East Timor Discovery

East Timor Discovery

Duration
14 days
Group Size
16 people
Price
From £2745
Region
Asia & Pacific
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Overview

East Timor is a proud nation now at peace after many years of an independence struggle, a land of amazing variety with many fine examples of its Portuguese colonial past awaiting discovery by the intrepid traveller. On this tour we take in its highlights, starting in the relaxed capital Dili, a lovely place to wander around and soak up the East Timorese atmosphere. We climb up imposing Mt Ramelau, with its superb views over the surrounding area, before exploring delightful old colonial towns and spending time on the idyllic Atauro Island, home to a great eco-lodge with good opportunities for hiking and meeting local people. Heading to the east of the island, we relax on gorgeous beaches and visit remote islands before heading back to Dili. This trip shows the curious traveller the very best that this enchanting nation has to offer.

Highlights

Included/Excluded

Arrival and departure transfers
Overland transport throughout with professional driver
All accommodation
Services of English-speaking guide / tour leader
Meals as listed, B – Breakfast, L – Lunch, D – Dinner
Entrance fees for sites listed as part of the itinerary
International flights (, contact , us, for expert advice and a quote)
Any airport taxes
Travel Insurance
Visa – when required
Drinks
Items of personal nature
Tips (Discretionary)

Tour Ratings

Fitness: 3/5
Unexplored: 4/5
Culture: 3/5
History: 4/5
Wildlife: 2/5
Tour-pace: 3/5
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Map and Tour Itinerary

The East Timor Discovery tour is a 14-day journey through the heart of East Timor, offering an immersive experience into the culture, landscapes, and history of this emerging destination. Starting in the capital, Dili, travellers explore its colonial architecture and vibrant market scene, before heading south to Maubisse, a key coffee-growing region. The group then embarks on a trek to Mount Ramelau, East Timor’s highest peak, for a memorable sunrise from the summit. After the trek, the tour continues with a visit to Atauro Island, a beautiful, untouched destination for snorkelling and relaxing. A day is also dedicated to exploring the stunning coastline and returning to Dili via Baucau, East Timor’s second-largest town, known for its Portuguese influence and historical significance.

The second half of the tour delves deeper into the island’s diverse landscapes and cultural heritage. Highlights include a visit to Lospalos and Tutuala, where travellers can see ancient cave paintings at the Ili Kere Kere caves, before heading to the serene Jaco Island for some downtime. The journey continues through traditional villages like Com, where visitors can witness local crafts such as weaving, and ends with a final day in Dili, featuring a farewell dinner and an opportunity to reflect on the journey. This tour offers a blend of adventure, relaxation, and cultural immersion, with a focus on the natural beauty and rich traditions of East Timor.

Itinerary Highlights
Trekking to Mount Ramelau

Hike to the summit of East Timor's highest peak, Mount Ramelau, to experience a breathtaking sunrise with panoramic views across the island.

Snorkelling at Atauro Island

Discover vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life as you snorkel in the pristine waters of Atauro Island, a peaceful paradise just off Dili.

Ili Kere Kere Caves and Ancient Cave Paintings

Explore East Timor’s most important archaeological site, the Ili Kere Kere caves, home to ancient cave paintings dating back over 13,000 years.

Jaco Island

Spend a full day on the uninhabited Jaco Island, where you can unwind on serene beaches, snorkel in crystal-clear waters, and enjoy the untouched natural beauty.

Cultural Immersion in Baucau and Com

Experience traditional Timorese life in Baucau and Com, visiting local villages, observing skilled weavers, and learning about the island's rich Portuguese heritage.

Dates and Prices

Tours & Dates
Destination Tour Code Start End Trip Status Pricing
Per person
East Timor Discovery

TPD/050725 Jul 05, 2025

Saturday
Jul 18, 2025

Friday
Guaranteed £2,745.00

Single Room Supplement: £815.00
Contact Us
East Timor Discovery

TPD/040726 Jul 04, 2026

Saturday
Jul 17, 2026

Friday
Guaranteed £2,745.00

Single Room Supplement: £815.00
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Feedback from our Travellers

Essential Info

Foreign Office Travel Warnings

Before booking your tour, please familiarise yourself with the country specific information provided by the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) – www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice. This includes important information such as latest immigration requirements, and details of any travel advisories.

We constantly monitor the advice posted by the FCDO. In particular we will always advise clients of any travel warnings. At present there are no warnings against travel to the parts of East Timor we visit on this tour. Please feel free to contact us should you have any specific concerns or would like to know in detail what measures are being taken to ensure visits remain trouble free and without incident.

It should be noted that this information applies to British citizens. Other nationals are asked to check the current position of their respective government.

Visa Information

At the time of writing British, US and Australian nationals require a visa for a tourist visit to East Timor. For further details please visit the applicable website shown below.

British Nationals – www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice 

US Nationals – travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel.html 

Australian Nationals – www.smartraveller.gov.au

Other nationals should check the latest requirements with the authorities in their home country, or with the destination’s nearest embassy or consulate.

Should you require any documentation to support a visa application, such as a letter of invitation, upon request this will be provided by Undiscovered Destinations after receipt of your balance payment.

As it is the travellers’ responsibility to ensure that they meet all entry requirements it is essential that you check the rules and any other conditions at the time of booking and again when making your balance payment. In addition, we would strongly advise that you make a final check around two weeks before your arrival. This is important as requirements can change at short notice. Undiscovered Destinations, when possible, will provide guidance about entry rules, but in the first instance please contact the relevant authorities, including the applicable embassy or consulate for assistance.

Passports

It is your responsibility to ensure that you are in possession of a full passport, valid for at least six months after the date of return to your country.

We strongly advise that your passport contains a minimum of two blank pages, as this may be a requirement of the local immigration authorities. In addition, certain countries will stipulate that the two blank pages are opposite each other. If you are unable to meet these requirements, you may be refused boarding by your airline or denied entry by the immigration authorities.

For specific information about the requirements for your destination please check with the country’s embassy or consulate. Alternatively, UK citizens can visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice.

Vaccinations & Protection

As with travel to most parts of Asia, we strongly recommend that you contact your doctor’s surgery or a specialist travel clinic for up-to-date information, advice, and the necessary vaccinations. For a visit of less than one month, almost certainly you will be advised to have immunisations against the following: Diphtheria and Tetanus, Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Meningitis. The use of a DEET-containing insect repellent is highly recommended.

The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or purchased in your home country can be different in other countries. If you are travelling with prescription or over-the-counter medicine, travellers from the UK can refer to the guidance provided by the National Travel Health Network & Centre and published on the Travel Health Pro website. For further information on the legal status of a specific medicine, you will need to contact the embassy, high commission or consulate of the country or territory that you are travelling to.

Travel Insurance

It is a condition of booking with Undiscovered Destinations that you have adequate valid travel insurance. It is your responsibility to arrange appropriate travel insurance and ensure you have read and understood the full terms and conditions of your travel insurance policy to ensure that you are covered for all activities you intend to undertake whilst on the tour, including all optional activities. Your Insurance Policy must fully cover you for medical expenses (including cover for Covid-19 conditions) and emergency repatriation to your home country and be valid for the entire duration of your holiday.

Local Conditions

When travelling to our destinations, many of which are underdeveloped and untouristed by mainstream tourism, a good deal of patience and a sense of humour is an important attribute. This will help you to cope with problems such as ageing or poor infrastructure and when maintenance may not be as high as we would always like.

The choice of appropriate accommodation in some towns and cities (particularly the smaller places) can be limited, and standards of both service and maintenance can be less than polished. Guides and other service providers in some of our destinations do not always have the decades of collective practice and experience that their counterparts in more developed countries can draw upon. Although we will always try and resolve any issues as quickly as possible, on occasions there may be some shortcomings which no matter how hard we try will be unavoidable.

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