Be one of the first to discover the world’s newest nation. East Timor is a land of amazing variety, of crumbling Portuguese churches, misty mountains, pristine reefs, and an inspiring people who would not accept anything less than an independent homeland. This unique tour is the perfect introduction to East Timor, reaching many remote areas, with plenty of opportunity to meet the incredibly friendly local people. There will also be plenty of time to relax at a beach and enjoy snorkeling in crystal-clear waters. We aim to meet as many of the local people as possible, who greet every traveler with a wave and the warmest of welcomes. East Timor promises to be a rewarding experience for those travelers who like to explore and discover a people totally untouched by tourism.
Your Itinerary:
Day 1: (Wednesday) UK to Singapore. Depart the UK and travel via Dubai, arriving in Singapore the next day.
Day 2: (Thursday) Singapore. On arrival you will be met and taken to your hotel for the evening. Discover Singapore's rich ethnic, cultural and historical heritage or just visit the famous Raffles Hotel for a Singapore Sling. Overnight at a Singapore 3* hotel.
Day 3: (Friday) Singapore to Dili. This morning you are transferred back to the airport in time for the direct flight to East Timor, arriving in Dili mid afternoon. On arrival in Dili you are met and transferred from the airport to your hotel. Overnight at the Hotel Timor.
Day 4: (Saturday) Dili. After a relaxing morning, you will be taken on a tour of the capital city. Dili still sports a few Portuguese accents like the villa-lined beach roads, the former colonial garrison built in 1627 and the church built on the waterfront. But new shops, restaurants and bars are opening all the time, bringing a new energy and style to this once sleepy city. Overnight at the Hotel Timor.
Day 5: (Sunday) Dili-Aileu-Maubisse-Hato-Builico. After breakfast, drive southwards to Dare and Aileu, where we visit Quinta de Portugal, an agriculture farm. We continue to Maubisse and reach Hato Builico in the afternoon, where we camp. Enjoy a leisurely evening BBQ in a wonderfully tranquil setting, at the foot of Mount Ramelau (2,963 m), the summit of which is our destination for tomorrow. Overnight camping (equipment provided). Includes: (B), (D).
Day 6: (Monday) Hato-Builico-Mount Ramelau-Dili. Our climb (moderate trek) starts at 03:00 am to ensure we reach the summit, weather permitting, for the most spectacular of sunrises. We spend time enjoying the magnificent views before starting our journey back down. After our descent we head back to Dili. Overnight at the Hotel Timor.
Day 7: (Tuesday) Dili-Atauro Island. We travel by local ferry (2½ hours) to Atauro, a coral island, 30 km across the Wetar strait. During the crossing we hope to see schools of dolphins and pilot whales (it is said locally, that sightings occur on nine out of ten 10 crossings). There will be time to snorkel (equipment provided) and to see some fine coral and marine life before staying overnight at the island’s Eco Resort. Overnight at the Atauro Eco Resort.
Day 8: (Wednesday) Atauro Island. A full day to relax and enjoy the island. Spend your time on the beach or snorkeling among the pristine coral. Overnight at the Atauro Eco Resort.
Day 9: (Thursday) Atauro-Dili-Baucau. We return to Dili by local ferry and join our 4 WD vehicles to follow the stunning coastal road to Baucau. Depending on our group size we plan to stay at the colonial Pousada de Baucau. Alternatively, we stay at a comfortable and very welcoming local guest house. Overnight at either the Pousada de Baucau or good a quality Guest House.
Day 10: (Friday) Baucau-Venilale-Baucau. We head inland through some wonderful mountain scenery, passing rice paddies on terraced hillsides before reaching Venilale. The town is known for its Portuguese architecture, particularly the "Escola do Reino de Venilale" that we will visit. On our return to Baucau, time permitting; we visit the Fatumaca Catholic School (school visits subject to local confirmation). Overnight at either the Pousada de Baucau or good a quality Guest House.
Day 11: (Saturday) Baucau-Laga-Lauteem-Com. We continue our tour, first heading south to Lospalos, home of the Fataluku people and then through the hills to Com, where we stay the night at a comfortable beach resort. Overnight at Com Beach Resort.
Day 12: (Sunday) Com. A full day to relax and enjoy the laid back atmosphere of Com. Overnight at Com Beach Resort.
Day 13: (Monday) Com-Lospalos-Tutuala-Jaco Island. After breakfast we travel via Lospalos to Tutuala, and the IIi Kere Kere caves, East Timor’s most important archaeological site. The walk from the road to the caves can be hot and difficult but it is worthwhile to see the fascinating cave paintings, which have been dated at more than 13,000 years. From the cliff top position of Tutuala we have superb views of the uninhabited Jaco Island. Local fisherman will take us the short distance across to the island. With their agreement we may be allowed the rare opportunity to camp overnight on the island. All equipment will be provided. Our staff will prepare lunch on the beach, followed by a barbecue dinner.
Alternatively, we will return to Tutuala and camp overnight on the beach, opposite Jaco Island. Overnight camping Jaco Island or Tutuala beach (equipment provided). Includes: (B), (L), (D).
Day 14: (Tuesday) Jaco Island-Tutuala-Com. After lunch on Jaco Island local fisherman will take us back to the mainland for our return road transfer to Com. If we have been unable to stay overnight on the island, then lunch will be taken in Tutuala, before returning to Com. Overnight at Com Beach Resort.
Day 15: (Wednesday) Com-Baucau-Dili. A morning departure by road to Dili, with a stop en-route at a community project Silk Worm factory. We have the afternoon in Dili to relax, before you are invited to our special evening "Farewell Party" (subject to minimum number of travelers). Join our local guides and staff in Dili for a Cultural Evening of local food and dance. Your last evening in East Timor will be a memorable one and a fitting end to your adventure. The Cultural Evening will be dependent on sufficient numbers in our group. Therefore, we may offer a typical Timorese dinner at a local Dili restaurant for smaller groups or individual travelers. Overnight at Hotel Timor. Includes: (B), (D).
Day 16: (Thursday) Dili departure. We transfer to the airport for your flight to Singapore, connecting the same evening for London, via Dubai.
Day 17: (Friday) Arrive UK. We arrive back in the UK late morning.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Group Tours:
- 6 May 2009 to 18 May 2009: £2,850
- 15 July 2009 to 31 July 2009: £2,850
- 14 October 2009 to 30 October 2009: £2,850
- 5 May 2010 to 17 May 2010: £2,850.
Price Includes:
- All flights, pre-payable airports taxes and current fuel surcharges
- Overnight Singapore hotel on outbound journey (room only, with transfers)
- All hotel accommodation in East Timor, based on twin share, with private facilities
- All transport using air-conditioned 4 WD vehicles
- Daily breakfast when in East Timor and other meals as shown in the itinerary
- Excursions by boat to Atauro Island and Jaco Island
- Local English speaking guide/driver throughout.
Price Includes:
- Visa costs
- Travel Insurance
- Drinks
- Single Supplement - £220 (optional on group tours).
Note: On our group tours, there is no single supplement - we will match you with a roommate of the same gender. Our policy is to avoid supplements unless requested by you.
Also see tour packages in:
Asia
East Timor
Local Culture
Cultural Journey
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