TIMOR-LESTE TRIP NOTES
What to Expect
You are about to embark on an adventure where few truly tread!
Timor-Leste (East Timor) is not only one of the youngest countries in the world (having finally gained independence after years of struggle against Indonesian occupation in 2002), but also one of the least visited.
Despite sitting geographically close to highly visited Indonesia & Australia, Timor receives a little over 80,000 visitors annually.
The activities require a good level of fitness, so you should prepare to be physically active throughout this trip and the fitter you are the more you will enjoy each day.
In addition to the personal physical challenges you may face, travel conditions can present unexpected obstacles, such as rough and bumpy roads and changeable weather.
To prepare for this “pack” a flexible and relaxed attitude. Bring a spirit of adventure and inquiry, a healthy sense of humour and a willingness to encounter the unexpected, and you will find your trip to Chile the adventure of a lifetime!
Chris says "TASTE"
"Ai Manas is considered to be the heartbeat of Timorese food! A spicy chilli paste made slightly differently all across the country, it is a brilliant way to give your meal a real kick!"
When Is The Best Time To Travel To Timor-Leste?
Timor-Leste has a tropical climate with two distinct seasons (similar to PNG and Australia’s north): a wet season (December-May) and a dry season (June-November). It’s hot all year along the coast with an average daytime temperature of 25-30°C.
In the highlands and mountain areas, it can get considerably cooler.
The best time to visit is from May to November when the weather is hot and dry and the skies are clear. The monsoon rains can bring cyclones, and flooding often causes road closures which can disrupt travel plans. The rain can also impact water visibility, which isn’t ideal for exploring the incredible coral reefs on Atauro Island.
Our favourite month(s) are? April, when the weather is good, and the visit can coincide with Australian ANZAC Day celebrations.
Timor-Leste Tourist Visa
Timor-Leste Visa on Arrival:
Australian passport holders are able to obtain a visa on arrival in Dili (Timor-Leste’s capital city, and primary entry point).
Travelers must complete an arrivals card (available at the border post). If questioned, you must also be able to demonstrate:
- The intention of a genuine visit (as a tourist or business trip).
- Sufficient funds to support yourself for the period of a proposed stay without breaching visa conditions.
- That you have made appropriate accommodation arrangements.
In addition, you must:
- Hold a passport, or travel document, with an expiry date not less than 6 (six) months from the date of entry into Timor-Leste. The passport must have at least a whole unused page for the visa sticker.
- Hold a return or onward ticket or show the ability to fund your departure.
- Pay $30USD visa fee in cash. Note that there may be no ATM or money change facilities so you should always try and ensure you have $30USD with you.
For the most up to date Visa information, please refer to Smart Traveller or the Timor-Leste Customs Authority.
Accommodation
Accommodation
Accommodation
(IN DILI)
When in Dili, we stay at Hotel Timor. This restored hotel (it was burned by the Indonesian militia in 1999), has played host to many global dignitaries, such as Bill Clinton, Kofi Annan & Tony Blair.
Hotel Timor, Rua Mártires da Pátria, Apartado 334, Dili, Timor-Leste
Ph: +670 332 4502
(WHILST TREKKING)
We do our utmost to make you as comfortable as possible during your trek, however the reality of the remote lands that are the Timorese highlands, means that you’re not going to be finding a cosy Bed and Breakfast!
It will be a mix of local style guest houses, some camping where all we ask is that you embrace the spirit of adventure.
Chris says "DO"
"Enjoy a sunset dinner or drink on the Dili waterfront! All along the Avenida de Portugal (a short walk from Hotel Timor), a good selection of mostly expat owned and run bars dot the waterfront, scattered between various embassies, offering a great place to enjoy a warm evening"
Insurance
Emergency Medical Evacuation Insurance is a requirement for all guests travelling on our expeditions. Once you have booked on an expedition we suggest booking your travel insurance as soon as possible to protect your investment. Trip cancellation insurance will reimburse you for any non-recoverable air or land expenses should you have to cancel your trip due to personal or family illness or leave the expedition early due to other reasons. For our Australian guests, we are offering policies from NIB Travel for adequate cover, and you can contact our office direct, via phone or email, to obtain an insurance quote from us.
For guests travelling with us from outside Australia, please check Travel Insurance options within your Country.
If you should receive an injury 12 months prior to your travel date, you must contact the Insurance Company with details to ensure you are covered for this injury whilst travelling. Should you not do this and require medical assistance for this injury whilst travelling you may not be covered by the insurance company.
In the event that an aircraft evacuation is required, No Roads Expeditions will undertake to arrange the evacuation on the condition that the expenses are reimbursed by the passenger before departing the Country.
Note: Accidents caused by the inappropriate consumption of alcohol or drugs may void your travel insurance.
Get a Quote
While we don’t anticipate any uninvited medical disruptions during your trek, No Roads wants to keep your mind at ease and help you get adequate assistance and cover for your well-earned time away. It is extremely important that we ensure you’re covered during your great alpine experience.
We are able to provide you with Travel Insurance for your trip, allowing you to tick this off your ‘To-Do Lis”t as soon as possible. (We strongly recommend that you take out baggage loss and accident insurance)!
Already have a trusted insurance provider?
That’s no problem at all, our primary concern is that you have adequate cover.
Got a Pre-Existing Condition?
Simply call our Insurance Team and quote the reference number we provide you with and they’ll complete an assessment on your behalf. In many cases, there is no additional premium that needs to be paid! Many common conditions are also automatically covered.
In the event that an aircraft evacuation is required, No Roads Expeditions will undertake to arrange the evacuation on the condition that the expenses are reimbursed by the passenger before departing the Country.
Again, if you’ve any questions, don’t hesitate to ask info@noroads.com.au.
Getting There and Away
INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS
All flights between Australia and Timor-Leste, route between Darwin and Dili with the route being served by both QANTAS and Airnorth.
An alternative option, is to fly from Denpasar on the Indonesian island of Bali which is also very well connected to mainland Australia.
ARRIVAL IN TIMOR-LESTE
Upon your arrival, please go through to collect checked luggage and security, then proceed out the EXIT door. Outside you will see many people waiting for arriving passengers. Our operations staff will be there wearing a No Roads Expeditions Tshirt. Please go direct to him/her and introduce yourself. You will be taken straight to your hotel, issued rooms, time for Expedition Briefing etc.
Please do let us know if there are any last-minute changes to your arrival time!
Chris says "SEE"
"The Cristo Rei statue outside of Dili. This 27 metre tall statue of Christ (a gift from the Indonesians, each metre represented an Indonesian province, including Timor at the time), its something worth seeing itself, but its location also affords great views along the coast, in both directions!"
About Timor-Leste
Timor-Leste is young, and is considered a developing country with a relatively low standard of living compared to many other countries.
Basic necessities such as food, housing, and healthcare can be quite expensive, and many people live in poverty.
It’s known for its friendly people and natural beauty, with many opportunities for outdoor activities (beyond the obvious hiking, it also offers exceptional diving, with many reefs in excellent condition and sealife in abundance as there is no commercial fishing industry).
Some infrastructure would be considered lacking, however a large expat community means that many western conveniences and amenities are available, they just might be slightly more expensive than at home (you can even find Burger King in Dili).
Packing for your trip
PERSONAL GEAR
You will carry your own personal backpack all of the way (unless you’re hiring a mule), so only bring the bare essentials. You should pack your personal gear into a medium size (70 – 80 litre) lightweight pack (preferably waterproof with an internal frame). We encourage you to visit your local outdoor equipment specialist to purchase a proper and comfortable backpack.
Many find it helpful to pack your personal items in garbage bags or zip lock plastic bags to protect them from the wet, especially your camera, toilet rolls and confectionery.
SLEEPING GEAR
To sleep ON, No Roads will supply foam sleep mats. These are really only adequate to protect your own thin inflatable mattress. To sleep IN, we suggest you bring a two-season sleeping bag rated at Zero Degrees Celsius.
TREK WEAR
Most experienced trekkers recommend wearing shorts because they are comfortable and there is one point where you will wade knee-deep through running creeks. Leeches are not really a problem any more.
- Passport
- Insurance Papers (3 copies)
- Tourist Visa
- International Airtickets
- Trek and Hotel Money (approx. 600 kina)
- Plastic Zip Lock bags for paper work
- Backpack and backpack cover
- Daypack and cover if you are employing a Personal Guide
- Trekking poles
- Inner pack liner (garbage bag)
- Waterproof dry bags for clothes
- 2 or 3-litre Bladder
- 1-litre water bottle
- Snack Pack and any other lollies and nuts
- Additional Energy or Snack Food
- Electrolyte Powder
- Short Gaiter
- Wide brim hat
- Hiking Shoes or boots
- Hiking socks (3-7 pairs)
- Spare bootlaces
- Sunglasses
- Small sweat towel
- Quick-dry shirt long or short sleeve
- Quick-dry shorts
- Underwear (4 pairs) Note: consider bike shorts as well
To download our handy Packing Check List
- Poncho or lightweight rain jacket
- Sports Bra or Comfortable Bra
- Sandals with closed-toe (preferably no Crocs or thongs)
- Lightweight thermal top (optional)
- Lightweight quick-dry trousers
- T-shirt or thermal top (to sleep in)
- Bathers (modest)
- Beanie (optional)
- Sarong (optional)
- Socks for at camp
- Sleeping Bag 2 Season +5 degrees
- Sleeping bag liner (optional)
- Inflatable mattress
- Pillow Case (optional)
- Headlamp or Torch
- Spare batteries for the torch
- Quick-Dry towel
- A book or kindle for reading (optional)
- Earplugs (optional)
- Clothesline (optional)
- Mosquito net and 5 m of cord (if you plan to sleep in huts)
- Multi-tool (optional)
- Waterproof camera
- Spare camera batteries
- Spare camera memory cards
- Battlefield notes
Cable ties to repair equipment
OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT
– Camera, film, camera batteries, lens cleaner & paper.- A small supply of favourite snacks – bigger supply for longer and remote area trips.
Note:
If you have any questions regarding the above list or any other items that you want to ask about please contact us. We can provide you additional information at any time.
SUPPLIED EQUIPMENT
Two person tent (single where requested)
Thermal foam sleeping mat (this protects your inflatable mat)
Clothes line and pegs
All eating and drinking equipment
Rope line to assist river crossings
Fitness
Training like it is the real deal!
You know what they say (whoever ‘they’ are):
“Failing to prepare is preparing to fail”
The secret is to do exercises that simulate what the expedition will be like, so hiking with a pack up and down hills for a few hours is ideal. Don’t forget to wear in your clothing and walking shoes/boots/socks so you discover any issues with them before it is too late. Wearing in your footwear usually takes several months of walking, not two or three training walks.
Consider training with 15-20kg of weight so that the recommended 12kg on the track will be lighter than what you’re used to. This will offset the strength-sapping impact of Timor’s humidity. If you are planning to use trekking poles, train with them now (they are so common these days, that no one will think that you’re strange).
We all have busy lifestyles so if this is not possible, a hike into the hills every two or three weeks would be beneficial. We believe this will really help you enjoy your time on the expedition.
Never do on the Track what’s not been tested by you (for months) in training.
That is, if you haven’t tried it during months of advanced training, don’t succumb to last minute “bright ideas” (from yourself or others) on the Track unless it has proven okay for you many times in training, for example:
Don’t wrap your feet or toes in sports tape!
Don’t buy new boots or socks just before going on the Track!
Don’t wear new clothes!
Immunization
In order to enter Timor-Leste, all travellers must follow the Health Protocol Requirements.
Originally, it was required for travel to Timor-Leste you needed to be fully vaccinated against Covid 19 (proof of minimum 2 doses).
These requirements are fluid and are changing according to international COVID 19 developments. Please click here for more information about arrival requirements in Dili.
We suggest that you consult your doctor to confirm if any current vaccinations or treatments are required for the area you are travelling to. You should consider cholera, typhoid, and hepatitis vaccinations and make sure your tetanus cover is up to date, however, this should all be discussed with your medical physician.
Plan ahead for getting your vaccinations (seriously, vaccinations are one thing that should NEVER be left until the last minute when TIME can truly be your enemy). Some of them require an initial shot followed by a booster, while some vaccinations should not be given together. This also applies to some malaria prophylactics, which have to be begun at least a week before you leave home.
COVID 19: Recommended for Timor-Leste. Consult you local GP for any necessary booster requirements.
Typhoid: Recommended for Timor-Leste. Ideally 2 weeks before travel.
Hepatitis A: Recommended for Timor-Leste. Ideally 2 weeks before travel.
Cholera: Recommended for Timor-Leste. Ideally 2 weeks before travel.
Tetanus/Diphtheria: Recommended for Timor-Leste. Diphtheria is normally not a stand alone vaccine, but as combination vaccines that include other antigens such as pertussis and tetanus.
Hepatitis B: Recommended for Timor-Leste. Ideally 2 months before travel.
Yellow fever: Certificate of vaccination required if arriving from an area with a risk of yellow fever transmission for Timor-Leste. Ideally 10 days before travel.
Japanese B encephalitis: Recommended for Timor-Leste. Ideally 1 month before travel.
Malaria: Consider this seriously.
Rabies: Rabies isn’t confirmed as being in Timor-Leste, but it was detected in West Timor in May and is found on neighbouring islands. Suspected cases are treated in Dili. Rabies is fatal without immediate treatment.
GENERAL TRAVEL ADVICE
All No Roads staff and teams consider guest safety and wellbeing an absolute priority and always follow the travel advice and guidelines of the World Health Organisation (WHO) and Smartraveller. To further maintain the safety of our travelers, we promote good personal and hand hygiene along with adherence to safe food preparation practices.
SPECIAL DIETARY REQUIREMENTS
We are able to cater to all common special dietary requirements.
Please advise us prior to your departure if you have any food allergies we should be aware of.
The No Roads team will do everything it can to support any trekkers with allergies that might require a special diet, by informing all in-country personnel and ensuring reasonable provisions are made for all meals. We do, however, suggest and encourage all affected guests to assist us by providing this information while travelling in situations or instances where it may be required.
WATER
We do not recommend drinking tap water in Timor-Leste, so avoid it and stick to sealed bottled water which is readily available. This includes steering clear of ice in drinks and brushing your teeth with tap water.
No matter how safe the water may look, we recommend that all trekkers use either water purification tablets (iodine) or Steri Pen and always check with your guide before simply topping up your bottle or bladder!
MEDICINES AND FIRST AID
All trekkers are recommended to carry a personal first aid kit with medicines for common ailments, cuts and bruises, pain killers, etc. Anyone using any prescription medicines regularly should carry a supply for the whole duration of their expedition. Please consult your doctor and include items and medicines that may be required for you or for the area you are travelling in. No Roads does not supply any medicines and takes no legal responsibility for any medical treatment or professional medical support to our clients.
We will do everything we can to support guests that have disclosed a medical condition, allergy, or anaphylaxis, by informing all in-country personnel and ensuring reasonable provisions are made.
We do, however, suggest and encourage all guests in this situation to assist us by reconfirming this information in situations or instances where it may be required to ensure everyone has a safe and enjoyable adventure experience.
*If you have something you are particularly prone to such as ear infections, sinus problems or mild asthma bring what you need with you.
The No Roads Guide will be carrying an extensive Wilderness First Aid Kit.
Your personal first aid kit should contain:
Band-aids, Paracetamol, Deep Heat or other muscle liniment, Blister pads, Crepe bandages, Antibiotic cream for cuts and scratches, ‘Imodium’ tablets, Strapping tape (for knees and ankles), Anti chaffing cream e.g. Pawpaw cream, Foot powder, Waterless hand disinfectant, Anti-malarial drugs (see your doctor), Anti-inflammatory cream, Broad-spectrum antibiotic tablets, Anti-Nausea Tablets.
WOMEN’S HEALTH
On top of the normal health considerations, women are advised to bring a tube of Canesten and an applicator. The Canesten is used for the treatment of thrush (which can be very painful if left untreated) and can be applied to both internal and external thrush.
We also recommend that women bring a sarong to wrap around their bathing suits whilst bathing to respect the countries cultural sensitivities.
UXO’s (Unexploded Ordinance)
Despite being home to families (going back generations), the reality remains that this was a region contested between Commonwealth, Dutch and Japanese forces.
The fluid nature of many of these engagements meant that ground was on occasion surrendered hurridly and as a result, many weapons of war were simply left behind.
Nature, as resilient as it is, has reclaimed many of these sites, but it does not mean we should not remain diligent as unexploded ordinance can still be found near the track.
Over the past decade, the bulk of this undisposed of ordinance (most of which dates back to WWII) has been cleared, however there is always a small element of risk.
NOTE: Always follow the direction of your guides in regard to any UXO encounter. The best rule of thumb is to simply look and never touch and if you happen upon anything yourself, always bring it to the attention of your guide.
Money
The currency in Timor-Leste is the US Dollar (USD). Exchange rates vary depending on the strength of the US dollar. Cash is generally king across the majority of the country.
Limited credit card and ATM facilities are available in Dili.
Smaller notes (maximum USD $20) and coins should be carried for travel outside of Dili, as is can be difficult to get change for larger notes.
Please note only Visa debit and credit cards are accepted. Mastercard is presently not accepted in Timor-Leste.
Many people will prepare their USD before arrival into the country. If you need to exchange most major currencies into US dollars at banks or at booths at the airport and at Timor Plaza. Expect poor rates (often 10%-15% worse than global exchange rates) and possibly long queues. It is potentially better to withdraw dollars from ATMs, even though they have high fees.
TIPPING
Tipping in many countries can be a problem and can add a great deal of stress to your holiday. Remember Tipping is entirely voluntary and how much you give depends on how you feel about the service you have received, and also how much you can realistically afford.
For greater context for how much of a difference you may be making, Timor-Leste has a minimum salary around US$115 a month (that’s less than $180AUD).
THE ENVIRONMENT
Many of the places you will visit are pristine. As travellers, we should try to have as little impact on these natural environments as possible. As such we recommend the following:
1 We discourage the use of soaps when washing both body and clothes. Vigorous scrubbing is usually sufficient. Even biodegradable soap is not good for any water course and as such is harmful to the eco-system.
2 Please do not dispose of plastic bags and wrappers in either pits or in fires. These take years to degrade or let off toxic fumes when burnt. Simply put them in your pack until you return home (they can be discarded in waste bins before going through customs and immigration).
3 Please do not dispose of batteries in country. They are extremely harmful to the environment and usually local governments do not have any means to dispose of them correctly. Return old batteries to your home country for disposal there.
4 At campsites, use toilet facilities that are provided. If you are in the remote, walk off the track and dig a small hole approximately 15cm deep and at least 100m from any water course. If safe to do so, burn used toilet paper in the hole (toilet paper takes a long time to degrade). Once fire is out, cover with soil. In rocky and icy mountain terrain (where a hole cannot be dug), cover waste with rocks. Tampons and sanitary pads should be placed in a plastic bag and placed in the rubbish bin back at camp.
By abiding by these simple guidelines, you will be protecting the local environment for the people who live there and for their children’s children.
POWER IN TIMOR-LESTE
The power sockets used in Timor-Leste are of types C, E, F and I. When living in Australia you need a power plug adapter for sockets type C, E and F.
In Timor, the standard voltage is 220 V and the frequency is 50 Hz. This is (more or less) the same as in Australia (230 V), so no voltage adapter should be required.
By abiding by these simple guidelines, you will be protecting the local environment for the people who live there and for their children’s children.
Incredibly, we have had some people trek with the expectation of Wi-Fi connectivity whilst out on the trek! While we laugh now, it also suggest we’ve not been as thorough with our briefings as we could.
Due to its remote location, there is little, or no Wi-Fi available and for 90% of our guests, no mobile/cell phone reception either (it’s a great opportunity to disconnect from the outside world).
FINAL CHECKLIST
A little effort can be a great icebreaker (as you stumble over the few words you remember) and is always appreciated by those whose homeland you are visiting.
SOME BASIC TETUM PHRASES
Sin – Yes
Lae – No
Elo – Hello
Ksolok Bodik Mai / Bemvindu – Welcome
Bondia / Dader diak – Good morning (from Portuguese “Bom dia”)
Botarde / Lorokraik diak – Good afternoon (from Portuguese “Boa tarde”)
Bonoite / Kalan diak – Good evening/good night (from Portuguese “Boa noite”)
Atelogu – See you later
Sorti diak ba loron ohin – Have a nice day
Hau ba lai / Adeus / Atelogu / Ate amanyá – Goodbye
Lao didiak / Boa Viajem – Bon voyage
Sorti diak / Boasorte – Good luck
Obrigadu (for male) barak / Obrigada (for female) barak – Thank you very much
Favór ida – Please
Deskulpa – I’m sorry.
Kolisensa – Excuse me
Ajuda! – Help!
Ahi! – Fire!
Para! – Stop!
Bolu polisia! – Call the police!
DIRECTIONS
Karuk – Left
Loos – Right
Ita hela iha nebee? – Where do you live?
Ita ba nebee? – Where are you going?
Dook ka lae? – How far is it?
Iha liman karuk /loos ka? – Is it on the left/right?
iha nebee? – Where is?
Merkadu (Basar) iha nebee? – Where is the market ?
Basar dook/besik ka? – Is the market far/close?
Ha’u la’o sala tiha dalan – I’m lost
DINING
Serbida / Han ho gostu – Bon appetit
Ha’u vejetarianu (man) / Ha’u vejetariana (woman) – I am vegetarian
Ha’u gosta (…) – I like (…)
Ha’u la gosta (…) – I don’t like (…)
Ha’u la han … – I don’t eat …
… na’an. – … meat.
… na’an manu. – … chicken.
… ikan. – … fish.
Ha’u iha alerjia kona ba … – I am allergic to …
… aimusan. – … nuts.
… forai. – … peanuts.
… hahán hosi tasi. – … seafood.
… manutolun. – … eggs.
Sintina iha ne’ebe? – Where is the toilet?
Nee saida? – What is this?
Senhor/senhora ida ne’e mak sei selu buat hotu-hotu – This gentleman/lady will pay for everything
Ita hakarak dansa ho hau – Would you like to dance with me?
Saúde! – Cheers!
di’ak – good
at – bad
bot – big
ki’ik – small
besik – near
dok – far
menus – less
tan – more
ida tan – another
natón – enough
SHOPPING
Ida ne’e folin hira? / Nee folin hira? – How much does this cost?
Karun los! – That’s too expensive!
Hau foo dolar (number) – I will give you (number) dollars
Diak, osan maka nee – OK, here’s the money
Klinika iha nebee? – Where is the hospital?
Diak lalais – Get well soon
Sai tiha husi ne’e! / Dook tiha! / Husik hau mesak – Leave me alone!
Our Contact Phones & Address
Please make sure to carry our full address with contact numbers (given at the end of this message) in case you need to contact us for any reason.
NO ROADS EXPEDITIONS
Office: (03) 95988581
24 hrs Access:
Irene Miller + 61 430 705 222
Peter Miller + 61 425 726 623
Email: info@noroads.com.au
MAD DOG ADVENTURES
Sam (WhatsApp) +61 409 524 265
Email: sam@maddogadventures.com.au
