For the detailed route and logistical information please select this hike below (click top left for the list of hikes).
A wonderful Dili hike, offering perhaps the highest ratio of views and things of interest for the distance of any walk in Timor-Leste. In just over 5km, though with plenty of ascent and descent, it offers several summit points with incredible views, stations of the cross up to a trio of crosses on the hillside, and a beautiful church.
I started from the markets opposite the Tasi Tolu bus station before walking down a side street to the lovely Tasi Tolu Church.
Soon after I started the climbing, heading up the hills behind the houses that cluster around the three lakes (Tasi = sea, tolu = three). It was relatively still, offering reflections. Some sunshine would have been welcome for photography, but the absence made it a little more manageable in the heat.
As I climbed I could see Tasi Tolu Beach with Dili Rock in the distance, marking the border between Dili and the neighbouring municipality of Liquiçá.
I reached the first summit of the hike, marked with a concrete pole. This offered probably the best view of Dili Airport along with great views of the city below.
In the distance on a small hill was an interesting looking cemetery.
The track then went through attractive woods to Foho Cruz Tolu, three crosses representing Jesus’ final hours, which have Stations of the Cross leading up to them.
I didn’t see all of the stations as I continued to head uphill with views of the Tasi Tolu lakes below and some unusually located houses… not long after I did this walk the government removed many of these illegal settlements around the lake shore.
There appeared to be plenty of settlements up in the hills, though most were empty and surrounded by decent fences, so perhaps they’re used for agriculture.
Reaching the highest point of the walk offered more fabulous views.
Coming round the last summit the views changed from the lakes to the Comoro River, which is largest of the four main rivers in the Dili area.
There was one final summit marked by a religious sign and more wonderful views before heading back to the bustling city below.
