Jewels of Timor
Jewels of Timor
Jewels of Timor
13 Days Starting and ending in Dili, Timor-Leste
Visiting: Dili, Maubisse, Mt Ramelau, Loihuno, Baucau, Atauro Island, Balibo
Tour operator:
Tour code:
4363
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
- Snorkel the most biodiverse coral reefs in the world on Atauro Island
- View the entire nation from above the clouds of Mt Ramelau at sunrise
- Explore ‘The Lost World’ jungles of Mundo Perdido
- Experience traditional Timorese culture, dance, song and food
- Live with a local family in a village homestay
- Historical tour of Balibo village
- Whale watching from boat in Ombai-Wetar Strait – a major migratory route
Home to rugged and untouched beaches, dotted with traditional mountain villages offering panoramic views, East Timor, or Timor-Leste, is one of the world’s last great off-the-beaten-track destinations.
A land of true contrasts, explore Timor’s pristine reefs, sacred mountain temples and century old traditions. Asia’s newest country, once ravished by war has a dark but fascinating history which you will delve into to gain a sound understanding of how this paradise could once have been so unstable. Trek through jungles, embrace the charm of the Portuguese heritage and bump along dusty roads. Be one of the first few to venture through this country in depth as you embrace the warmth of the people, the culture and the infusion of European charm.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrival Dili
Location: Dili
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Portuguese Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Dinner
Welcome to Timor! Upon arrival, our English speaking guide will meet you at Nicolau Lombardo airport and set the scene introducing you to the recent history of resistance in this amazing half island. Depending on your flight arrival time, if you land in the morning, explore some of the historical and cultural sites in and around Dili. This afternoon, take a short walk up to Cristo Rei of Dili, a 27 metre high colossal statue of Jesus Christ situated atop a globe at Cape Fatucama. Head back down to the coast and enjoy a welcome dinner at a restaurant on the beach as the sun is setting. (D)
Overnight Portuguese Hotel or similar
Walking Distance: Short walks around historical and cultural sites in and around Dili.
Walking Time: Approximately 1-2 hours. Difficulty: Easy, mostly flat terrain.Day 2 - Dili – Maubisse – Hatu Bulico
Location: Maubisse
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Maubisse Pousada or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning, drive into the mountains of Timor-Leste. Stop along the way at a local community project, (Projeto Montanha a NGO working to improve rural livelihoods through tourism and hospitality), where you will try traditional Timorese coffee at Maubisse Pousada a Portuguese colonial era guesthouse with 360 degree views around the mountainside.
Drive to Hatu Bulico village at the base of the Mt Ramelau walking trail. Here, you will have a guided tour of Hatu Bulico village, where traditional village life still takes place. You will also visit Dili Vanilla farm in Aileu. (B,L,D)
Overnight Alecrim Guesthouse or similar
Walking Distance: Short walks around the local community project and Hatu Bulico village.
Walking Time: Approximately 1-2 hours. Difficulty: Easy to moderate, some uneven terrain in the village.Driving Distance & Journey Time: (Approx. 85km) Approximately 5 hours (including rest break).
Day 3 – Hatu Bulico - Same
Location: Mt Ramelau
Accommodation: Homestay
Accommodation Name: Local Guesthouse or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Wake up at 3:00am to hike to the summit of Mt Ramelau for sunrise. The journey is approx. 5hrs return. At the highest point in the country, you can see the entire coastline and across Indonesia. Take in the impressive views before returning for breakfast. Drive to Same where you will enjoy a village tour on arrival. The afternoon is yours at leisure. (B,L,D)
Overnight Local Guesthouse or similar
Walking Distance: Approximately 10km (round trip to Mt Ramelau summit).
Walking Time: Approximately 5 hours (to the summit and back). Difficulty: Moderate ascent to the summit of Mt Ramelau. Driving Distance and Journey Time: Approximately 75km, 2 hours to Same village.Day 4 - Same - Loihuno
Location: Loihuno
Accommodation: Homestay
Accommodation Name: Local Guesthouse or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Drive to Loihuno via the southern coastline, passing through farmlands and rice fields. Learn about the history of Dom Bom Ventura the revolutionary leader who led the great battle to rid Timor-Leste of Portuguese invaders. Arrive in Loihuno village where you will be staying in a local guest house at the base of Mt Mundo Perdido which literally translates to ‘Lost World’ in Portuguese. (B,L,D)
Overnight Local Guesthouse or similar
Walking Distance: Short walks around Loihuno village and nearby attractions.
Walking Time: Approximately 1-2 hours. Difficulty: Easy, mostly flat terrain.Driving Distance and Journey Time: (120km) Approximately 4 hours.
Day 5 – Loihuno
Location: Loihuno
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Local Guesthouse or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today you will enjoy a hike into the ‘Lost World’ to the heart of Timor Leste’s resistance country and explore the mountains that for decades gave refuge to Timor-Leste’s guerrilla fighters. This afternoon, return to your guesthouse and visit the nearby limestone waterholes. Learn about how this region became abundant in water and agriculture. (B,L,D)
Overnight Local Guesthouse or similar
Walking Distance: Approximately 12km (round trip to Mt Mundo Perdido).
Walking Time: Approximately 5 hours (to the heart of Timor Leste’s resistance country and back). Difficulty: Moderate, rugged and hilly terrain.Day 6 – Loihuno – Baucau
Location: Baucau
Accommodation: Homestay
Accommodation Name: Local Guesthouse or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Depart this morning for Baucau, Timor-Leste’s second largest city, on the way stopping to admire the scenery of the remote villages of Ossu and Venilale. Visit the seven caves, a historic excavated tunnel system constructed by Timorese prisoners of war during the Japanese occupation of Timor-Leste in WWII. Upon arrival in Baucau, enjoy a historical and cultural tour of Baucau city where you will visit a local community farming and cultural project. (B,L,D)
Overnight Local Guesthouse or similar
Walking Distance: Short walks around Baucau city and local community project.
Walking Time: Approximately 1-2 hours. Difficulty: Easy, mostly flat terrain.Driving Distance and Journey Time: (48km) Approximately 2-3 hours.
Day 7 - Baucau – Dili
Location: Dili
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Beachfront Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today you will return to Dili (4 hrs) with stunning coastal views across the Wetar Strait. Lunch today will be back in Dili before you enjoy a guided tour of the historical and cultural sites of Dili. Take in the sunset at Cristo Rei statue overlooking Dili city. (B,L,D)
Overnight Beachfront Hotel or similar
Walking Distance: Short walks around Dili and Cristo Rei statue.
Walking Time: Approximately 1-2 hours. Difficulty: Easy, mostly flat terrain.Driving Distance and Journey Time: (120km) Approximately 2 hours.
Day 8 - Dili - Atauro Island
Location: Atauro Island
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Village Homestay or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning take a boat transfer to Atauro Island, home to the most biodiverse coral reefs in the world. The journey will take approx. 3 hours. Keep your eyes peeled from the boat for the hundreds of whales that migrate past Atauro Island. Arrive in Beloi village where you will meet your local homestay family. Enjoy a welcome lunch with your homestay family before being escorted on a tour of the local village. Spend the afternoon snorkelling from a local fisherman’s boat. Spend the evening with your local village homestay family. (B,L,D)
Overnight Village Homestay or similar
Walking Distance: Short walks around Beloi village.
Walking Time: Approximately 1-2 hours. Difficulty: Easy, mostly flat terrain.Distance and Journey Time: Boat distance (25kms) approx. 3hrs, drive approximately 1-2 hours.
Day 9 – Atauro Island
Location: Atauro Island
Accommodation: Homestay
Accommodation Name: Village Homestay or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
You have a choice this morning of a morning hike up the sacred mountain to Manucoco Peak for sunrise with stunning views across the island (5 hrs return), a morning hike to a look-out point (2hr return trip), or relaxing/free time on the island. This afternoon, set off on a tuk tuk tour of the local community where you will witness handicraft projects and community projects. You have more time today to get back in the water and snorkel from a local fisherman’s boat. Spend further time you’re your local village homestay family. (B,L,D)
Overnight Village Homestay or similar
Walking Distance: Options for a morning hike up to Manucoco Peak (10km round trip) or a shorter lookout point hike (4km round trip).
Walking Time: Approx. 5 hours for the Manucoco Peak hike, or 2 hours for the lookout point hike. Difficulty: Manucoco Peak hike is tough, steep ascent; lookout point hike is moderate.Day 10 – Atauro - Balibo
Location: Balibo
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Balibo Fort or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Enjoy your final morning snorkelling activity before your boat transfer back to Dili. Lunch today is at Agora Food Studio restaurant where you will enjoy locally sourced traditional foods and coffee. Drive to Balibo. Arrive at Balibo and meet with the local community tourism establishment. Stay in the historic Balibo Fort, constructed by the Portuguese in the early 1700s. (B,L,D)
Overnight Balibo Fort or similar
Walking Distance: Short walks around Balibo village.
Walking Time: Approximately 1-2 hours. Difficulty: Easy, mostly flat terrain.Distance and Journey Time: Boat distance (25kms), drive (125km) approximately 4 hours.
Day 11 – Balibo
Location: Balibo
Accommodation: Homestay
Accommodation Name: Balibo Fort or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today is a day of exploring and learning about the historical and cultural elements of Balibo. You will visit Balibo House, famously known as the location that five Australian journalists were murdered during the Indonesian occupation, veteran museum, and Balibo Fort. In the afternoon, visit Leohitu village to visit a community fish hatchery and swim in the jungle at Leohitu waterfall. (B,L,D)
Overnight Balibo Fort or similar
Walking Distance: Short walks around Balibo and Leohitu village.
Walking Time: Approximately 1-2 hours. Difficulty: Easy, mostly flat terrain.Day 12 - Balibo – Dili
Location: Dili
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Beachfront Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Enjoy a short shady walk to the Gruta Mortaua look out for panoramic views across the Indonesian border. Return to Dili with lunch today at a seaside restaurant in Liquica. You will stop along the way at the historical Ai Pelo Prison ruins. (B,L,D)
Overnight Beachfront Hotel or similar
Walking Time: Approximately 1 hour.
Difficulty: Easy, mostly flat terrain. Short shady walk to Gruta Mortaua lookout.
Distance and Journey Time: Drive (125km) approx. 4hrs
Day 13 - Departure
Location: Dili
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Following breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for your onward flight. (B)
What's Included
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Return airport transfers
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12 nights accommodation
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12 Breakfasts, 11 Lunches, 10 Dinners
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Services of an English speaking local guide
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Transportation in an air conditioned vehicle
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Sightseeing as per the itinerary
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Water taxi to/from Atauro Island in speedboat
What's Not Included
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International and domestic flights
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Visas
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Travel and medical insurance
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All services, meals other than those indicated above
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Any changes to the proposed and confirmed program.
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All items of a personal nature e.g. drinks, laundry, telephone calls, tips etc
Check out our Q&As
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What type of transportation is used during the tour?
The tour includes travel in air-conditioned vehicles and scenic boat transfers, including a water taxi to Atauro Island, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable journey across Timor-Leste.
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What kind of accommodations can I expect on this tour?
You will experience a variety of accommodations including Portuguese hotels, local guesthouses, and village homestays, offering a blend of comfort and cultural immersion throughout your journey in Timor-Leste.
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Are meals included in the tour package?
Yes, the tour includes 12 breakfasts, 11 lunches, and 10 dinners as part of the package.
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Will there be a guide during the tour?
Yes, the services of an English-speaking local guide are included in the tour.
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What activities are available on Atauro Island?
On Atauro Island, you can snorkel the most biodiverse coral reefs in the world, take a morning hike to Manucoco Peak or a lookout point, and enjoy a tuk-tuk tour of the local community.
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What is the difficulty level of the hikes included in the tour?
The tour includes hikes of varying difficulty levels, from easy walks around villages to moderate hikes with some uneven terrain, and a more challenging ascent to Manucoco Peak on Atauro Island.
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What cultural experiences are included in the tour?
The tour offers various cultural experiences such as exploring traditional Timorese culture, dance, song, and food, visiting local community projects, and staying with local homestay families.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes. Focusing on providing authentic experiences where ever you are in the world, Crooked Compass has access to a vast array of accommodation styles. From boutique properties in larger cities to local guest houses and home stays within small villages. Crooked Compass ensures that local authenticity flows through your accommodation throughout your tour without compromising standard.
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What sort of transportation is used for your tours?
Transportation utilised on a Crooked Compass escorted small group tour is a combination of a private air conditioned vehicle and local transport where appropriate. This may include a local bus ride, use of the cities metro system, a domestic flight to another city or overnight train ride.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Crooked Compass strives to be a leader in sustainable tourism. Crooked Compass is firmly committed to the principles of ethical travel. Our comprehensive Sustainable Tourism Practices policy summarises our commitments and actions. Although the very basis of our ground operations lends itself to the ethos of sustainable tourism, this policy re-iterates our commitment to: Use locally owned hotels Use locally owned ground agents Use local guides and drivers Promote community tourism projects from homestays to craft shops Support charities that work within the destinations that we travel to Carbon offset our travels
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Who runs your tours and are they experts in their fields?
Crooked Compass works with the worlds best operators who are specialists in their country, region and cities providing you with in depth local knowledge. We use local guides who live and breathe the areas they work in, making sure you experience their region, their way. We believe it is far better to have a local guide who knows a lot about a little than a text book trained Western tour guide who knows a little about a lot. Using local guides also ensures that money stays within local communities and supports the regions we visit.
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What can I expect from a Crooked Compass tour that I wouldn't get from travelling with an alternative company?
Crooked Compass provides a sensory way to understand the world – we help you live like a local, eat like a local, do what the locals do and seek the faces behind the places whilst discovering untouched lands and natural beauty. Crooked Compass tours delve deep into the heart and soul of a destination ensuring you get out of your journey all you intended and much, much more. Our intriguing itineraries have been created by travellers for travellers. Steering travellers to follow a different path, Crooked Compass’ itineraries allow you to experience the world’s most fascinating destinations in ways you never dreamed possible. It brings to life those ‘bucket list’ experiences you have yearned to do and separates the travellers from the tourists. Crooked Compass tours are culturally rich, reward travellers with unexpected encounters and uncommon rendezvous, creating truly unique, authentic travel experiences.
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Who do your tours cater for?
Crooked Compass escorted small group tours cater for those who are well travelled seeking the what’s next and what’s new. Our travellers are curious minded soft adventurers who want to uncover something more than the mainstream tourist trail. Crooked Compass tours draw travellers with an interest in sustainable tourism and conservation for the areas they visit. A Crooked Compass traveller is someone who is seeking something fresh and unique, who has a yearning for authenticity and discovery, with an appreciation for cultures, tradition and the natural world. We call them Cultural Purists.
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I am concerned about my impact on travelling through untouched regions. Can I offset?
Yes. All travellers on Crooked Compass tours have the option to offset their part of their tour’s carbon footprint by donating $4AUD (tax-deductible) at time of booking. 100% of these funds are donated to Greenfleet, an environmental non-profit organisation dedicated to protecting our climate by restoring our forests. By partnering with Greenfleet, we are confident that our carbon offset program provides genuine and lasting environmental benefits. Your offset donation funds plant trees and restore permanent native forests in Australia and New Zealand. As they grow, these forests provide many community and environmental benefits by absorbing carbon emissions, protecting our unique biodiversity, restoring habitat for native wildlife, preventing soil salinity and erosion, improving water quality and much more. If you’d like to find out more and offset the rest of your carbon emissions, visit www.greenfleet.org.au
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Low Deposit
Crooked Compass requires a minimum deposit of 20% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of crooked compass charges.
Up to 61 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.