Adventure awaits on Timor-Leste’s second highest mountain
Matebian is the home to the second highest peak in Timor-Leste, the 2,376m Mane (male) peak. Neighbouring it is the 1,963m Feto (female) peak. Summiting either is significantly harder than Mt Ramelau, despite their lower height, due to both the terrain and logistics. Matebian is an important place for local Timorese as it is where their spirits and souls reside after death, and it was also one of the last holdouts of resistance by FALINTIL against the Indonesians. On October 10, 1993, a statue of Jesus Christ was erected at the summit to honour and protect the deceased. It is an important pilgrimage site. Due to the sensitivities of this area (and the lack of clear trails) a local guide is essential.
Day 1 » Dili » Manatuto » Laleia » Baucau » Laga » BAGUIA
8am Transfer to Baguia via Baucau driving by the coast, through steep rugged mountains. Enjoy magnificent views of the ocean, coral reefs, white sand beaches, marble rock beaches, passing through various seaside fishing villages on the way passing the towns of Manatuto and Laleia. We arrive in time for lunch in Baucau. After lunch continue to Baguia through panoramic side hills cascading rice fields, and passing by the many remote rural communities.
Arrive at Baguia and check the Baguia Fort (pictured below), freshen up, have dinner and rest for the next days early start trek.
Day 2 » Starting Point » Mt Matebian summit » BAGUIA
5am Transfer to starting point for the summit (hike 4 hours each way) through some unique terrain and scenery of Timor Leste.
The climb to the summit of Mane peak is one of the toughest day walks in Timor-Leste, a steep hike from the village of Waiboro up and down 1,100m with little shade. Allow 3-5 hours to reach the summit, and 2-4 hours to return the way you came. The starting point is a 1-1.5 hour drive from Baguia on steep and rough roads.
Your vehicle will meet you at the end of the hike around 5pm. Return to Baguia Fort for dinner and a much deserved rest after a strenuous hike.
Day 3 » Laga » Baucau » Laleia » Manatuto » DILI
8am transfer to Dili the same road, stopping at the atmospheric Ruines de l’Escola do Reino de Haudère (pictured below). Lunch break in Baucau. Transfer to Dili passing by the town of Laleia, home town of renowned Timorese Resistance leader Kairala Xanana Gusmao, and the coastal town of Manatuto. Short stops for photos along the way. Arrive back into Dili around 5pm.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
Price
US$485 per person (based on 3 people per vehicle). Private tour 1 or 2 person please inquiry
Inclusions
- 3 day tour
- 2 nights accommodation at Baguia Fort
- Breakfast at Baguia Fort
- 4WD vehicle
- Vehicle back up service
- English speaking driver / guide
- Local guide for hiking Mt Matebian
Exclusions
- Lunch and dinner
- Drinks
- Any other personal items
Payment
- Confirmation of tour services for groups not less than 21 days prior to tour commencing.
- 20% deposit of total invoice is due at time of confirmation.
- Full payment of invoice due immediately if notice of confirmation is less than 14 days prior to tour commencing.
Cancellation
- The deposit, being 20% of total invoice is forfeited if cancelation is notified less than 7 days.
Important notes
- Basic sanitation at guesthouses, cold showers, bush toilet during hike
- Passport must be valid for at least 6 months upon entry
- 30 day tourist visa granted on arrival for US$30 (cash only, bring with you as there is no accessible ATM at the airport)
- Mastercard is only accepted at BNU ATMs, nowhere else in Timor-Leste
- Currency is in USD, bring USD $5, $10 and $20 notes, or use ATM in Dili
- Timor-Leste coins (5c, 10c, 25c, 50c, $1, $2) are used widely and available only in the country
What to bring
- Always have at least one 1.5 litre bottle of drinking water handy as dehydration is a risk, for the hike take at least 3 litres of water as none is available on route
- Hiking poles, if you have them, particularly for the descent
- Decent hiking shoes with good grip
- Sun hat
- Electrolytes / hydrolytes to help rehydrate
- Snacks
- Insect repellent
- Sun lotion
- Multi-plug travel adaptor with surge protection
- Toilet paper
- Travel towel
Adventure travel
By its very nature, adventure travel involves an element of the unexpected. In remote and developing countries do not expect standards you are used to back at home. Remote areas are sometimes unpredictable and itineraries may need to be altered. To get the most from your tour it is important to be flexible, positive and eager to take on all the challenges that arise. The environments we travel through are fragile and it is our responsibility as visitors to minimise the impact of our presence.
