What is the climate like in Timor Leste ?

Timor Leste has two seasons:

Wet: December to April

Dry: May to November

In the dry season the north coast sees little rain (although climate change is altering this); the cooler central mountains and south coast have an occasional shower.

Day temperatures are around 30°C to35°C (85°F to 95°F) year-round in the lowland areas, dropping to the low 20s overnight.

In Luro, warm-to-hot daytime temperatures drop to a chillier 15°C (60°F) at night, less at altitude.

At the end of the dry season in parts of the north coast the mercury hovers over 35°C

Where do I buy a SIM card ?

It is recommended to buy SIM cards in Dili for use in unlocked phones from Timor Plaza

Currently the SIM card that operates in Luro is by TELEMOR. SIM cards can be purchased in Dili.

There are vendors in Dili & Luro selling Pulsar (phone credit).

Phone credit is available in $1, $2, $5, $10 and $20s.

They can also make a great gift to your Luro Host.

Will there be ATM and Credit Card facilities along the way ?

No ATM or Credit Card facilities are available once we leave Dili.

ATM facilities are available at the Airport in Dili and at Timor Plaza.

We recommend that you organise the cash you will need, at the Airport in Australia.

What about dietary requirements for travelers ?

We have created special meals to meet dietary requirements.

However if you require Gluten Intolerant, Vegetarian (vegan or non-dairy) meals, please advise us before booking.

If you have other special dietary needs, you are welcome to bring your own pre-packed snacks.

Gear

Specialist gear required include walking boots and a day pack (a comprehensive gear list is provided in the pre-departure information provided on booking).

What would be a practical gift to bring ?

The general advice is to source things locally in Dili instead of bringing them.

Bringing donated money then shopping in Dili reduces excess baggage, and it also contributes to the local economy.

Laptops are in high demand everywhere and 4-5 year old technology is acceptable. Old laptops for donation will be very much appreciated.

Baby clothing is also difficult to source for many village people, as are childrens DVD’s.

Other donation recommendations include, plastic clothes pegs, washing line rope, washing up brushes, laundry powder, recycled paper from work (there is little paper for children to draw on), crayons, texta’s & pens.

Please note that we will be stopping at Timor Plaza before we leave Dili on Day 1 to enable you to make purchases if you wish.

Am I required to share ?

We do not require You to pay a surcharge for traveling alone.

We will arrange for you to share accommodation with another traveller of the same gender.

What electric plugs are used in Timor Leste ?

Power sockets are 2 round prong (European adapter) 

http://www.iec.ch/worldplugs/typeC.htm

A power outlet will be made available to recharge phones and camera batteries. Please bring a converter. Converters can be purchased at airports.

We advise You to bring a torch.

Headlamps are useful for night-time toilet visits.

What are some ideas on how I could travel sustainably ?

Timor Trekking is committed to offering low-impact tours that will benefit you and the Luro community alike. Our commitment to socially conscious, grassroots style travel includes working with the community, to develop a sustainable tourism opportunity that helps the Luro economy while minimizing negative environmental and cultural impacts.

We would like to give you a couple of tips to start you thinking about traveling sustainably.

Please bring rechargeable batteries, a battery charger (and plug adapter). Batteries are incredibly toxic and many places that we travel do not have proper disposal facilities. Rechargeables are best, but if this is not possible we recommend that you bring any used batteries back home with you for proper disposal.

Please ask before taking pictures. Just as you would not like to have a stranger come up to you and take a picture of you while sitting on your front porch either do the locals of the places that we visit.

What about security ?

The Host Family premise will be reasonably secure.

There have been no reported thefts, when we have stayed in Luro. However we advise you to keep your valuables on you at all times.

Do I need to bring hand sanitizer ?

Hand sanitizer is a must. Bring a small bottle (from Australia) for your day pack.

Why are we visiting a local school ?

Subject to confirmation we plan on spending time sitting and teaching kids or participating in an activity.

Spending time in the classroom teaching English is a great experience for both.

School supplies such as puzzles, coloring pencils, chalk, paper are always welcome.

What is community based tourism ?

In partnership with the Luro community we have developed this ethical ecotourism itinerary, which includes and emphasizes community participation in its development.

The objectives of this community-based tourism is to help create employment, reduce poverty, and provide preservation of the local environment and local culture.

Sustainability offers great benefits to travellers, keeping destinations special, offering safe, and satisfying new experiences whilst having the opportunity to interact with happy locals, who are truly benefiting from your visit.

As a result we would encourage you to purchase snack and drink items in the villages, and purchase souvenirs and handcrafts from the locals (rather than in Dili’s markets).

What am I required to carry ?

In your day-pack we advise you carry the following:

light plastic poncho,

water bottle or water bladder

camera gear,

valuables and personal items such as sunscreen, lip-eze etc.

Small medical kit

Fold up hiking stick

A bum bag is always a good idea, so cameras and water can be easily accessed.

Is there WIFI access in Luro ?

WIFI is intermittent in Luro. We recommend that you change your SIM card upon arrival to a Telemor SIM which will give you phone coverage. Alternatively connect to Telstra Global Roaming before you leave Australia.

Phone credit (Pulsar cards) can be purchased for $1 - $2 at the local canteens in Luro and throughout Dili.

How valuable is the experience of shopping at the local markets ?

Local shopping provides important economic benefits to the local villages. It is also more economical than shopping elsewhere.

Local markets are a vibrant and enjoyable part of the Timor experience and should not be missed!

What outdoor activities do the locals do ?

Luro kids love playing outdoor games like soccer and volleyball.

It’s not uncommon for 25 children to appear from the community. They go home at sunset or when the church bell rings at about 6pm.

You are welcome to bring soccer balls and pumps with you to give to the Luro community.

How do I get to the Airport from a hotel in Dili ?

There are plenty of taxi’s at the Dili, which is only 6km from the Dili Airport

A standard fare to the Airport will be approximately US$15-20

Please note that many taxis are unmetered, so don’t forget to agree on a price before you start the journey.

Please be aware that new additional taxes have been added to taxi fares upon exit from the airport. 

What airlines fly to Timor Leste ?

There are two common routes to Dili, via Darwin and via Bali.

At the time of writing, most travel via Darwin.

Air North  (Darwin to Dili) 

www.airnorth.com.au

Qantas (Darwin to Dili)

www.qantas.com.au

Timor Air (Darwin to Dili)

www.flytimorair.com

Merpati (Denpasar/Bali to Dili)

www.merpati.co.id

What last minute items should I remember >

• Camera charger,

• Memory card,

• Plastic poncho (available from Priceline)

• Mobile charger,

• Adaptor for local power sockets 

• Laundry bag

• Water bottle or water bladder.

• Small plastic/paper bags for personal rubbish (in your rooms). Rubbish will be bought back to Dili upon return from Luro.

• Register with http://www.smartraveller.gov.au

• Write down the hotel adress. You will need this for your arrivals card. 

What are the baggage weight restrictions ?

Travel baggage weight is restricted on airlines. Most travellers can get 20kg per person plus 9kg carry on on flights from Darwin to Dili.

Any further excess is charged at $5/kg. (http://www.airnorth.com.au/about-airnorth/ngo-travel)

What basic medical items should I consider ?

• DEET based insect repellant,

• Immodium for symtoms of diarrhoea, 

• Ibuprofen or another anti inflammatory

• Sunscreen

• Hat

• Tissues - for toilet breaks where toilet paper may not always be available.

​

What are the minimum physical requirements expected for the trek ?

Our trips bring together people of all ages. It is very important you are aware that, as a minimum, an average level of fitness and mobility’ is required.

Travellers must be able to walk without the aid of another person, climb 3-4 flights of stairs and carry their own luggage at a minimum.

Travellers with a pre-existing medical condition are required to complete a short medical questionnaire, which must be signed by their physician. This is to ensure that travellers have the necessary fitness and mobility to comfortably complete the trip.

While Timor Trekking work hard to ensure that all our travellers are catered for equally, it is not our responsibility to help individuals who cannot complete the day’s activities unaided.

What are the passport requirements ?

Expiry date must not be less than 6 months from the date of entry into Timor Leste.

Your passport must have at least a whole unused page for the visa sticker.

For up to date details check with the Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade www.dfat.gov.au

Should I tell the Australian Government my travel plans ?

Yes, we advise you to register with the Australian Government, its quick and easy and takes only a minute.

Register  at     www.smarttraveller.gov.au

I have a query ?

The information provided here is given in good faith and has been compiled with all reasonable care. However, things change and some of the information may become out of date.

Please keep this in mind when you read it and check with us if you want to be sure about something.

If you have any queries, please contact us 

Is travel insurance compulsory ?

Travel insurance is compulsory.

You will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance is provided.

When selecting a travel insurance policy please keep in mind that all travellers must have medical coverage and that we require a minimum coverage of USD 200,000 for repatriation and emergency rescue.

We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects.

How do I prepare ?

On the trek walking will generally not exceed 4 hours in a day.

You should be comfortable with occasional rough terrain.

At any stage of the trek you can expect some steep climbs and descents and a wide range of weather conditions.

To prepare, thirty minutes of cardio exercise three times per week would be considered a minimum requirement to maximise enjoyment.

Speed is not important, stamina, confidence and balance are.

Be recommend bringing a fold up walking stick, which provide strong support during steep descents.

What vaccinations will I need ?

In the past these have included Tetanus, Hepatitis B and Typhoid.

There is also an optional vaccine for Japanese Encephalitis.

It is recommended to take preventative Malaria tablets during your trip.

You should speak to your doctor before traveling.

For up to date information please visit www.dfat.gov.au/travel

Do I need to organise a visa before I go, if I am an Australian citizen ?

A visa is issued upon arrival for 60 days with an Australian passport.