Original
Expeditions
Timor-Leste Expedition
4.7
Excellent
11 reviews
9 days
Start
Dili, Timor-Leste
Finish
Dili, Timor-Leste
Trip Code
TEST
Min Age
15
Trip Size
1 - 12
Physical Rating
Meals
8 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 7 dinners
Transport
Private vehicle, Boat
Accommodation
Hotel (4 nights) Guesthouse (2 nights), Homestay (2 nights)
From £2,156(9 days)
Trip Informations
Why you’ll love this trip
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.
Is this trip right for you?
As Timor-Leste is off the typical tourist track, infrastructure is limited, and accommodation basic. You can expect clean and comfortable lodgings with fans, squat toilets, and traditional mandi bucket showers. On Atauro Island the group will be divided into different home stays where there may be differences in the standard of living between households.
Some guides may be very new to the tourism industry so know that you are supporting the next generation of tourism leaders. Our local Timor-Leste operator works in partnership with local universities to provide practical tour guide training opportunities to graduate students.
A good level of fitness is required to hike to the summit of Timor-Leste’s highest mountain, at 2986m above sea level. You’ll wake at 2.30 am to begin the walk, which is a 5-hour round trip.
The stories and history shared at the Santa Cruz cemetery, Chega Exhibition and Timorese Resistance Archive and Museum are confronting and many travellers will find them upsetting. This is an important part of Timor-Leste’s recent history that we feel is important for travellers to know. If you would prefer not to join these activities your leader can recommend some optional alternatives.
As Timor-Leste is off the typical tourist track, infrastructure is limited, and accommodation basic. You can expect clean and comfortable lodgings with fans, squat toilets, and traditional mandi bucket showers. On Atauro Island the group will be divided into different home stays where there may be differences in the standard of living between households.
Some guides may be very new to the tourism industry so know that you are supporting the next generation of tourism leaders. Our local Timor-Leste operator works in partnership with local universities to provide practical tour guide training opportunities to graduate students.
A good level of fitness is required to hike to the summit of Timor-Leste’s highest mountain, at 2986m above sea level. You’ll wake at 2.30 am to begin the walk, which is a 5-hour round trip.
The stories and history shared at the Santa Cruz cemetery, Chega Exhibition and Timorese Resistance Archive and Museum are confronting and many travellers will find them upsetting. This is an important part of Timor-Leste’s recent history that we feel is important for travellers to know. If you would prefer not to join these activities your leader can recommend some optional alternatives.
Itinerary
Dive into a land of incredible biodiversity and hospitality
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.
Inclusions
Meals
8 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 7 dinners
Transport
Private vehicle, Boat
Accommodation
Hotel (4 nights) Guesthouse (2 nights), Homestay (2 nights)
Included activities
Complimentary Arrival Transfer
Dili - Alola Foundation visit
Hato Builico - Village Walking Tour
Dili - Motael Church visit
Dili - Chega! Exhibition
Hato Builico - Mt Ramelau Sunrise Hike
Maubisse - Guided town tour
Maubisse - Coffee Plantation & Farmlands tour
Aileu - Projeto Montanha visit
Maubisse - Traditional ceremony and sunrise walk
Atauro Island - Snorkelling tour
Atauro Island - Social enterprise tuk tuk tour
Atauro Island - Fisherman's Boat snorkeling tour
Dili - Cristo Rei Statue & Beach
Atauro - local market
Dili - dinner on beach
Dili - Tais Market
Dili - Guided city tour
Dili - Santa Cruz Cemetery
Complimentary Airport Departure Transfer
Dates and availability
Starting
Ending
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Important notes
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
A Single Supplement is available for purchase on this trip excluding nights 5 and 6 where you will share with someone of the same gender.
LUGGAGE LIMIT
Luggage limits for this trip are max 7kg for your carry-on and 15kg for your main luggage
VISA ON ARRIVAL
Ensure you bring $30 US dollars to pay for your visa at the airport. There are no money exchange facilities at the airport. You'll need to provide authorities with your hotel's address. Please use the details from the start point hotel listed in the trip notes for this purpose.
ARRIVAL & DEPARTURE TRANSFERS
An airport arrival and departure transfer is included on your trip. Please advise your flight details at time of booking
Reviews (11)
5 stars
8
4 stars
3
Charlotte
Jul 08, 2025
Ella, Mada, Aka and Abrao were fantastic guides, and provided an excellent insight into Timorese history and culture. The itinerary was very varied, taking you to locations that may be logistically challenging to get to yourself. Would highly recommend!
Deborah
Jun 29, 2025
I have been on many Intrepid trips. Without a doubt this was the best one. The trip schedule was fantastic, and we saw and did so much. We climbed Ramelau, snorkeled and visited museums and memorials. Elha and Abrao deserve a special mention as they went above and beyond my expectations of leaders on a tour. The food and accommodation also exceeded my expectations.
Rebecca
Sep 27, 2024
I learnt so much on my trip to Timor Leste. There is so much important history to learn, and so much beautiful nature and culture to embrace. The guides used by Intrepid were incredible, knowledgeable, friendly and so welcoming. The itinerary is jam packed full of fun and interesting activities. 10/10 trip, would go again.
Jill
Aug 24, 2024
This trip was fabulous. Tanya and Ellie were excellent guides and the country is stunning.
Anna Catharina
Jun 09, 2024
This trip is one of the best I've done with Intrepid. The country is just starting to develop their tourism and so you get to see what the country is really like. The people of Timor Leste are friendly, warm, sharing and caring - and our group leaders were fantastic. The nature is fabulous and climbing up the mountain in the wee hours of the morning was definitely worth it. If you travel for experience and meeting people this is a trip for you.
Ashu
Oct 29, 2023
Fabulous trip through Timor-Leste. From the mountains to the beaches, expect an authentic, insightful experience.
Janine
Oct 27, 2023
Thank you tour guides - Ella Tanya and Romeo. You did such a great job looking after us and giving us a great cultural experience
Gregory
Oct 27, 2023
Very enjoyable, informative and challenging trip with great informative, trendily and genuinely caring guides
Monique
Jul 02, 2025
This was a trip of a lifetime! Timor-Leste is an amazing country full of stunning mountains, pristine waters and beautiful, generous people. Everyone should now about the history, culture and future of the incredible Timor-Leste! Being able to connect with Timorese survivors and activists was so inspiring. The activities on this trip were exceptional and diverse - a sunrise mountain climb, snorkeling in some of the world's best and most untouched reefs, attending historical sites. Our guides were generous with their knowledge and time, ensuring we had an incredible experience.
Karen
Jun 29, 2025
This trip, organised with Timor Unearthed, was fantastic. Ela our guide was the best. Professional and very helpful and friendly. Our 3 other guides/trainees Mada, Abrao and Aka were also the best. Great team and the trip was run smoothly. This trip is not for everyone, especially if your looking for luxury, but if your are looking for an adventure and experience this is for you. The climb up Mt Mammelau was hard but definitely worth it with the sunrise at the top. I do not recommend anyone paying the single supplement.
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