Day 1Dili
Capital exploration. Cristo Rei, markets, museum, waterfront. Acclimatize and plan.
Before you fly, fill in the online arrival card.

The definitive Timor-Leste experience from coast to summit
Timor-Leste (East Timor) is the eastern half of the island of Timor, 90 minutes by direct flight from Darwin.
Email me this itineraryNumbered by day order. Hover a pin for details.
Day 1Capital exploration. Cristo Rei, markets, museum, waterfront. Acclimatize and plan.
Before you fly, fill in the online arrival card.
Day 2–3Ferry to Ataúro, the island north of Dili. World-class diving, snorkelling, dolphin watching, village life, eco-lodge.
Day 4–5Drive to Maubisse through the highlands. Next day, early start for the sunrise trek to the summit of Mount Ramelau (2,963m). The trail passes through cloud forest and a hilltop shrine. Watching dawn break from the highest point in the country is unforgettable.
Day 6Drive east to Baucau, the second city. Explore the Portuguese old town (Kota Lama) with its crumbling colonial architecture, natural spring swimming pool, and dramatic cliff-top views over the Wetar Strait.
Day 7–8Continue east into Lautém, the country's far eastern tip, and the Nino Konis Santana National Park. Hike through tropical forest to pristine beaches. Boat to Jaco Island, an uninhabited sacred island with crystal-clear water and white sand. Camp on the beach or stay in a nearby village.
Day 9A full day on the road back to Dili along the north coast, long but beautiful, with stops at viewpoints and a seaside lunch on the way. Spend the last night in Dili, so the drive never has to race a flight.
Day 10A last morning in Dili before the short drive to the airport. If your flight allows, pick up tais textiles at the market and Timor coffee to take home.
The day-by-day plan in your inbox for when you start planning, with a link back here for the map and travel times.