Timor-Leste is the perfect place for hiking. The country has stunning scenery, friendly locals and a network of tracks criss-crossing the entire country. From coastal walks to multi-day village and mountain hikes, Timor-Leste has some excellent options.
Some of the many memorable hikes in Timor include:
Mt Ramelau:
Timor-Leste’s highest mountain with 2,986m and the roof of Central Timor, Mt. Ramelau (is a must if you are a hike-lover. Watching the sun rise over Timor-Leste from the summit is a sight not to be missed. The hike is a three-hours steady ascent from the mountainous village of Hato Builico (at 1,950m). It is recommended to hire a local guide to do the hike, which can be combined to a visit to the surrounding hills and also neighboring remote ethnic villages and sacred sites.
This mountain also plays an important role in Timorese culture and cult, and the top is marked with 3m-high statue of the Virgin Mary. Timorese from all over the country come here every year on 7 October to thank god and have happy thoughts.
Matebian mountain:
This range is formed by limestone and is located about 20 kilometers south-east of Baucau. Although lower than those in the Ramelau area, the climb here is longer to the 2,376m summit of Matebean Mane, the largest and southernmost of the two Matebean Mountains. These mountains are the birthplace of rivers that flow to the south and north coast, and possibly the most rugged high mountains in Timor. The name means “Mountain of the death” and this was one of the last holdouts of the Fretilin forces during the Indonesian occupation wave of 1978.
The trekking is medium to hard and could be done as a two or three-day walk, or separate one-day walks with an overnight stay in the high mountain villages of Afaloeki, Ossuna or Quelicai. The later one is the base of a pilgrimage route to the mountain that is popularly followed in August and October.
Mundo Perdido
Mundo Perdido (1775m) – which translates to ‘Lost World’ – is another of the country’s highlights. The peak cuts Baucau and Viqueque regions and the start of the trail is located bet between the villages of Loi Huno and Ossu. The area of Mundo Perdido is one of the largest rainforests in the country, and the territory is also home of multiple bird and mammal species.
The ascent to Mundo Perdido is a demanding trek, which takes around 4-5 hours up and down, and you will need to hire a guide to accompany you.
Horta Loop
The ‘Horta Loop’ is a 2-3 hours circuit located just in the outskirts of Dili. It goes from Areia Branca beach (starting point at the back of Jose Ramos-Horta residence) and includes the Back Beach and coastal views from the Cristo Rei statue a top Cape Fatucama.
Atauro
The mountainous tropical island of Atauro, situated thirty kilometers north of Dili in the Wetar strait, is 24 kilometers long by 10 kilometers wide. It has a population of 12,000 people who mostly live in two villages on the island’s eastern side. There are only few motor vehicles in the island making from it a great place for hiking and wildlife exploration.
Atauro mountainous lays across the entire island and its highest point is Mt. Manucoco, with 995m. It is possible to climb the mountain starting at Villa, with a local guide essential as it is a sacred peak and easy to get lost. Guides can be organised through your accommodation.
How to hike in Timor
Tourism operators in Dili can prearrange some fantastic multi-day walking adventures with transport, accommodation, food and guides or alternatively, on arrival in the districts, trekking guides can be organised by enquiring at the main guest houses.
Hiring a hiking guide is a necessity as they know the terrain, hazards, cultural sensitivities and language. You are likely to find out more about the local area and it’s a great way of helping put some money into the community.
For more information on trekking check out the hiking section of Exploring Timor-Leste, and the recently published “Exploring Timor-Leste on Foot: 30 incredible hikes in one of the least visited countries in the world”.