Timor Leste, Land of Forgotten Wonders

Welcome at Dili airport by your English speaking tour-guide, and then embark for the visit of the capital city : explore key historical and cultural sites, including the Santa Cruz Cemetery, the Resistance Museum, the Chega!

Exhibition, and the iconic Cristo Rei statue.

Morning transfer to Maubisse, a charming town nestled in the central mountains. As you ascend from Dili, enjoy a scenic drive through rolling hills with breathtaking panoramic views of the capital and the northern islands of Atauro and Alor, the final stretches of the Indonesian archipelago. Perched at 1,600 meters above sea level, Maubisse enjoys a mild, spring-like climate year-round, with the coolest temperatures between June and August during the dry season. The region thrives on agriculture, supplying Dili with fresh local produce such as rice, potatoes, beans, cassava, and an abundance of vegetables.

Along the way, you’ll spot traditional Mambae houses with conical thatched roofs, built from bamboo or earth walls. These structures are designed to protect against the strong, cold mountain winds by extending their roofs down to the groundIn Maubisse, visit the Portuguese-era Pousada, perched on a hilltop at the town’s center. Like many Pousadas built by the Portuguese, this one offers a stunning 360° view of the surrounding valleys and mountains.

Though in need of restoration, it still retains its original wooden floors and fireplace, preserving its colonial charm.Enjoy some free time to wander through Maubisse’s local market or explore the nearby countryside before continuing your journey in the afternoon.

The route winds through alpine landscapes as you make your way to Hatu-Builiko, a small village at the foot of Mount Ramelau, Timor-Leste’s highest peak

Before dawn, transfer to the foothills of Mount Ramelau for the ascent to Timor-Leste’s highest peak. The hike takes approximately 2.5 hours, leading you to a breathtaking sunrise from the summit (2,963m). On a clear day, you’ll witness sweeping views of both the northern and southern coasts, while on misty mornings, the mountain appears to float above the clouds.

At the summit stands a statue of Our Lady of the Assumption, erected by the Catholic Church in October 1997 during the Indonesian occupation. With this statue, the peak symbolically reaches 3,000m. Every October, thousands of Christian pilgrims make their way here to commemorate its anniversary.Descend back to the hotel for a late morning rest before setting off in the early afternoon toward Suai.

The journey winds through scenic mountain ranges and traditional villages, offering glimpses of local life. Along the way, visit an important logistics base for Timor-Leste’s oil industry before arriving in Suai, where you’ll explore its surroundings, visit traditional villages, and discover historical sites, including the Suai Cathedral.

3,5 to 4 hours of trekking

Difference in heights +/- 700 m

Early in the morning, you’ll continue your journey towards the south, along a picturesque mountain range, and traditional villages. On the way, stop by the supply base of Timor-Leste’s petroleum industry. Upon arrival in Suai, explore the surrounding areas and visit traditional villages and historical sites, including the Suai Cathedral.

Begin the day with a scenic mountain drive to Bobonaro, enjoying panoramic views along the way.

Continue toward Marobo, where you’ll experience authentic hospitality with a home-cooked lunch in a local household.In the afternoon, descend to the Marobo Hot Springs, a natural thermal pool where you can soak and unwind while taking in the distinct sulfuric scent of the mineral-rich waters flowing from the mountains. The area still holds the ruins of an old colonial-era thermal resort, and a small restored pool now offers a relaxing dip in the warm, healing waters.

Later in the day, transfer to Maliana, arriving by late afternoon.

Start the morning exploring Maliana, before heading toward Balibo, a town steeped in history. Upon arrival, take a walking tour to visit the iconic Balibo House, where five Australian and British journalists sought refuge in 1975 as the Indonesian invasion of Timor-Leste unfolded.In the afternoon, continue discovering Balibo, including a visit to Fort Hotel, housed in a former Portuguese garrison.

The site also features a restored colonial-era residence, now home to the hotel’s restaurant, offering a glimpse into the town’s past.In the afternoon, continue discovering Balibo, including a visit to Fort Hotel, housed in a former Portuguese garrison. The site also features a restored colonial-era residence, now home to the hotel’s restaurant, offering a glimpse into the town’s past.

Morning transfer to the Loes River, the longest in the country, where you’ll have the chance to stretch your legs and browse fresh local produce, including delicious seasonal fruits.

Continue to Maubara to visit its historic fort before heading back to Dili in the late morning.

2 hours of trekking

Early this morning, set off along the scenic coastal road towards Baucau, passing through rugged mountain landscapes. Enjoy sweeping views of the turquoise ocean, pristine coral reefs, and stretches of white sand and marble beaches.

Along the way, stop in traditional fishing villages for a glimpse of local coastal life. The journey also takes you through Laleia, the birthplace of Timorese resistance leader Xanana Gusmão, and the coastal town of Manatuto.

After lunch in Baucau, continue your journey east to Com, with stops en route at a salt lake and the “Monkey Lagoon.” With a bit of luck, you may come across fossilized giant clams along the shoreline.

Upon arrival in Com, immerse yourself in the art of Tai, Timor-Leste’s traditional handwoven textile, crafted from cotton and adorned with intricate, regionally distinct motifs.

Morning visit of Baucau, followed by a scenic drive to Tutuala, passing through the village of Pitileti, several traditional cemeteries, Mehara, and the Ira Lalaro Lake—the largest in Timor-Leste.In the afternoon, explore the Lene Hara Caves, home to ancient rock paintings depicting the Fataluku people.

These paintings hold significant anthropological value, as studies have revealed striking similarities to motifs found in other parts of Southeast Asia, including the Philippines, where nomadic tribes of Northern Asian origin also settled.

Recent discoveries in the area include the oldest known bone fishing hooks, an ancient stone harpoon, and a newly identified rock carving near the Lene Hara Caves.All of these sites are located within the Nino Konis Santana National Park, a vast protected area that also encompasses Lake Ira Lalaro

In the late afternoon, transfer to Valu Beach, where you'll board a traditional boat to the idyllic island of Jaco—a pristine paradise perfect for relaxation.

Return to Tutuala by the end of the day.

Jaco Island is a small, uninhabited paradise within the protected Nino Konis Santana National Park, located in the eastern Lospalos district, home to the Fataluku people. Blessed with pristine white-sand beaches, crystal-clear azure waters, and sparse coastal vegetation, Jaco is an idyllic retreat. Visitors can enjoy leisurely beach walks, swimming, snorkeling, and even fishing, which is permitted.As a sacred land (Lulik) for the Fataluku people, overnight stays are not allowed, except for men. However, once a year, local women are granted permission to spend the night on the island for a secret female ritual.The Lospalos district is an ancient cultural heritage site with immense anthropological value. The recent discovery of the world’s oldest known fishing hooks in Tutuala provides evidence of nomadic tribes inhabiting this region over 42,000 years ago.

Day of transfers to Dili. Along the way, explore several historical sites in Baucau surroundings.

Perched on a hill overlooking the ocean, Baucau is Timor-Leste’s second-largest city, known for its unique blend of traditional architecture and limestone buildings. Once reliant on fishing and rice farming, the city has flourished since gaining independence in 2000, becoming a vibrant hub with a bustling daily market.Baucau’s Pousada, originally built as a guesthouse, has long been a retreat for those seeking a break from Dili’s tropical heat, thanks to its cooler climate. The city is also home to Timor-Leste’s oldest and largest international airport, currently undergoing restoration.The Pousada de Baucau retains its original structure, featuring elegant wooden floors characteristic of Portuguese architecture. However, beyond its charm, the pousada carries a somber past—during the Indonesian occupation, its rooms were used as interrogation chambers by the military.

Transfers to the port of Dili to set sail to Atauro island by ferry.

The rest of the day is free to enjoy the seaside.

Free days at leisure.