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DivingExpeditionHighlandsCulture

7-Day Timor-Leste Uncovered: Reefs, Ridges & Asia's Newest Nation

7-day reef, highlands & history expedition, 90 minutes from Darwin.

Dili
4.8(12 reviews)
Island Explorer Holidays on Google
From$1,690/person
Duration
7 days
Route
Dili Airport (arrival transfer included) β†’ Dili Airport (departure transfer included)
Group size
2-10 people
Difficulty
Moderate
Itinerary
7 days
Trip code
IE-TLU-7

Highlights

Dive or snorkel off Atauro Island, where a 2016 Conservation International survey recorded an average of 253 reef fish species per site.
Climb toward Mt Ramelau for a sunrise above a sea of clouds (optional), Timor-Leste's highest peak.
Walk working vanilla and coffee plantations in the Maubisse highlands with the farmers who run them.
Read a young nation's story in Dili: Cristo Rei, the Tais market and the moving Resistance Museum.
A small-group trip capped at 10, run by a local team who grew up here, 90 minutes from Darwin.
September to November adds whales and dugongs crossing the Wetar Strait.

About This Experience

A 7-day small-group expedition built for travellers from Darwin and beyond, about a 90-minute flight away. Dive or snorkel off Atauro Island, where a 2016 Conservation International survey recorded an average of 253 reef fish species per site, climb into the coffee-country highlands around Maubisse, and stand where Asia's newest nation won its independence in Dili. Fully guided by a local team who grew up here, with your stays, ground transport, boat transfers, daily breakfast and a welcome dinner included. September to November adds whale and dugong migration through the Wetar Strait.

What's covered

Itinerary
7 days
Meals
6 breakfasts Β· 1 dinner
Accommodation
6 nights Β· Hotel Esplanada (Dili), Cafe Maubisse Guest House, Beloi Beach Hotel Dive Resort (Atauro)
Inclusions
6 items below

What's Included

6 nights accommodation (waterfront hotel, highland guesthouse, Atauro dive lodge)
Daily breakfast and a welcome dinner
All ground transport, Atauro boat transfers, and airport arrival & departure transfers
2 days of guided diving / snorkelling on Atauro Island
Professional English-speaking local guide throughout
All listed activities and entrance fees

Not Included

International flights (Darwin to Dili)
Visa on arrival ($30 USD cash)
Travel insurance
Dive-gear hire & optional extra dives
Some lunches & dinners

Itinerary

Met at the airport and transferred to your waterfront hotel. Welcome dinner on Dili bay as the sun goes down.

dinnerStay: Hotel Esplanada (Dili)

Set departures

Small group, max 10 Β· guaranteed from 2 travellers Β· private dates also available on request.

7-13 Nov 2026πŸ‹ Whale season
8-14 May 2027
5-11 Jun 2027

Enquire below to lock in your date, or ask us about a private departure.

Good to know before you book

  • Best for active travellers aged 12+. Most days are easy, with optional snorkelling and an optional pre-dawn Ramelau hike for the keen. Lodgings are clean and simple: comfortable guesthouses and an Atauro dive lodge, not five-star resorts. Off the tourist track, you will often have the sights to yourselves.

What to Bring

Reef-safe sunscreenSwimwear & a quick-dry towelA warm layer for the Maubisse highlands & dawnComfortable walking shoesRefillable water bottleDive certification card (if diving)USD cash for your $30 visa on arrival

Where you'll go

Dili, Presidente Nicolau Lobato International Airport (we meet your flight; arrival transfer included)

View on Google Maps

Planning details

Meeting point
Dili, Presidente Nicolau Lobato International Airport (we meet your flight; arrival transfer included)
Starts and ends

Starts in Dili Airport (arrival transfer included)

Ends in Dili Airport (departure transfer included)

Group size
2 to 10 guests per departure
Booking cutoff

Book online up to 36 hours before the start (Dili time).

How late you can book
Cancellation policy
Free cancellation up to 48 hours before the scheduled start.
Request with Island Explorer Holidays
$1,690/ person

Choose how you want to travel

$1,690 Γ— 2 guests$3,380
Total$3,380

No card needed. We ask Island Explorer Holidays and email you.

Book with confidence

Every booking on Rezerva is backed by our guest protection guarantee.

Booking protection

Full refund if the operator cannot confirm your booking dates.

Free cancellation

Cancel up to 48 hours before the experience for a full refund.

Secure payment

Pay by Visa or Mastercard online, or in cash or by card at the Rezerva shop in Dili. You won't be charged until the operator confirms.

Reviews

4.8
12 reviews on Google

Matias

6 months ago

I had a wonderful time in Timor Leste with this travel agency! My tour guide Roberto was πŸ”›πŸ”! He was very flexible, teached many things from his culture and country and was over all very professional and nice. He also managed to arrange me an extra tour to Balibo on a short notice πŸ‘πŸ». Totally recommend this travel agency and this tour guide! πŸ‘πŸ»

Tero S.

a year ago

Our half day city tour was exellent! Roberto(guide) was amazing and let us know lot of information every site where we visited. Highly recomend this company!

Rory Spittle

a year ago

Had the pleasure of having Vilter take me on a tour to Balibo. Saw many things on the way there and when I was there. The professionalism and quality of the tour was well worth the money. Can't recommend this service enough.

Marlon Cristianto Liu

a year ago

Amazing services, Thank you IEH.

Sandro JosΓ© Sabil Ribeiro

a year ago

Good People, Good Service and Great Team🫰

Reviews from Google for Island Explorer Holidays

See all reviews on Google

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