Timor-Leste lies amongst the isles of the Malay Archipelago, north of Australia. Courageously gaining independence in 2002, its people are now working to reduce poverty and build a sustainable economy. Although Timor-Leste is considered the poorest nation in Asia, its riches lie in culture and community.
Flights run from Darwin or Denpasar in Bali. Visa on arrival. Local travel is pretty easy; buses are reasonably reliable (although the waiting can be a killer) and there are plenty of 4WD hire companies in town. For more info, visit Tourism Timor-Leste
Be sure to head to Lospalos and visit the LO’UD Cooperative, where your delightful and endearing hostesses will treat you to local food, traditional weaving and dyeing workshops and lots of laughter. Contact us for more info.
GROUP TOURS
Timor Adventures offers a range of unique tourism experiences, but each year, ETWA partners with Timor Adventures to offer Women’s Tours with a focus on – yep – you guessed it WOMEN! As well as visiting beautiful places, we spend time with the women, supporting their economic endeavours including weaving and their village-based accommodation.
There are tours for both for motorcycle riders and 4WD vehicles.
Here is what was said on previous tours:
“I was fortunate enough to go on the recent women’s tour of East Timor, run by Timor Adventures. This tour took us to many women’s groups and co-ops in Dili as well as remote villages all over Timor and sought to provide income for these local groups and enterprises. I met many inspiring and amazing women, saw spectacular coast and country-side, as well as terrible poverty and a country struggling to recover from colonisation, invasion, war and genocide. If you are someone who is looking for a different travel experience – who would like to support Timorese people rebuilding their communities and lives at the grass-roots and would like to see a beautiful country at the same time, then I urge you to make the effort to go. It will be the experience of a life time!” Barb
“Shirley’s thorough research and connections within the local community enabled us to see the ‘real’ Timor Leste, travelling the countryside with knowledgeable Timorese guides who taught us much, drove safely and professionally and were fantastic company. The sights, sounds and sensations of Timor Leste were at the same time breathtakingly beautiful, heartbreaking, and profoundly inspiring. Most excitingly for me, the Women’s Tour provided a glimpse into the lived experience of the East Timorese women who so generously welcomed us into their homes, guest houses and Women’s Co-operatives, cooking us traditional fare, demonstrating weaving and sharing life experiences. These times, along with the meetings with Alola Foundation staff, proved to be highlights of my Tour. Viva Timor Leste!!!” Caroline
“Thank you so much Timor Adventures for an amazing journey through beautiful Timor Leste. We took on the roads, dodged the critters, travelled through some of the most amazing country side I have ever seen and were welcomed everywhere with the biggest smiles and open hearts. It was hard to leave such a wonderful place and I am already planning my next adventure back there. A special thanks to Shirley Carlos and Mana Vanna for providing such a well organised and fulfilling safe journey! I’ll be back for sure.” Emma Kate