Formed by continental uplift along a major fault line (and in the case of Atauro, submarine volcanic activity), Timor-Leste is rugged with a mountainous backbone rising to over 2,000m.  The highest peaks have marine fossils and the forested ranges are riddled with caves.  Almost half of Timor-Leste’s 15,000 sq/km land area has a slope of 40 degrees or more making it scenically beautiful but extremely difficult for road construction and cultivation. Steep terrain combined with inconsistent rainfall and stony, limestone soils are challenging for the farmers.

The areas west of Baucau and around Lospalos and Maliana are rolling highland plains important for agriculture.  On the south side of Timor-Leste the coastal flats are 20-30km wide, while to the north they are much narrower with many stretches where the mountains fall directly into the sea. There are wild rocky headlands and long expanses of silky white sand beaches. Along both coasts views across the shimmering ocean are stunning.  Timor-Leste’s fringing reefs are extensive and rightly lauded.

Timor-Leste has a hot tropical climate with a dry season, May-November, and a wet season, December-April. The temperature on the coast is usually between 25-35C and in the mountains at higher elevation the weather is much cooler – sometimes wet and misty and at other times clear and invigorating.

There are many different micro-climates from dry barren hill sides to thickly forested peaks interspersed with cultivated areas.  In general, as you drive south the countryside becomes much more lush and greener.