Timor Leste

All content by Intrepid

15 days (ex Dili)

Destinations visited: East Timor, Dili, World

Physical rating:
Culture shock rating:

Physical Ratings

The physical rating gives you an idea of how much huffing and puffing you can expect on the trip. While generalisations are always tricky, a summary of our ratings follows:

Rating 1

These trips are a relaxing break. You don't have to worry about doing anything physically demanding unless you want to.

Rating 2

Some easy physical activities included in your trip. No physical preparation is required to make the most of the journey.

Rating 3

This trip will raise your heartbeat. Moderate physical activities are included and a good level of fitness is required.

Rating 4

Be prepared for some serious physical activity. The majority of activities included on this trip will be challenging. The fitter you are, the more you will enjoy your holiday.

Rating 5

Intrepid’s highest physical rating. Get ready for a heart-pumping adventure with plenty of challenges and some extreme conditions. You will be required to be seriously fit for this trip as difficult activities are included.

Culture Shock Ratings

The culture shock rating considers the level of development in the location, the area's infrastructure and how easy it is to access services. It also takes into consideration how different the food and customs are and whether English is widely spoken. While generalisations are always tricky, here’s a summary of the ratings:

Rating 1

This is the least confronting of Intrepid's product range. English is the native language and the food, customs and access to services will be familiar to you.

Rating 2

You will probably have experienced food like this in restaurants back home and English is commonly spoken. Services are available most of the time but there may be some cultural differences.

Rating 3

Expect some culture shock. You will be exposed to signs of poverty and access to services may be sporadic. The food will be quite different to home and English speakers harder to find. Respecting the local culture will make it easier to fit in and really experience the location.

Rating 4

The comforts of home are more of a rarity. English is not common and the food will be quite different to what you are used to. It is important to observe some of the local customs to not cause offence. Many of the locals' standard of living may be confronting.

Rating 5

You're really out there! You'll need to pay specific attention to health and hygiene. A large proportion of locals' living conditions are a world away from standards you are used to. You may have difficulty finding an English speaker and there is little or no access to services. Paying heed to local customs is essential.

LAST MINUTE OFFER

Leave Jul 15, 2012 and save 15% $2,495

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Description

Travel into a land relatively untouched by tourism, and one of the world's newest democracies, Timor-Leste. We climb mountains, explore villages, enjoy some holiday time on secluded beaches and cross into the Wetar Strait for a privileged view of the sights and sounds hidden in this emerging nation. With an emphasis on local communities, there will be ample opportunities to share in the lives of the locals and contribute to rebuilding efforts.

Highlights

Browse colourful markets in Dili.
Hike up Timor-Leste's highest mountain.
Discover war hideouts in Venilale.
Cross the Wetar Strait for an island getaway.
Support a community project on Atauro Island.

Itinerary

Days 1-2 Dili

Though retaining the feel of a Portuguese outpost, Dili is beginning to forge its own identity. Take in the sights of Timor-Leste's capital city on a half-day tour, leaving plenty of time to explore the local weaving markets or perhaps visit the Xanana Gusmao Reading Room.

Days 3-4 Maubisse / Hato Builiko

Head out of the city by 4x4, winding through hillside coffee plantations and cornfields. Stop for a night in a Portuguese-style pousada in Maubisse before continuing on to Hato Builiko. Roam about the local market watching the village farmers trading goods as they have done for centuries.

Days 5-6 Suai

Travel through lush rainforest and farmland to Suai, renowned for its traditional weaving and soccer-mad locals. Rise early to hike up Mt Ramelau - Timor-Leste's highest peak - where fresh, mountain air, scenic vistas and a statue of the Virgin Mary on the summit await.

Day 7 Dili

Make tracks back to busy Dili via the town of Balibo.

Days 8-9 Atauro Island

Be on the lookout for whales and dolphins while cruising across the Wetar Strait. As guests of an ecotourism project that supports the local community, stay in simple beach huts while enjoying the tranquillity of Atauro Island. Take the chance to explore the region in an outrigger.

Days 10-11 Baucau

Experience the traditional life of the Timorese as we head east into a lush area of rice paddies, peanut farms and vegetable fields. From a base in Baucau, drive to Venilale along a winding road flanked by gigantic old trees. Check out cave hideouts used during World War II and trek through the forest to Mt Ariana.

Days 12-13 Los Palos

Learn how weaving and basketry are contributing to community development in Los Palos. Then head east, looking out for traditional spirit houses and soaking up incredible scenery. Arrive in the village of Tutuala - the perfect base for explorations of nearby Jaco Island.

Days 14-15 Dili

Return to Dili, enjoying a stop at Com Beach along the way.

Group Size

Maximum of 12 travellers per group

Accommodation

Hotel (6 nts), Guesthouse (6 nts), Bungalow (2 nts)

Transport

4x4, Boat

Budget

Allow USD $300 for meals not included.

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