Travel to Timor-Leste – Episode 931

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Travel to Timor-Leste (Podcast). Explore Timor-Leste with a week-long itinerary featuring Dili's cultural sites, world-class snorkeling on Ataúro Island, scenic hikes to Mount Ramelau, and historic landmarks in Baucau and Balibo.

Hear about travel to Timor-Leste as the Amateur Traveler talks to Jonty Crane about this small out of the way tropical country where he is doing volunteer work.

Why should you go to Timor-Leste?

Jonty says, “… Because nobody else goes if that’s your thing. It was quite a shock when I went to Australia, and there were tourists. Whereas going around Timor, there’s almost no tourists. So that’s a bonus. And it has world-class snorkeling, world-class diving, world-class hiking.”

Jonty recommends an itinerary for Timor-Leste that spans approximately a week, balancing time in Dili, nearby islands, and exploring the mainland. Here’s the suggested breakdown:

Day 1-2: Dili

  • Explore Dili City:
    • Visit Timorese Resistance Archive and Museum for an overview of the country’s history.
    • Stop by Santa Cruz Cemetery, the site of the 1991 massacre.
    • Take a walk in Tasitolu, an area with three lakes, significant for bird watching and local culture.
  • Cristo Rei of Dili:
    • Hike up to the iconic 27-meter statue of Jesus Christ. Enjoy panoramic views of Dili and surrounding beaches.
    • Relax at nearby beaches like Cristo Rei Beach or Back Beach for snorkeling.
  • Dili Traditional Dishes: Try local cuisine at restaurants like Pro Ema or Dilicious Timor.

Day 3-4: Ataúro Island

  • Getting There:
    • Take a ferry (fast boat or regular ferry) or a short flight.
  • Activities:
    • Snorkeling or diving at the coral reefs, known for their biodiversity.
    • Stay at Barry’s Eco-Lodge or a diving resort like Compass Diving Resort.
    • Go for hikes into the hills or walk to the west coast for lush scenery.
  • Relax:
    • Enjoy the tranquil environment and fresh seafood.

Day 5: Drive East to Baucau

  • Baucau Highlights:
    • Stay at Pousada de Baucau, a colonial-era hotel.
    • Visit the Piscina de Baucau, a natural spring-fed swimming pool.
    • Explore Watabo’o Beach for a serene coastal experience.
  • Scenic Drive:
    • Enjoy the winding Snake Road with spectacular coastal views.

Day 6: Mount Ramelau or Maubisse

  • Option 1: Mount Ramelau (Hiking):
    • Hike to the highest peak in Timor-Leste (2,986m / 9796 feet).
    • Experience spectacular sunrise views over the island.
  • Option 2: Maubisse:
    • Visit this hill town for its cool climate, markets, and scenic views.
    • Stay at a local pousada or guesthouse.

Day 7: Return to Dili or Extend West

  • Liquiçá and Maubara:
    • Visit the Old Ai Pelo Prison and Maubara Fort for insights into Portuguese history.
  • Balibo:
  • Return to Dili for departure.

Notes:

  • Transportation:
    • Hire a car and driver for mainland travel, especially in remote areas., with a 4WD required for remote areas
    • Use microlets (local buses) within Dili for affordable transport.
  • Season: Visit during the dry season (May-November) for the best weather and road conditions.
  • Accommodations: Options range from eco-lodges and guesthouses to modest 4-star hotels in Dili.

This itinerary highlights Timor-Leste’s rich history, unspoiled landscapes, and warm hospitality, offering a balance of adventure and cultural immersion.

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Show Notes

Exploring Timor-Leste – Travel to one of the least visited countries on the planet
The Book – Exploring Timor-Leste: A comprehensive travel guide to one of the least visited countries in the world 
East Timor
Dili
Dili Saturday Walkers
Tasitolu
Timorese Resistance Archive and Museum
Old Ai Pelo Prison, Liquica
Comarca Balide Prison, Dili
Santa Cruz Cemetery
Cristo Rei of Dili
Dili Traditional Dishes: Cuisine You Must Try
Uma Lulik
Ataúro Island
Jaco Island
Request A Flight
Barry’s Eco-Lodge
Accomodation in Atauro Island
Compass Diving Resort, Beloi
Eco Discovery
Maddog Adventure
Mount Ramelau
Dili Dirt Bikes Tours
Timor Tours
Maubisse
Pouaasa Maubisse
Liquiçá
Maubara
Balibo
Balibo Fort Hotel, Balibo
Manitoutou
Baucau
Pousada de Baucau
Piscina de Baucau
Watabo’o Beach
Oecusse
Jonty travels

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Travel to Timor-Leste (Podcast). Explore Timor-Leste with a week-long itinerary featuring Dili's cultural sites, world-class snorkeling on Ataúro Island, scenic hikes to Mount Ramelau, and historic landmarks in Baucau and Balibo. #timor #timorleste #travel #vacation #trip #holiday #tropical #island Travel to Timor-Leste (Podcast). Explore Timor-Leste with a week-long itinerary featuring Dili's cultural sites, world-class snorkeling on Ataúro Island, scenic hikes to Mount Ramelau, and historic landmarks in Baucau and Balibo. #timor #timorleste #travel #vacation #trip #holiday #tropical #island

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Chris Christensen

by Chris Christensen

Chris Christensen is the creator of the Amateur Traveler blog and podcast. He has been a travel creator since 2005 and has won awards including being named the "Best Independent Travel Journalist" by Travel+Leisure Magazine.

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