Experience the best of rural Timor-Leste on this enriching full-day mountain escape. Journey from Dili through picturesque rice paddies and gardens, ascending into the cool highlands to historic Maubisse, a popular weekend destination 70km south of the capital.
Stop in Aileu for lunch at Projecto Montanha, a heartwarming Brazilian-founded social enterprise teaching local youth, before exploring traditional Uma Lulik houses, the Portuguese-era Pousada perched atop a hill with panoramic mountain views, and the spectacular Fleixa valley landscape. Visit coffee and vanilla plantations, discover WWII and 1975 independence memorials, trek to the sacred Lekitei waterfall, and experience authentic village markets.
This comprehensive day tour showcases Timor-Leste’s mountain heritage, agricultural traditions, and cooler climate. Perfect for Australian travellers seeking cultural immersion beyond the capital!
Duration: Full day (8:30 AM – 5:30 PM approximately) Difficulty: Easy to moderate walking Best For: Culture enthusiasts, coffee lovers, photography, families
Your Hotel in Dili
Pick up from hotel at 8:30am
Timor Indigenous Tours is a locally-owned social enterprise connecting travellers with Timor-Leste’s authentic culture and landscapes. Led by experienced guides, we deliver meaningful journeys that preserve cultural heritage, support local communities, and showcase the country’s natural beauty through sustainable, responsible tourism.
Your mountain adventure begins with hotel pickup at 8:30 AM, heading out of bustling Dili and ascending into the central highlands. Your first stop is Dare Hill, home to a WWII memorial commemorating the conflict that shaped Timor-Leste’s history. Continue your scenic journey toward Aileu via the charming villages of Laulara and Remexio, where traditional life continues much as it has for generations.
Arrive at Seloi village to admire the stunning landscape of terraced rice paddies surrounding a tranquil lake—a photographer’s paradise and perfect example of traditional Timorese agriculture. Stop at Aissirimou village in Aileu to visit the 1975 independence movement memorial, commemorating Timor-Leste’s declaration of independence on November 28, 1975, a pivotal moment in the nation’s journey to freedom.
Embark on a short trek to visit working coffee plantations where you’ll learn about coffee, introduced by the Portuguese in the 1800s and now the country’s largest non-oil export. At Dili Vanilla, discover the innovative vanilla demonstration plant and taste unique vanilla-infused coffee before enjoying lunch at this local agricultural enterprise (additional cost). Explore Aileu town center, including the 1942 memorial and the vibrant marketplace where locals trade fresh produce, coffee, and handicrafts.
Continue your ascent to Maubisse, the historic mountain town at 1,400 meters elevation, where temperatures drop noticeably and the air feels refreshingly cool. Explore the bustling Maubisse marketplace, a sensory experience filled with mountain-grown vegetables, locally roasted coffee, and traditional woven tais textiles.
Visit the iconic Pousada de Maubisse, built during Portuguese colonial times and perched atop a hill offering some of the best panoramic views in the region. This vintage colonial building, originally designed to serve administrators seeking respite from coastal heat, remains a charming testament to Portuguese architecture. Wander through the old pousada and its gardens while taking in spectacular 360-degree views of the surrounding Fleixa valley and rolling hills—perfect for photography and simply soaking in the mountain atmosphere.
Trek through the picturesque Fleixa valley landscape to reach the sacred Lekitei Uma Lulik (traditional sacred house) and continue to the nearby waterfall, a serene spot where locals come to connect with their ancestral traditions. The combination of cooler mountain air, lush vegetation, and cascading water creates a peaceful sanctuary away from the tropical heat.
Begin your return journey to Dili, stopping in Aileu for an afternoon coffee break at Projecto Montanha, where young people from surrounding areas receive training and support (at your own cost). This social enterprise café offers excellent locally grown coffee while supporting community development—a meaningful way to contribute to Timor-Leste’s future.
Depart Aileu taking the scenic Comoro River road back to Dili, following one of the country’s largest river systems as it winds through the valleys. Watch as the landscape gradually transitions from cool highlands back to the coastal plains, with opportunities for final photo stops along the way. Arrive back at your Dili hotel approximately 5:30 PM, having experienced a full day of Timor-Leste’s mountain culture, history, and natural beauty.
We did two tours with Jonias. A city tour of Dili, and a full day tour inland from Dili. Both tours were terrific. Jonias was courteous, knowledgeable and great at explaining the history and culture of this beautiful country. A wonderful introduction to Timor Leste.
We travelled for five days with Timor indigenous tours. Jonias was our driver and guide we visited Balibó and Baucau and Jonias kindly organise good accommodation at these places for us. He was punctual and had great knowledge of the country and it’s history
We highly recommend Timor indigenous tours.
I sincerely recommend this trip as a solo traveler girl. I had a great day with Jonias who is very nice, has a great knowledge of his country and is happy to share stories. I saw interesting places with a amazing spot for lunch. Also the communication before the trip was very efficient.