Be one of the first to travel in this captivating new country—an MTS exclusive!

MTS’ pioneering spirit continues with this exciting, multi-sport journey to Timor-Leste, one of the world’s newest countries. We are the only U. S. company to offer trips here, which means a rare opportunity to see this pristine, culturally diverse nation while it’s still unchanged by tourism. You’ll learn about the country’s moving struggle for independenceas you visit monuments to the resistance, and immerse yourself in the culture as you meet the local Timorese in traditional villages and join in their feasts. You’ll climb imposing Mt. Ramelau, the country’s highest mountain, and camp at its 9,721-foot peak. You’ll trek through ancient tropical forests on your way to prehistoric rock paintings, spot unique bird and animal life at Nino Konis Santana National Park and Iralalaro Lake, and take an outrigger canoe to sacred Jaco Island, where you can kayak, snorkel, and swim in the azure waters or just relax on the sugar-white sand. Best of all, you’ll enjoy the unique pleasure of being one of the first visitors to see this little-known country. Come be a true explorer on this new and very special MTS adventure.

Activities

6 Days of moderate hiking on uneven terrain.

3 Days easy cultural touring.

2 Days of swimming, snorkeling and fishing on remote islands

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

• Join MTS—the only U.S. company to offer tours in Timor-Leste—and discover the diverse cultures of this new nation, only recently open to tourism
• Trek through primeval forests on your way to sacred gardens, waterfalls, hot springs and caves, and kayak and snorkel on pristine, remote islands
• Learn about Timor-Leste’s turbulent history with our local guides, as you visit the moving Resistance Museum, National WWII Museum and Chega! Exhibition
• Climb imposing Mt. Ramelau, the country’s tallest peak, and camp at its summit
• Share in the friendly Timor culture as you join in feasts and watch traditional dances

Duration: 12 days Start Location: Dili End Location: Dili

BRIEF Itinerary

• 

  Day 1 : Welcome to Dili

  Arrive in Dili, Timor Leste.  Spend the afternoon on an introductory tour of Dili, visiting historic sites and landmark monuments. Welcome dinner in the evening with your group.

• 

  Day 2 : From traditional farmland villages to Mt Ramelau

  A scenic drive up the back hills of Dili towards the central ranges of Timor Leste. Passing through many traditional farmland villages on our way to Mount Ramelau. Trek to the base camp of Mount Ramelau arriving in time to watch the spectacular sunset.

• 

  Day 3 : Summit of Mt Ramelau

  An early start this morning to watch the sunrise from the summit of Mount Ramelau. Return to the town of Maubisse where we will spend the afternoon walking around the village and chatting to the friendly local people. Spend the night in an old Portuguese guesthouseoverlooking the town of Maubisse.

• 

  Day 4 : Historic town of Aileu

  We start to make our way back to Dili, stopping at the historic town of Aileu. Aileu which is surrounded by rice paddies and garden plots has a plethora of historical structures that are scattered throughout the town.

  We'll also visit the  WWII Australian War Memorial at Fatunaba where you can learn about the war history and the impact on the lives of the Timorese on this then colony of Portugal and neutral to the war. Return to the laid-back city, Dili for the evening.

• 

  Day 5 : Along the North Coast

  Early start as we make our way to Loihuno, a town situated at the central eastern part of Timor Leste. This is a drive along the North Coast passing the cities of Manatuto and Baucau. Baucau is the second largest city of Timor Leste, set up on the limestone hills on the North coast.

• 

  Day 6 : Waterfalls and Caves

  Light trekking around the grounds, which will have us visiting waterfalls and caves.  One of the more famous caves was a hideout for one of the leaders of the resistance fighters during the Indonesian invasion (1975 to 1999). Return to lunch at the lodge then in the afternoon transfer to the town of Baucau and free time to explore the towns local markets.

• 

  Day 7 : Nino Konis Santana National Park

  Today we make our way to idilic Valu Beach in Tutuala. Stopping along the way at Com Beach, Lake Ira Lalaro which is the largest lake in Timor Leste, and a favorite spot for many of the island's birds.We will have plenty of time to swim, snorkel and hike throughout this area.

• 

  Day 8 : Jaco Island

  Today we will trek to the Ile Kére Kére and Leneara caves featuring ancient rock paintings dating back as far as 35,000-40,000 years. The afternoon will be spent on Jaco Island, a part of the protected Nino Konis Santana National Park. Here you will have the option to  bush walking, swim and snorkel in the most pristine azure waters.

• 

  Day 9 : Village of Maupitine

  Today we take a light safari drive around Iralalaro lake to the village of Maupitine. Maupitine is a small farming village set on the fringe of lake Iralalaro. During the safari we travel through grassy lowlands and many other small villages. Drive to the fishing village of Com where traditional weavers sell their “Tais”, the colourful locally weaved traditional cloth. Learn how weaving and basketry are contributing to community development.

• Day 10 : Monkey's Lagoon

  This morning we start our slow transfer back to Dili. Our first stop on the way back is a visit to fossilized monkey’s lagoon for a chance to see the giant clam fossils and the monkey community. There will be plenty of stops along the way to stretch the legs and take photos.

• 

  Day 11 : Dili Day

  After several days of adventurous hiking and touring you’ll relish the opportunity to relax and take in many options in and around Dili.
  Your guides will help you plan some optional activities or point out the best local hikes. But don’t worry, if you simply want to
  relax and soak up the atmosphere, you’ll enjoy stretching your legs in Dili.

  At the end of the day, we’ll celebrate our last night together at the local restaurant .

• Day 12 : Depart Timor-Leste

  We'll have a relaxed breakfast in Dili before heading to the airport to connect with your homeward-bound flights.

Properties shown are representative of the accommodations we use on this trip, may not be inclusive of all accommodations we use, and are subject to change.

photo credits: