Upon arrival at Dili Airport, you will be welcomed by your English-speaking tour-guide and begin your adventure in Timor-Leste with a tour of the capital. Key highlights include the Santa Cruz Cemetery, the Resistance Museum, the Chega!

Exhibition, and the iconic Cristo Rei statue overlooking the coast.

Morning transfer to Maubisse, a charming town nestled in the central mountains. As you ascend from Dili, enjoy a scenic drive through rolling hills with breathtaking panoramic views of the capital and the northern islands of Atauro and Alor, the final stretches of the Indonesian archipelagoPerched at 1,600 meters above sea level, Maubisse enjoys a mild, spring-like climate year-round, with the coolest temperatures between June and August during the dry season.

The region thrives on agriculture, supplying Dili with fresh local produce such as rice, potatoes, beans, cassava, and an abundance of vegetables. Along the way, you’ll spot traditional Mambae houses with conical thatched roofs, built from bamboo or earth walls.

These structures are designed to protect against the strong, cold mountain winds by extending their roofs down to the groundIn Maubisse, visit the Portuguese-era Pousada, perched on a hilltop at the town’s center. Like many Pousadas built by the Portuguese, this one offers a stunning 360° view of the surrounding valleys and mountains. Though in need of restoration, it still retains its original wooden floors and fireplace, preserving its colonial charm.Enjoy some free time to wander through Maubisse’s local market or explore the nearby countryside before continuing your journey in the afternoon.

The route winds through alpine landscapes as you make your way to Hatu-Builiko, a small village at the foot of Mount Ramelau, Timor-Leste’s highest peak

Before dawn, transfer to the foothills of Mount Ramelau for the ascent to Timor-Leste’s highest peak. The hike takes approximately 2.5 hours, leading you to a breathtaking sunrise from the summit (2,963m). On a clear day, you’ll witness sweeping views of both the northern and southern coasts, while on misty mornings, the mountain appears to float above the clouds.

At the summit stands a statue of Our Lady of the Assumption, erected by the Catholic Church in October 1997 during the Indonesian occupation. With this statue, the peak symbolically reaches 3,000m. Every October, thousands of Christian pilgrims make their way here to commemorate its anniversary.

Descend back to the hotel for a late morning rest before setting off in the early afternoon toward Suai.

The journey winds through scenic mountain ranges and traditional villages, offering glimpses of local life. Along the way, visit an important logistics base for Timor-Leste’s oil industry before arriving in Suai, where you’ll explore its surroundings, visit traditional villages, and discover historical sites, including the Suai Cathedral.

Begin the day with a scenic mountain drive to Bobonaro, enjoying panoramic views along the way. Continue toward Marobo, where you’ll experience authentic hospitality with a home-cooked lunch in a local household.

In the afternoon, descend to the Marobo Hot Springs, a natural thermal pool where you can soak and unwind while taking in the distinct sulfuric scent of the mineral-rich waters flowing from the mountains.

The area still holds the ruins of an old colonial-era thermal resort, and a small restored pool now offers a relaxing dip in the warm, healing waters.

Later in the day, transfer to Maliana, arriving by late afternoon.

Start the morning exploring Maliana, before heading toward Balibo, a town steeped in history. Upon arrival, take a walking tour to visit the iconic Balibo House, where five Australian and British journalists sought refuge in 1975 as the Indonesian invasion of Timor-Leste unfolded.

In the afternoon, continue discovering Balibo, including a visit to Fort Hotel, housed in a former Portuguese garrison.

The site also features a restored colonial-era residence, now home to the hotel’s restaurant, offering a glimpse into the town’s past.In the afternoon, continue discovering Balibo, including a visit to Fort Hotel, housed in a former Portuguese garrison. The site also features a restored colonial-era residence, now home to the hotel’s restaurant, offering a glimpse into the town’s past.

Start the day with an early transfer to the Loes River, Timor-Leste’s longest waterway. Stretch your legs along the riverbanks and, if you wish, browse for fresh local produce and seasonal fruits from nearby vendors.

Continue toward Maubara, where you’ll explore its historic Portuguese fort, a reminder of the colonial past.In the afternoon, follow the coastal road to Baucau, passing through dramatic mountain landscapes with breathtaking views of the ocean, coral reefs, white-sand beaches, and even striking marble shores.

Along the way, visit traditional fishing villages, where you can observe daily life by the sea.The journey also takes you through Laleia, birthplace of Timorese resistance leader Xanana Gusmão, and the coastal town of Manatuto. Arrive in Baucau by late afternoon, ready to explore this charming town.

*As the second-largest city in Timor-Leste, Baucau sits on a hill overlooking the ocean, blending traditional architecture with limestone buildings carved from the very stone on which the town stands.

Once reliant on fishing and rice cultivation, Baucau has evolved into a bustling hub, with a lively daily market and thriving businesses, thanks to its role as a key stop for travelers heading to other districts.One of the town’s most iconic landmarks is the Pousada de Baucau, originally built as a guesthouse. During Portuguese rule, it served as a weekend retreat for those escaping the sweltering heat of Dili, offering a cooler climate and scenic surroundings.

Today, the Pousada retains its original Portuguese-style architecture, including elegant parquet floors. However, it also holds a darker past, as its rooms were once used as interrogation chambers by the Indonesian military during the occupation.Baucau is also home to Timor-Leste’s oldest and largest international airport, which, though currently unused, is undergoing renovations for future development.The Pousada de Baucau still retains its original hotel building, featuring classic parquet floors that reflect its Portuguese architectural heritage.

However, behind its elegant façade lies a tragic past—during the Indonesian occupation, its rooms were repurposed as interrogation chambers by the military.*

Morning visit of Baucau, followed by a scenic drive to Tutuala, passing through the village of Pitileti, several traditional cemeteries, Mehara, and the Ira Lalaro Lake—the largest in Timor-Leste.

In the afternoon, explore the Lene Hara Caves, home to ancient rock paintings depicting the Fataluku people. These paintings hold significant anthropological value, as studies have revealed striking similarities to motifs found in other parts of Southeast Asia, including the Philippines, where nomadic tribes of Northern Asian origin also settled. Recent discoveries in the area include the oldest known bone fishing hooks, an ancient stone harpoon, and a newly identified rock carving near the Lene Hara Caves.

All of these sites are located within the Nino Konis Santana National Park, a vast protected area that also encompasses Lake Ira Lalaro.

In the late afternoon, transfer to Valu Beach, where you'll board a traditional boat to the idyllic island of Jaco—a pristine paradise perfect for relaxation.

Return to Tutuala by the end of the day.

Jaco Island is a small, uninhabited paradise within the protected Nino Konis Santana National Park, located in the eastern Lospalos district, home to the Fataluku people. Blessed with pristine white-sand beaches, crystal-clear azure waters, and sparse coastal vegetation, Jaco is an idyllic retreat. Visitors can enjoy leisurely beach walks, swimming, snorkeling, and even fishing, which is permitted.As a sacred land (Lulik) for the Fataluku people, overnight stays are not allowed, except for men. However, once a year, local women are granted permission to spend the night on the island for a secret female ritual.The Lospalos district is an ancient cultural heritage site with immense anthropological value. The recent discovery of the world’s oldest known fishing hooks in Tutuala provides evidence of nomadic tribes inhabiting this region over 42,000 years ago.

Day of transfers to Dili.

Along the way, explore several historical sites in Baucau surroundings.