Hiking in Timor Leste

Hiking

Timor-Leste is made for hiking, with 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. Even close to Dili there is fantastic walking, including the ‘Horta Loop’ – a 2-3 hours circuit from Areia Branca Beach, with coastal views from the landmark Cristo Rei statue atop Cape Fatucama.

Further afield, from Hato Builico, guided walking ascent of Mt Ramelau, Timor-Leste’s highest mountain, is a must. Watching the sun rise over this spectacular range from the summit is a sight not to be missed. In the surrounding hills there are also other great hikes to remote villages and traditional sacred sites. Towards the eastern end of the island, Mt Matebian and the lost world of Mundo Perdido are popular ascents, although much more demanding. To the south is Mt Kablaki in Same district. Other well-known areas for hiking are Lautem, Oecusse, Maliana and Atauro, which have treks ranging from coastal to rugged mountain terrain. 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.

As you hike, don’t forget to be on the lookout for bird life: Timor-Leste has more than 240 bird species, including at least 23 found nowhere else in the world. These unique bird species include relatively abundant numbers of the globally-threatened Timor green pigeon, Timor imperial pigeon, yellow crested cockatoo, black cuckoo dove and the Timor sparrow.