The Democratic Republic of East Timor is a tiny country in Southeast Asia on the Island of Timor in the Malay Archipelago, about 600kms from the Northern coast of Australia.Also know as Timor-Leste, this place is one of the very last in the region that remains unscathed by mass tourism; and along with its surrounding islands, can only be described as a pure escape from civilization.
One of only two Catholic nations in Asia, after the Philippines, East Timor is a former Portuguese colony, and declared independence in 1975. Only then to be met with an invasion, and occupation, by Indonesia. So, it is only until 2002 that this country gained its full independence.
Its tumultuous colonial history has somewhat left East Timor’s economy in tatters, for when Indonesian troops withdrew in 1999, they destroyed more than 70 percent of the country’s infrastructure upon exit – leaving thousands of civilians homeless. However, despite all its political, infrastructural and economic issues, a journey to East Timor is nothing short of a great adventure. For here not only will you witness the making of what could be classed the world’s youngest democracy; but more importantly you will experience a raw paradise likened only to another dimension of absolute freedom.
For just 30 kilometers North of Dili, on the North coast of East Timor, is another island named Atauro. Home to a population of only 9,000 people, comprised of mainly fisherman and farmers scattered across villages in the three main centres of the island. Atauro is also home to several kilometers of mountain trails and untouched beaches, whose waters boast a thriving coral reef.
And Atauro isn’t all, because on this Trekkup you will experience several of East Timor’s provinces all untouched and uncrowded by tourists; which only adds to their exotic charm, warmed even further by the climate, and of course the welcoming native inhabitants who speak both Portuguese and the Tetum.
Leste GO!
DAY 1: DILI
Arrival, immigration adventure, check in hotel and lunch. In the afternoon we’ll start with visit to Tais Market for some hustle and bustle before checking out the 3rd tallest Jesus statue in the world, Cristo Rei and the 6m tall Paus Yohanes Paulus II statue nearby. If you’re feeling a little small, we’ll stop to check local cock fight and sundowners at beaches of Arei Branca towards the chilled evening.
DAY 2: HATUBUILICO - MAUBISSE
After breakfast, get ready to check out. We will be heading to Maubisse. This drive gives us a bird’s eye view of the capital city, the Dili bay and the Island of Atauro set 32 Km across to the North of Dili. We will stop at the Dare Australian WWII Memorial before continuing the drive to
the historic town of Aileu, where we will have lunch at a vanilla farm. With filled bellies, we continue our scenic drive to Maubisse where a cultural ceremony awaits.
DAY 3: MT. RAMELAU
Wakeup call at 3 am, as we will leave at 3.30 am for conquering Mt. Ramelau, the highest mountain of Timor Leste peaking at 2963m. The trek to the summit will take about 2.5 hour. If we arrive on schedule and weather is good, we can watch the spectacular sunrise from the summit expected at 6.30 am. We will start descending back to the base at 7.30 am and expected to arrive at base at 9 am. Transfer back to the guesthouse for breakfast. Wash up, pack, and get ready for Dokomali Falls on the way back to Capitol. Overnight in hotel.
DAY 4: ATAURO
Get your swimwear ready! After transfer to the port for our speedboat crossing to Atauro Island, we will spend the day exploring the calm waters. Snorkelling and exploring the village.
DAY 5: ATAURO
Breakfast, get ready to explore the western part of the Atauro Island, tropical paradise on the ocean side with untouched lovely reefs and places to snorkel, such as Atekry, Adara, and Iliana.
In the evening NYE celebration, Atauro style!!
DAY 6: DILI
Return to Dili, time for local coffee accompanied by sweet breads and sasoru. Last souvenir shopping. Overnight in the hotel.
DAY 7 : DEPARTURE TO BALI
Its not going to be easy to bid farewell to Timor, but its time to head back to airport for a flight back to Bali and further, home.
Level of difficulty: Easy and relaxing.
Activities: Trekking, boating, swimming, sightseeing, snorkelling, optional diving.
Cost: 6900 AED excl. flights to JAKARTA / BALI, incl. connecting flights Bali - Timor, until OCT 15th.
Accommodation & meals: 4 star hotel and beach resort - double sharing. Meals excluded.
Visas: Visa free or on arrival for all passports!
Trip starts: BALI Airport DPS DEC 27 at 08.30
Trip ends: BALI Airport DPS JAN 02 at 10.00
See yah in Timor x
Trekkup Crew
Whatsapp 050 4848238 / [email protected]
[Find all trekkups at linktr.ee/trekkup](https://linktr.ee/trekkup)
Event Venue
Dubai International Airport, Address,Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Tickets
