Timor-Leste tours & holidays

Timor-Leste has a tropical climate with two distinct seasons: a wet season (December-May) and a dry season (June-November). It's hot all year along the coast with an average daytime temperature of 25-30°C, while the misty highlands and mountainous areas are considerably cooler.

The best time to visit is from May to November when the weather is hot and dry and the skies are clear. The monsoon rains can bring cyclones, and flooding often causes road closures which can disrupt travel plans. The rain can also impact water visibility, which isn't ideal for exploring the incredible coral reefs on Atauro Island.

Timor-Leste culture is a fusion of traditional Timorese and other influences. The population comprises several Indigenous groups including the Tetun, Mambae and Kemak among others; Mestiços (a mixed-race of East Timorese and Portuguese), and a small minority of Chinese and Indonesian. You can see this melting pot of cultural influences in the arts, architecture and food.

Timor-Leste has a complex history with many years of conflict and devastation before it became an independent nation on 20 May 2002. However, the Timorese are proud, resilient and renowned for their friendliness and hospitality. Many folks are Catholic, and traditional values underpin society, including an emphasis on maintaining harmony within the community and looking after your elders.

Although many of Timor-Leste's Indigenous groups were displaced due to political unrest, traditional music, dance and crafts managed to survive the calamities of war, and there's a strong focus on keeping these traditions alive.

The cuisine of Timor-Leste draws on influences from South East Asia and Portugal. Many locals raise livestock, and so pork, chicken and goat are popular proteins. Fresh seafood, root veggies and tropical fruits are also staples. Agriculture is the country’s primary industry, and rice (grown on the island) is served with most meals. Coffee lovers can also order their morning coffee made with locally grown beans (Timor-Leste beans are world-famous, and for good reason!).

These are some of the culinary highlights to look out for:

1. Batar da’an

Batar da’an means ‘boiled corn’ in Tetum. This much-loved vegetarian dish is made by sauteeing diced squash, mung beans and corn with onions and garlic, before simmering over low heat until the squash is tender.

2. Budu

A little sweet, salty, spicy and sour, this fermented, tangy sauce goes with just about anything. It's made with anchovies, tomatoes, red onions, mint leaves, chillies and lime juice.

3. Feijoada

Feijoada originates from Portugal, but Timor-Leste has its own spin. This delicious stew is made with pork, cannellini beans, veggies and chorizo which are cooked in a clay pot over low heat until the sauce thickens.

4. Tukir

Good food is worth waiting for, and tukir is no exception. This comforting dish is made by marinating buffalo, lamb or pork with a bunch of spices before slow cooking in bamboo over hot coals for several hours. It's usually prepared for special occasions.

5. Ikan pepes

There’s nothing better than eating a whole grilled fish by the beach. Ikan pepes is Timor-Leste’s national fish dish. It’s made by slathering a whole fish (snapper, usually) in a spicy, fragrant paste of tamarind, chilli, sugar and shrimp paste and then grilling it in a banana leaf.

Timor-Leste has a vibrant events calendar with many cultural festivals, religious holidays and sporting events throughout the year. Aligning your trip with an event is a great way to meet locals and immerse yourself in the local culture.

Restoration of Independence Day - 20 May

On 20 May 2002, Timor-Leste became the first new sovereign state of the 21st century. Timor Leste was colonised between the 16th and 20th centuries and the nation has a complex and bloody history. This day is an opportunity to honour those who lost their lives and celebrate the nation's sovereignty.

Proclamation of Independence Day - 28 November

Timor-Leste was colonised by Portugal in the 16th century, and was later invaded by Indonesia in December 1975. This is another important public holiday commemorating the proclamation of independence from Portugal on 28 November 1975.

Timor-Leste Coffee Festival - September/October

Timor-Leste beans are loved by coffee lovers worldwide for their chocolatey, citrusy and earthy notes. The Timor-Leste Cofee Festival is organised by the Timor-Leste Coffee Association (ACTL) to celebrate and support the industry. Expect coffee quality competitions, national barista championships and tastings.

Festival of Culture and Food - March

This festival does what it says on the tin: culture and food (and lots of it!). Showcasing the best of Timor-Leste's culture and cuisine, expect traditional music, dancing and plenty of delicious local bites to sink your teeth into.

Timor-Leste is located in the Lesser Sunda Islands in the southern reaches of the Malay Archipelago. It includes the eastern half of Timor Island, the islands of Atauro and Jaco, and the enclave of Ambeno.

The geography is wild and beautiful, with rugged mountains, lush plantations and rolling highland plains. A large portion of Timor-Leste is steep, mountainous terrain, which makes it difficult to build roads and other infrastructure.

Surrounded by the ocean, the coast is similar to nearby Indonesian islands, with long stretches of white sand, turquoise waters and fringing reefs. The water off Timor-Leste's Atauro Island is known for its epic biodiversity with over 400 reef-building coral species, dolphins, whales, sharks and many other species.