Monday 6th October – Bali, Indonesia

• Arrive at your convenience in Bali – which is well connected to many countries within Australasia and South East Asia.
• Self transfer to our hotel in Kuta
• Pre-tour meeting held at 5:00pm at the lobby of our hotel to go over the tour itinerary and meet your fellow travellers
• Kuta has a reputation as Bali’s party hotspot, it might not be everyone’s long-term vibe, but it’s a lively and convenient place to kick off our adventure.
• Dinner, drinks and overnight in Kuta

Tuesday 7th October – Bali – Dili, East Timor

Morning

• After breakfast, we transfer to the airport to board Citilink flight QG500, departing at 9:30am for Dili, the capital of Timor-Leste (East Timor). Upon arrival at 12:20pm, we’ll proceed to arrange our visa on arrival, a smooth process for most nationalities.
• Meet our local guide and we’ll transfer to our beachfront accommodation, offering the perfect base to begin exploring this emerging destination.

Afternoon

• After a local lunch in town, there will be time to relax and settle in before heading out to the Cristo Rei area in the late afternoon. This is one of Dili’s most popular spots for locals to gather, exercise, and enjoy their leisure time. Perfect for people watching and soaking in the atmosphere.
• We’ll hike the scenic path up to the iconic Cristo Rei statue – a towering 27-metre figure of Christ that was gifted by Indonesia during the occupation period. From the top, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of Dili and the surrounding coast.
• After descending, we’ll head to one of Dili’s pristine beaches for a well-earned dinner at a seaside restaurant. Alternatively, we may head to one of our favourite hidden spots for sunset drinks and a local feast.
• Overnight in Dili

Wednesday 8th October – Dili

Morning

• After breakfast at the hotel, we begin our guided city tour of Dili, the charming capital of Timor-Leste. We’ll pass by key landmarks including the Parliament House, Presidential Palace, and examples of Portuguese colonial architecture that reflect the country’s complex colonial past.
• Visit the Timor-Leste Resistance Archive and Museum – often referred to as the Timor Genocide Museum. This is one of the most powerful sites in the country, offering an emotional but essential insight into the country’s struggle for independence and the tragedies endured during Indonesian occupation.
• We’ll then head uphill to visit the World War II monument, dedicated to the Timorese who aided Australian forces during the Japanese invasion. The small on-site museum sheds light on the deep, and at times complicated, ties between Australia and Timor-Leste.
• We’ll enjoy a refreshing coffee or juice from the hilltop café, which offers stunning panoramic views over Dili and the coastline.

Afternoon

• Lunch will be at a traditional Timorese restaurant, giving you the chance to taste authentic local cuisine
• Tour highlight – Visit the FRETILIN Headquarters, the base of Timor-Leste’s former ruling revolutionary party. Expect a warm welcome, plenty of fist-raising, and possibly a photo op for their propaganda wall – this is classic YPT-style political tourism at its finest.
• Your tour continues with visits to sites significant to the resistance, including the former Indonesian army prison, along with various landmarks tied to the country’s war for independence.
• Back at the hotel, you’ll have time for a shower and a change of clothes before we venture out to one of Dili’s famous beachfront barbecue spots. These lively open-air restaurants are where locals gather in the evenings – the food is fresh, the drinks are cold, and the atmosphere is unbeatable.
• We’ll finish the night with a leisurely walk along the seafront promenade, soaking in the sea breeze and enjoying a few beers under the stars.
• Overnight at our hotel in Dili

Thursday 9th October – Dili – Com Beach

Morning

• We rise early for breakfast and begin our journey eastward aboard our private bus to Com Beach, making our way towards the heart of Timor-Leste.
• The drive takes approximately three hours, but we’ll break it up with plenty of scenic photo stops and spontaneous adventures along the way. One of the highlights will be a stop at the stunning $1 Beach, a tranquil fishing cove known for its crystal-clear waters and vibrant marine life. For those keen, there will be an optional opportunity to snorkel and cool off.

Afternoon

• We’ll also stop to meet and feed some incredibly tame local monkeys, a fun and unexpected wildlife encounter.
• Upon arrival at Com Beach, we’ll check into our simple yet peaceful beachside bungalows, set right on our very own private stretch of coastline. This is remote relaxation at its finest
• In the afternoon, stretch your legs with a short forest hike to a hidden lake, a beautiful and serene spot nestled away from the coastline.
• As the sun sets, we’ll be treated to a home-cooked dinner prepared by our local hosts.
• Afterwards, we’ll head back down to our private beach to relax with a few beers and soak up the atmosphere. If the conditions are right, keep your eyes on the water – bioluminescence often appears here, causing the sea to glow as you move through it, creating a magical, unforgettable experience.
• Overnight at beachside bungalows at Com Beach

Friday 10th October – Com Beach – Jaco Island – Baucau

Morning

• After breakfast at our beachfront accommodation, we hit the road once again, this time heading towards one of East Timor’s most breathtaking natural treasures – Jaco Island
• The drive is nothing short of spectacular, taking us through lush jungle landscapes, traditional villages, and dramatic coastal scenery. We’ll stop frequently for photos and short breaks – this region is often considered the most beautiful part of Timor-Leste.
• Upon reaching the coast, we’ll transfer by small boat to Jaco Island – an uninhabited and protected island known for its powder-white sand, turquoise waters, and total serenity. You’ll have time to explore, swim, snorkel, or just relax in what truly feels like your own deserted island paradise.

Afternoon

• After soaking in Jaco’s beauty, we return to the mainland and head to a nearby village for a freshly prepared local lunch, showcasing regional Timorese flavours.
• As the afternoon continues, we begin our return journey inland, making our way back towards Baucau. Along the way, time permitting we’ll stop at ancient caves, observe wildlife, pass local villages, and admire colonial-era churches, all offering a glimpse into the cultural richness and natural beauty of East Timor’s eastern frontier.
• Upon arrival in Baucau, we’ll check into our hotel and stretch our legs with a short walking tour of the city’s Portuguese-influenced architecture and old town charm.
• In the evening, enjoy a well-earned dinner and drinks in town, before settling in for the night.
• Overnight in our hotel in Baucau

Saturday 11th October – Baucau – Dili

Morning

• After breakfast at the hotel, we begin our final day of exploration in Baucau, East Timor’s second-largest city and a place steeped in colonial charm and cultural authenticity.
• Our city tour includes visits to key landmarks such as the old Portuguese-era colonial buildings and the former government house, offering a glimpse into the architectural legacy of Timor’s colonial past.
• We then head to a somewhat unexpected highlight of the trip – Baucau’s local market. Despite being in the country’s second-largest city, the market remains remarkably traditional and underdeveloped. It’s rare to see foreign faces here, making it a fantastic opportunity to observe daily life, chat with locals, and witness East Timor in its most authentic form.

Afternoon

• After lunch in town, we begin our scenic return drive to Dili, passing through mountains, valleys, and lush greenery along the way. We’ll pause at a stunning viewpoint for sunset, offering a final chance to take in the East Timorese landscape at golden hour.
• Upon our late arrival in Dili, we’ll check back into our centrally located hotel.
• To cap off the journey, we’ll head down to the waterfront for dinner and drinks
• overnight at hotel in Dili

Sunday 12th October – Dili – Bali, Indonesia

Morning

• Enjoy a free morning in Dili – perfect for some last-minute souvenir shopping (yes, we’ll make sure you get your fridge magnets!) or simply unwinding by the beach one last time.

Afternoon

• We then head to the airport to board Citilink flight QG501, departing Dili at 1:20pm and arriving back in Bali at 2:10pm
• Upon arrival, we’ll transfer back to our hotel in Kuta, giving you time to relax, enjoy the pool, or take a final stroll along the beach.
• In the evening, we’ll come together for one last YPT BBQ and farewell drinks, marking the end of our incredible East Timor adventure – and celebrating in true Bali style.
• Overnight at hotel in Kuta

Monday 13th October – Bali

• Breakfast at hotel
• Tour concludes with YPT able to arrange all sorts of further transportation, accommodation and excursions all throughout South East Asia.

Read More