Journey eastward to discover Timor-Leste’s charming second city, Baucau, on this immersive two-day adventure. Explore Baucau’s well-preserved Portuguese colonial architecture and clifftop setting overlooking beautiful sandy beaches.
Travel the scenic northeast coast via historic Metinaro and Laleia, birthplace of independence hero and Timor-Leste’s first president, Xanana Gusmão. Discover the fascinating Japanese WWII tunnels, later used by FRETILIN freedom fighters in the fight for independence.
Enjoy a swim in Baucau’s famous colonial-era pool, Piscina de Baucau, and experience the relaxed pace of East Timor’s most immersive town.
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.
Hera Mangrove Park
☑️ Brief stop to spot native monkeys in the coastal mangrove ecosystem
☑️ Opportunity for wildlife photography and stretch legs
Metinaro’s National Heroes Memorial
☑️ Visit the solemn cemetery dedicated to independence resistance fighters
☑️ Learn about the strategic importance of this coastal region during the liberation struggle
☑️ Panoramic views across the Wetar Strait toward Indonesian waters
Laleia: Xanana’s Birthplace
☑️ Explore the ancestral village of independence leader Xanana Gusmão
☑️ Visit the heritage Laleia Catholic church, built in 1933
☑️ Meet local villagers and learn about traditional Timorese life
Lunch in Old Town Baucau
☑️ Dine in the atmospheric old Portuguese colonial quarter
☑️ Sample local Timorese cuisine in a historic setting
☑️ Brief orientation walk through the old town’s charming streets
Seven Caves (Japanese WWII Tunnels) & Venilale
☑️ Explore the remarkable “Seven Caves” (Fatuk Kuak Hitu) built by Timorese villagers for Japanese military during WWII
☑️ Learn how these same tunnels later sheltered FRETILIN freedom fighters during Indonesian occupation
☑️ Visit this traditional mountain village of Venilale near the tunnel complex
Evening at Pousada de Baucau
☑️ Check into the historic Pousada de Baucau, a grand colonial-era hotel and famous in Timor-Leste
☑️ Traditional dinner featuring local specialties
☑️ Relaxing evening on the clifftop terrace overlooking the ocean
Piscina de Baucau: The Country’s Crown Jewel
☑️ Immerse yourself in the spring-fed Piscina de Baucau, one of the best swimming pools in the country
☑️ Swim in crystal-clear spring water while surrounded by colonial architecture built in the Portuguese era
☑️ Morning coffee and light breakfast poolside
Watabo Beach
☑️ Relax on pristine sandy beaches below Baucau’s dramatic cliffs
☑️ Swim in crystal-clear waters
☑️ Beach walk and coastal photography opportunities
Old & New Town Discovery
☑️ Contrast the bustling new town market with the sedate colonial old quarter
☑️ Shopping for local handicrafts and coffee
☑️ Architectural photography of Portuguese colonial buildings
☑️ Taste of authentic Timorese cuisine, with scenic views over the coastal landscape
Return Journey to Dili
☑️ Scenic drive back along the northeast coast
☑️ Photo stops at viewpoints
☑️ Arrival in Dili by early evening
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.
I did a 2-day solo tour through Timor-Leste, visiting Aileu, Maubisse, Same, Manufahi, and Hatudo, and it was honestly one of the best travel experiences I’ve had. My guide, Charles, was fantastic – super knowledgeable, easygoing, and made the whole journey really comfortable and engaging. Traveling solo can sometimes feel a bit isolating, but Charles made it feel like I was exploring the country with a friend.
Each place we visited had its own charm, and Charles shared a lot of interesting insights along the way. The landscapes were beautiful, and the pace of the tour was just right – never rushed, always relaxed.
Also want to give a huge shoutout to Jonias, the owner – his hospitality was incredible. He was warm, welcoming, and made sure everything ran smoothly behind the scenes. You can tell he truly cares about the experience his guests have.
If you’re thinking of exploring Timor-Leste, especially as a solo traveler, I highly recommend going with this team. Felt safe, supported, and inspired the whole way through!