Adventure awaits in the ‘Lost World’, Timor-Leste’s largest remaining rainforest
The landscape of Mundo Perdido (“Lost World” in Portuguese) is a varied and atmospheric place to explore on foot. The Portuguese called it the Lost World as the area is so often hidden in mist. The best time of year to visit to try and get views is between August and October. The area was an important hideout for Timorese independence fighters during the Indonesian occupation. Now it is designated an ‘Important Bird Area’, home to 63 different species, and is one of the three most important areas for orchids in Timor-Leste.
Day 1» Manatuto » Baucau » Venilale » Loihuno
8am leave for to Loihuno, driving along the northern coast of Timor-Leste, then up into the rugged and mountainous interior. Enjoy magnificent and varied views as you travel through four municipalities (Dili, Manatuto, Baucau and Viqueque) in one day. Stop for lunch in Baucau. After lunch continue visit the WWII Japanese bunkers near Venilale (pictured below), before spending the night in Loihono, a small village home to a beautiful waterfall.
Day 2 » Loihono » Mundo Perdido » BAUCAU
7.30am drive to Ossu, at the base of Mundo Perdido
8am start hiking Mundo Perdido, a 3-4 hour return trek from the base through the light forest and to the sound of birds. The area was a hideout for guerrilla fighter who spent 24 years living in these mountains during the Indonesian occupation.
In the afternoon drive to Baucau, the second largest city of Timor-Leste, set in a hill overlooking the ocean. Fishing and rice farming were once the main activities, though all sort of businesses have thrived here since independence in 2000, as this is a main stop for many on the way to other further districts, making it a very busy city with a lively daily market. There are many historic sights in Old Baucau, easily explored on foot from your hotel, including a famous swimming pool (pictured below).
Stay at Pousada de Baucau. This hotel was built during Portuguese times for weekend getaways from Dili. The Pousada features the original hotel building with parquetry floors typical of the Portuguese architecture.
Day 3 » Baucau » Manatuto » DILI
9am leave Baucau to return to Dili by lunchtime. You will pass by the town of Laleia (church pictured below), home town of renowned Timorese Resistance leader Kairala Xanana Gusmao, and the coastal town of Manatuto. Short stops for photos along the way.
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 Loihono guesthouse and Pousada de Baucau
- Breakfast at Loihono guesthouse and Pousada de Baucau
- 4WD vehicle
- Vehicle back up service
- English speaking driver / guide
- Local guide for hiking Mundo Perdido
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.
