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Adventure

Timor Leste Grand Explorer (8D7N)

An 8-day private journey from Dili along Timor-Leste's northern coast to Jaco Island, Venilale and the highlands of Aileu and Maubisse.

Duration8 Days / 7 Nights
StartsDili
EndsDili
From

Journey into one of Southeast Asia’s least-explored destinations—a country of rugged coastlines, forested mountains and deeply rooted traditions.

Beginning in Dili, travel east along the scenic northern coast to the Portuguese-influenced town of Baucau. Continue to the far reaches of the island, where a short boat crossing leads to sacred Jaco Island, renowned for its white-sand shores and crystal-clear waters.

Venture inland to discover Venilale’s limestone caves, natural rock formations and hot springs before returning to Dili for a hands-on Timorese cooking experience and an introduction to the capital’s art and independence history.

The journey concludes in the central highlands of Aileu and Maubisse, where waterfalls, vanilla farms and traditional sacred houses offer a closer look at the landscapes and living heritage of Timor-Leste.

What You'll Experience

  1. 🌊 Travel the spectacular northern coastal road from Dili to Baucau, passing mangroves, historic towns and sweeping sea views.
  2. ☕ Enjoy locally grown Timorese coffee in the hills above Bouali.
  3. 🏝️ Cross to sacred Jaco Island for swimming and snorkelling in the clear waters of the Coral Triangle.
  4. 🐟 Spend a night in the fishing village of Com and enjoy freshly caught local seafood.
  5. ⛰️ Explore Venilale’s natural rock bridge, hot springs and mysterious Seven Caves.
  6. 🍲 Join a hands-on Timorese cooking experience at Ahi Matan.
  7. 🏛️ Discover Dili’s art, culture and independence history at Viva Galleria and the Chega! exhibition.
  8. 🌱 Visit a vanilla-growing project and experience the cool mountain landscapes of Aileu and Maubisse.
  9. 🛖 Gain insight into Timorese spiritual traditions at the Rabilau Sacred House.
  10. 🍢 Experience Dili’s lively Saturday night market and its charcoal-grilled street food.

Private Tour
Departure: Every Sunday

Twin Sharing
SGD 3,380 per person

Single Occupancy
SGD 3,750 per person

Accommodation

  • Dili: Hotel Timor
  • Baucau: Pousada Baucau
  • Com: Kati’s Guest House
  • Maubisse: Sara Guest House

Flight Schedule

Singapore to Dili
AeroDili 8G998
Departs Singapore at 12:00
Arrives in Dili at 17:00

Dili to Singapore
AeroDili 8G997
Departs Dili at 08:15
Arrives in Singapore at 11:15

Airport taxes of SGD 278 per person are not included and are subject to change.

Your 8 Days in Timor-Leste

1
Dili
Welcome to Timor-Leste

Upon arrival at Presidente Nicolau Lobato International Airport, have your electronic entry QR code ready, together with USD 30 for your visa application.

After clearing immigration and customs, meet your guide in the arrival hall and transfer to your hotel. Take some time to settle in and freshen up before gathering for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant—your first taste of Timorese cuisine and hospitality.

Overnight at Hotel Timor, Dili

Dinner
2
Baucau
Hera Mangroves, Manatuto and the Northern Coast

Leave Dili and follow the scenic northern coast towards Baucau, with the sea on one side and Timor-Leste’s dry savannah hills on the other.

Begin with a quiet walk among the mangroves at Hera before continuing to Manatuto, a coastal town with a long Portuguese-era history. Take a short walk along the waterfront, then pause in the hills above Bouali for a cup of Timorese coffee grown close to where it is served.

Arrive in Baucau for lunch and check in at the historic Pousada Baucau. The afternoon is at leisure to swim, explore the old town or relax on the hotel terrace. Dinner is served at Vitoria, a local Baucau favourite.

Overnight at Pousada Baucau

Breakfast Lunch Dinner
3
Com
Jaco Island: At the Edge of Timor-Leste

Continue east to Tutuala, one of Timor-Leste’s most remote outposts, overlooking the meeting point of the Wetar Strait and the Timor Sea.

From here, take a short local boat crossing to Jaco Island. Sacred and uninhabited, the island is surrounded by powder-white beaches and some of the clearest waters in the Coral Triangle. Spend the late morning swimming and snorkelling before enjoying lunch on the beach.

Return to the mainland in the afternoon and continue to Com, a peaceful fishing village with a distinctive end-of-the-road character. Tonight’s dinner features fresh local seafood by the water.

Overnight at Kati’s Guest House, Com

Breakfast Lunch Dinner
4
Dili
Venilale’s Caves, Hot Springs and Hidden Landscapes

Turn inland and climb towards Venilale, a highland district filled with unusual rock formations and natural attractions.

Visit Larigutu before continuing to Ponte Natureza, a dramatic natural rock bridge reached by a short and adventurous scramble. Pause for a refreshing dip in the hot springs, then explore the Seven Caves—a fascinating collection of limestone caverns hidden within the surrounding landscape.

In the late afternoon, begin the return journey to Dili. Dinner is served at Oceanview, overlooking the water as the sun sets.

Overnight at Hotel Timor, Dili

Breakfast Lunch Dinner
5
Dili
Timorese Flavours, Art and Independence History

Begin the day at Ahi Matan with a hands-on Timorese cooking class. Learn about local ingredients and traditional cooking techniques before sitting down to enjoy the dishes prepared during the experience.

In the afternoon, visit Viva Galleria to discover works by local artists. Continue to the Chega! exhibition for a deeper understanding of Timor-Leste’s struggle for independence and the experiences that shaped the nation.

End the afternoon at Cristo Rei. Climb the steps above the coastline for panoramic views across Dili and the sea, with time to enjoy a fresh coconut at the top. Dinner tonight is at 1938, one of Dili’s most talked-about restaurants.

Overnight at Hotel Timor, Dili

Breakfast Lunch Dinner
6
Maubisse
Into the Highlands of Aileu and Maubisse

Leave the coast behind and travel into the cool mountain landscapes of Timor-Leste’s central highlands.

In Aileu, visit Berloi Waterfall before continuing to Dili Vanili to learn how vanilla is grown and cultivated locally. At Quintal Portugal, discover another layer of the district’s Portuguese-influenced heritage.

Enjoy lunch at Projeitu Montanha, set into the hillside with views across the valley. Continue to Maubisse and check in at Sara Guest House.

Later in the afternoon, visit Dokomali Falls, a quiet mountain cascade reached by an easy walk from town.

Overnight at Sara Guest House, Maubisse

Breakfast Lunch Dinner
7
Dili
Rabilau Sacred House and the Road to Dili

Travel by 4WD to Rabilau, home to one of the highlands’ most significant sacred houses. The visit offers a respectful introduction to Timorese animist traditions and the spiritual beliefs that remain an important part of community life.

Return to Sara Guest House for lunch, then stop at Café Ma Kdei to enjoy a cup of locally produced Maubisse tea.

Descend from the highlands and return to Dili for your final night. In the evening, experience the city’s Saturday night market, where charcoal grills, casual tables and lively local flavours create one of Dili’s most enjoyable dining experiences.

Overnight at Hotel Timor, Dili

Breakfast Lunch Dinner
8
Dili
Departure

Enjoy an early breakfast at Hotel Timor before your private transfer to Presidente Nicolau Lobato International Airport.

Depart Dili on AeroDili flight 8G997 at 08:15, arriving in Singapore at 11:15.

Breakfast

Before You Book

Tour Fare Inclusions
  • Return economy-class airfare on AeroDili
  • Seven nights’ accommodation as stated in the itinerary
  • All meals
  • Qualified and licensed English-speaking guide
  • Private air-conditioned 4WD vehicle
  • Professional driver
  • Local SIM card with internet access
Tour Fare Exclusions
  • Airport taxes of SGD 278 per person, subject to change
  • Travel insurance
  • Personal expenses
  • Timor-Leste visa fee of USD 30
  • Gratuities for the guide and driver; USD 2–3 per person, per day is recommended
Electronic Entry Form

All passengers entering Timor-Leste must complete the electronic traveller declaration before arrival. The form may be submitted online from five days before departure:

https://tilesw.customs.gov.tl/#/eservice/traveller/declaration

A QR code will be generated after submission. Please print a copy or save it on your mobile device for presentation to immigration and customs officials upon arrival.