Our guides will meet you at Dili International Airport to pick you up and take you to our accommodation, Hotel Timor.

After an orientation your of Dili, we’ll take a walk to the summit of Cristo Rei, accessible by a 590-step staircase, with 360 degree panoramic views of Dili.

Take in the sights and sounds of the city over dinner at L’Aubergine Restaurant (at own cost).

Today we’ll drive out to the The Dare Memorial Museum & Cafe. Established in 1969 with funds raised by the 2/2 Commando Association of Australia, and was the site of a significant firefight.

Later, we’ll explore the Santa Cruz Cemetery and the Resistance Museum, learning more about the Timorese struggle under Indonesian occupation. (B, L)

Spend the morning exploring the Sparrow Force House, participate in a Dili Battlefield tour and gain insight into the 2/2nd campaign.

Complete a final gear check before driving to the trail head located just outside of Bazartete. Trek a short distance to Asumanu. Bazartete, is where Lieutenant Tom Nisbet’s 4 Section of B Platoon mounted an attack against the Japanese with 200 men. Under severe pressure, the Australia’s conducted a fighting withdrawal towards Hatolia.

Casualities: 2 Australians and over 40 Japanese. (B, L, D)

Our trek begins with a steep, sun-exposed descent along a traditional footpath covered in loose shale. At the bottom, you’ll splash through the waters of Mota Curiho before facing a challenging ascent to our lunch spot.

This climb is also sun-exposed, but your reward awaits near the top—a simple, traditional Timorese meal made from seasonal ingredients such as a hearty bean and corn stew, served with the famous ai manas, a spicy regional sauce that is central to Timorese cuisine.

After lunch continue to retrace the steps of C Platoon soldiers from 1942, who braved swollen streams to reach the Japanese-owned SAPT plantation in Fatubessi, where they seized crucial radio equipment in a daring bid to restore communication with Australia.

Fatubessi is of historic significance as a place of resistance during the 1975 – 1999 Indonesian occupation. Fatubessi is home to an intricate cave system that was used as a place of shelter by FALINTIL (Forças de Defesa de Timor Leste) combatants and resident communities. We will hear stories from this time. (B, L, D)

Trek: 12km + 440m descent + 880m ascent

Today begins with a steep descent down through the village of Fatubessi crossing a refreshing river before a short ascent to a rugged 4WD trail. We’ll follow this trail to our lunch spot in a traditional picturesque village, where you’ll gain invaluable insights into the WWII campaign and Indonesian resistance.

After lunch, you’ll make your way back through the village, picking fresh fruit berries, a favourite among Timorese children. This afternoon, you’ll trek through mountainous coffee plantations and cross rickety bamboo bridges on your way to Hatolia.

Situated high in the rugged mountain region, Hatolia was a significant gathering point after the Japanese invasion. On Friday, March 13, 1942, David Ross, the British Consul-General who had been held under house arrest in Dili, arrived in Hatolia with a Japanese surrender demand. The initial reaction was reportedly terse and typically Australian: “Surrender! Surrender, be f…d.”

This trek gets its name from this altercation, with the Tetun translation for “No surrender” being “La Rende!” (B, L, D)

Trek: 14.5km + 530m descent + 290m ascent

Today, we’ll explore Doc Dunkley’s Hospital, a Portuguese ruin nestled in the heart of Hatolia, before descending through the village.

We’ll take a moment to cool off in the refreshing waters of Mota Loes. Next, we’ll trek through dry, sun-exposed paddy fields and past herds of buffalo. Enjoy a traditional lunch in Lemeia Craic, where you can quench your thirst with a fresh coconut.

After lunch, we’ll continue our trek along rugged cliff lines and abandoned Japanese built roads that provide breathtaking views of the surrounding mountain ranges.

Tonight will be spent in Datu Rua, the most remote and challenging village to reach along our trek. In line with Maddog Adventures’ commitment to supporting the economic development of rural communities, we have worked closely with the local community over the past three years to construct camping platforms, with plans for further development along the trek. (B, L, D)

Trek: 15km + 570m descent + 565m ascent

Hike along rugged foot pads, across swollen rivers and through coffee country flanked to the north by Mount Cailcao and to the east by Mount Ramelau, which you’ll summit tomorrow.

As far back as 1942 Atsabe was lauded for its allure with a tourism pamphlet suggesting an investigation of Bandeira waterfall.

Today Mota Bandeira, located near the Raimutin Wet Mill, remains a popular waterfall and one of the country’s main tourist destinations. (B, L, D)

Trek: 13.5km + 360m descent + 975m ascent

Trek to Hatabulico, navigating over Mount Ramelau, the tallest mountain in Timor-Leste, standing at 2,986m.

Today promises to be a long and challenging hike, as the higher altitude and unpredictable weather can add an extra layer of difficulty. Be sure to pack thermals, a beanie, and a raincoat in your backpack for the journey.

Mount Ramelau holds deep religious and cultural significance, crowned by a statue of the Virgin Mary at its peak. On a clear day, the view from the top stretches across a patchwork of dense green forests and rolling hills, with the coastline visible in the distance. Enjoy the surreal experience of seeing the entire nation from a single vantage point.

Take care on the steep, zigzagging descent into Hatobulico. (B, L, D)

Trek: 22.5km + 670m descent + 1,745m ascent

Today is truly special and a wonderful way to conclude a spectacular trek.

The first 8km of the trail follow a gently undulating dirt road, offering beautiful mountain views. Keep an eye out for soaring eagles overhead.

Afterward, prepare for a steep 2km descent to the breathtaking Mota Dokomali waterfall. Once you pay the entry toll, navigate carefully along the slippery rocks to reach the base of this natural wonder, which holds deep spiritual significance for the Timorese.

From there, it’s a 2km descent along a well-formed mountainous path to the outskirts of Ainaro, where our 4WD vehicles will be waiting for you.

Enjoy a 3-hour return shuttle to Dili, where you can indulge in a well-earned warm shower and a scrumptious dinner. (B, L, D)

Trek: 14.5km + 920m descent