Discover Timor-Leste’s stunning northeast coast on this relaxed full-day journey with Timor Indigenous Tours. Travel from Dili along the scenic coastline, spotting native monkeys in Hera’s Mangrove Park and taking in panoramic views over the Wetar Strait.
Explore historic Metinaro and Manatuto, the birthplace of national heroes and leaders, before visiting Laleia‘s heritage 1933 church and remarkable Laili Cave with its breath-taking river views. End your adventure at Bouali, savouring locally grown coffee while enjoying the coastal breeze. A perfect blend of nature, history, and culture in one memorable day.
Your Hotel in Dili
8:00 am
Founded by Jonias Menex in 2019, Timor Indigenous Tours is a locally-owned business with a powerful social purpose. We’re passionate about developing Timor-Leste through responsible tourism that preserves our rich cultural heritage and natural resources for future generations.
Our experienced team, led by Jonias who previously worked with tourism pioneers Dave and Shirley at Timor Adventures, brings deep local knowledge and genuine commitment to sustainable tourism development. Every tour directly supports local communities, providing employment and contributing to economic diversification in our young nation.
When you travel with us, you’re not just experiencing authentic Timor-Leste, you’re actively participating in our country’s sustainable development journey.
Your adventure begins with hotel pickup at 8:00 AM as you journey northeast from Dili along Timor-Leste’s stunning coastal route. Your first stop is in Hera, where you’ll visit the Hera Mangrove Study Center, a community-run center for learning about and preserving mangrove ecosystems.
Highlights:
☑️ Learn about mangrove conservation efforts protecting this vital ecosystem.
☑️ Observe other native wildlife including spotted cuscus (tree-dwelling marsupials) that inhabit the coastal forests.
☑️ Photography opportunities with playful monkeys in their natural habitat.
Continue to Metinaro, where history and natural beauty converge in a landscape that tells the story of Timor-Leste’s fight for independence.
Highlights:
☑️ Metinaro Heroes Park & Cemetery: Pay respects at this memorial dedicated to resistance fighters who gave their lives for independence.
☑️ Subaun & Ilimanu Hills: Ascend the coastal mountains around Subaun for excellent panoramic views of Wetar Island (Indonesia) across the strait.
Explore the historic town of Manatuto, renowned as the birthplace and hometown of Timor-Leste’s most revered leaders.
Highlights:
☑️ Historic Town Center: Visit the hometown of Xanana Gusmão (Timor-Leste’s first president), born in nearby Laleia but raised in the Manatuto region, and José Ramos-Horta (current president of Timor-Leste).
☑️ Underground Resistance Sites: Discover hidden locations where independence fighters operated during the Indonesian occupation. Learn about the region’s pivotal role in Timor-Leste’s independence movement.
☑️ St. Anthony de Padua Statue: Enjoy panoramic views over Manatuto town from this elevated monument.
After lunch, we journey to the picturesque village of Laleia, where natural wonders meet colonial heritage in the ancestral home of the nation’s founding father.
Highlights:
☑️ Xanana Gusmão’s Home Village: Explore Laleia, the birthplace of independence leader and first president, Xanana Gusmão.
☑️ Laili Cave: Marvel at this natural wonder offering breath-taking views over the Cairui upstream river and surrounding landscape.
☑️ Laleia Church (built 1933): Visit a beautifully preserved colonial-era Catholic church, a testament to the region’s Portuguese heritage.
☑️ Bouali Coffee Experience: End your day at this scenic spot, savouring locally grown coffee while enjoying the gentle coastal breeze and mountain views.
To wrap up the tour, we depart Laleia at 5:30 PM for the scenic drive back to Dili.
