Bemvindo ba Timor Leste

Experience the diversity of Timor Leste from the bustling capital of Dili to small remote communities where dedicated organisations are working to build self reliance and sustainability, building on the strengths of their people.

Throughout your journey, you will witness the work of Palms Australia’s local partners. You will have the opportunity to learn about the role Australians can play in reducing global poverty by supporting local initiatives.

$3,500 per person | What’s included?*

  • Expert guide
  • Accommodation
  • Meals
  • All internal transport
  • Tourist visa (issued on arrival)
  • Entry to museums and activities

At the end of each day, guided activities will help you gain a deeper understanding of the new sights, smells, sounds, tastes, textures and experiences you’ll encounter, and perhaps challenge some of your own ideas.

For tours held at the end of October/early November, there is a high chance of observing the migration of the blue pygmy whale as they pass very close to the coastline at Dili.  

Below are some of the highlights of this experience. Guests will receive a detailed itinerary closer to the date of departure. Your itinerary depending on transport, weather and considerations for our host communities.

Highlights

Atauro Island

Arrive in bustling Dili and spend the evening getting to know your group, before travelling to the idyllic island of Atauro, home to the Boneca doll factory a social enterprise of the local women’s co-operative. Stay at Barry’s Eco-lodge run Palms former in-country coordinator .

Conservation International identified the reef surrounding Atauro as the most bio-diverse in the world. These waters are home to a total of 642 reef fish species making this destination an incredibly special place for marine conservation.

Balibo

This mountain town is now a focus of regional development activity. You will visit Balibo Community Learning Centre where Palms has sent Michelle (2016) and Anjelica (2022). The centre has been a partner of Palms Australia since 2013. There are great views of the countryside from the historic Portuguese Fort.

Palms English Teacher Mentor Anjelica Rankin (back Right) with students and Michele (back Left) at Balibo Community Learning Centre.

Sitting in the mountains near the Indonesian border, Balibo is a town of immense historical significance to both Timorese and Australians and is renowned for the murder of five foreign correspondents by invading Indonesian forces on 16 October 1975.

Venilale

Carolyn being welcomed by students at the school

Visit Sr Carolina at Instituto Filhas de Maria Auxiliadora where Palms has send Carolyn and other local schools to see how Palms volunteers are contributing to education in Timor Leste. 

Sights of Dili

Experience more of Dili’s cultural heritage. Visit some of Dili’s important memorials like the Chega! Exhibition and the Santa Cruz Cemetery as well as the Resistance Museum.

Santa Cruz Cemetery.

Find a good book in the Xanana Reading Room, shop for traditional textiles at the Tais Market and grab some souvenirs and a bite to eat at the bustling Timor Plaza.

Exchange stories and celebrate your last night in Timor-Leste with a final dinner with your group and Palms Australia participants before flying home the next morning.

* Bookings made by credit card incur a 1.5% fee to cover transaction charges. Paying by Direct deposit means less fees taken by banks and third parties. Please call Palms on 02 9560 5333 for details of our bank account.

Travellers will be required to complete the following at their own expense:

  • International flights and travel insurance
  • Medical approval for travel to Timor Leste, including to remote areas
  • Police Check
  • Working with Children Check

Our Timor Leste Encounter begins and ends in Dili. Return flights to Timor Leste are not included in your tour. We can offer advice on booking flights through Darwin where you will meet up with fellow travellers and your guide before arriving in Dili. For those joining us from flights through Bali, let us know your flight details and we can connect you with fellow travellers when you arrive.

Read our complete Terms and Conditions for more information and get in touch with Palms if you have any questions.