026AUD $ 3,654-
18-10-202626-10-2026AUD $ 3,924-
16-05-202724-05-2027AUD $ 4,095-
13-06-202721-06-2027AUD $ 4,095-
11-07-202719-07-2027AUD $ 4,095-
08-08-202716-08-2027AUD $ 4,095-
05-09-202713-09-2027AUD $ 4,095-
10-10-202718-10-2027AUD $ 4,095-
14-05-202822-05-2028AUD $ 4,300-
11-06-202819-06-2028AUD $ 4,300-
09-07-202817-07-2028AUD $ 4,300-
06-08-202814-08-2028AUD $ 4,300-
03-09-202811-09-2028AUD $ 4,300-
08-10-202816-10-2028AUD $ 4,300-

Accommodation

Hotel (4 nights) Guesthouse (2 nights), Homestay (2 nights)

Transport

Private vehicle, Boat

Map

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