History Among The Waves
- A Secret Retreats journey -
Erin has worked in hospitality for over twenty years and has found her first experience working abroad in the newest Asian country of Timor-Leste. As the Manager of Balibo For, she is sharing with us the best places to visit and explore the unique landscapes and culture of Timor Leste.
All our itineraries have generally been constructed on the basis of the rooms that have the most charm or best view, and not necessarily the first prices, nor the most expensive suites.
We can of course adjust according to your request.
Highlights of the Journey:
- Balibo Fort
- Gruta Moratou
- Somanu Mountain
- Whale Watching
- Balibo Five Museum
Stumble upon the mysterious island of Timor-Leste and uncover the truths and history behind the beautiful country and its people. An island shrouded in waves and its tumultuous past. With this journey, you will get to understand, sit, walk, and eat with the people. Wander into old caves, and forts used for famous battles. Museums are filled with a dozen stories to tell and never to forget. Hike up peaks and discover waterfalls surrounded by communities. Float on the ocean and watch giant whales frolic in the ripples of the sea off the coast of Dilli. These moments will give you a better picture of life in Timor-Leste, even if it’s just a beautiful snippet.
This program could be an extension of our
program in Bali, or complete a
discover of Flores or a
cruise around Komodo.
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Your Journey Day by Day
from 1,500 USD /person for 8 days/7 nights
based on 2 people sharing the same room
Day 1 : Balibo (-/-/-)
Upon arriving at the airport, a driver will pick you up from the airport and transfer you to the Balibo Fort Hotel which will take a little over two hours. Along the way to Balibo, visit famous historical sites such as the Aipelo Prison and Maubara Fort. Once you have arrived at the hotel you will be able to check in and leave your luggage. You will have the opportunity to enjoy a movie screening on the history of the Balibo Five at the museum right in front of the hotel. The story follows the historical murders of journalists before the brutal invasion of East Timor by Indonesia, this museum lets us be reminded of the important history so that it may never be forgotten. After the showing, you will be able to enjoy your time with yourself and the city of Balibo.
HOTEL: Balibo Fort Hotel
Day 2 : Balibo (B/L/-)
In the early morning, after breakfast at six in the morning. You will be picked up to go hike to Somonu Mountain to reach an old Portuguese Fort at the peak. The whole hike will take approximately four hours total, there and back so be sure to be well-hydrated. On the way back to the hotel village, you will visit Gruta Moratou, the Jesus Statue overlooking Balibo Village. You will arrive back at the hotel in the late afternoon so that you can relax and retreat for the night.
HOTEL: Balibo Fort Hotel
Day 3 : Balibo (B/-/-)
At nine in the morning after breakfast, a driver and guide will pick you up to visit the waterfall near Leohitu Village where you will visit a fish farm that utilizes fresh water and serves as the main source of income for the villagers. We will return to the hotel by noon.
HOTEL: Balibo Fort Hotel
Day 4 : Balibo (B/L/-)
After breakfast at the hotel, you will meet the driver and guide in the morning, to visit a local village house for Tais weaving, where you will witness the making of traditional clothes used by Timorese. Then you will visit Duanele, the cave used by locals to hide during Japan's attack during World War two. You will wrap up around early afternoon and be dropped back off at your hotel. You will get the rest of the day to yourself. You can use this chance to visit the Balibo Fort Veterans’ Museum, which is only a 1-minute walk away, to learn about Timor-Leste’s history shaped by conflict and sacrifice. You can also use this time to explore the town further or just relax and kick back.
HOTEL: Balibo Fort Hotel
Day 5 : Balibo (B/L/-)
Have breakfast in the morning and then you will visit the sacred house of Belola, an important element guiding the locals to achieve prosperity and blessings. Then, you will experience cooking a traditional lunch with bamboo taught by locals. After that, we will head to Bae Kadoras to see waterfalls in a bamboo forest and experience the fresh water from the springs, which is the main water source for the locals. You will finish in the late afternoon, after which you will have some leisure time after a long day.
HOTEL: Balibo Fort Hotel
Day 6 : Balibo - Dili (B/-/-)
After breakfast and check-out at nine am, you will depart from Balibo Fort Hotel to Metinaro which is around a three-hour drive by a private driver accompanied by a guide. You will be taken to a pier so that you can board a boat to watch the majestic giant whales swim past you on the ocean. After whale watching you will dock back at the pier and you will visit a famous mangrove swamp, a conservation area rich in reptiles and wetlands. After immersing yourself in nature, you will be taken to the Beach Side Hotel in Dili to check-in.
HOTEL: Beach Side Hotel Dili
Day 7 : Dili (B/-/-)
For the first day in Dilli, you will begin a full-day city tour around nine in the morning after breakfast. Visit the Cristo Rei, the National Museum, and other attractions around the adorable seaside city of Dilli. You will then return to the hotel in the late afternoon so you can enjoy your last night in Timor-Leste by the ocean with time to yourself.
HOTEL: Beach Side Hotel Dili
Day 8 : Dili (B/-/-)
After breakfast and check-out, you can relax at the hotel depending on your flight schedule. Then, the driver will transfer you to Dili airport to catch your flight back home.
*** End of service ***
Your Accommodation on this Asia Travel Itinerary
Beach Side Hotel Dili
History Among The Waves
8 days/7 nights
from 1,500 USD /person
based on 2 people sharing the same room
The journey price includes:
All accommodations mentioned in the program.
All transfers from airport to airport and all destinations visited (private A/C car)
All meals as mentioned in the program.
All other transportation and transfers mentioned.
All excursions, activities and entry fees for places mentioned in the designed program.
Local English -speaking guide.
Government taxes are currently in force (VAT, etc....)
The total price does not include:
International flights to/from Dili
Visa fee
Beverages, personal expenses, and other services are not clearly mentioned.
Travel insurance of any kind that you subscribe to personally (recommended)
This Secret Journey was designed in cooperation with Balibo Fort Team.
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