Not walked since 2018, the Timor-Leste Coast2Coast hike crosses the island from the north to south coast over eight days. Ably supported by a crew from Eco Discovery I hiked across Timor-Leste in early July 2024 and had quite an adventure!

Day one was the hottest as we climbed from the heat of the outskirts of Dili toward the mountainous centre of Timor-Leste, along the valley separating the municipalities of Aileu and Ermera. We started from the road between Comoro and Aileu on a thankfully overcast morning.

It was straight down to a tributary of the Comoro River, which required some care to walk along, with a few crossing required.

It was then basically straight up 700m, with no switchbacks, just a very steep path that would be impassable in the wet.

There were a few structures along the way but it felt a long way from Dili already, despite the city being visible in the distance.

There were views across the valley to the Berloi Waterfall, which the road basically runs through!

We stopped for a much needed rest and lunch between an attractive Uma Lulik, traditional Timorese sacred house, and an amazing tree.

Dili could be seen clearly, as could impressive gardens on the steep terrain, and lots of coffee ready to be harvested.

The afternoon was a little easier as it was less steep and mainly along road of varying quality. It was impressive to see what people carry on their backs and bikes here!

The hike used to start in Comoro and stop for the night at this campsite, but with the growth of Dili we started closer to Fatisi to avoid road walking and too many houses.

There were a large number of buildings of varying quality along the ridgeline.

The steeper sections were concreted, coffee beans could be seen drying in the sun, and Timorese tombs are often tiled like this.

There were the occasional big views across the landscape.

This new church is being built at the summit of Mt Sametali.

The sun finally came out, adding colour to the buildings and landscape.

The views got more epic as we approached the border to Aileu.

It was breathtaking to climb up a hill and get our first view of the beautiful Seloi, home to rice fields and a lagoon.

Walking down into the Seloi basin it was clear how productive this land is for agriculture.

We set up camp for the night, and tucked into tasty rice, fresh vegetables and meat.

For the detailed route and logistical information please select this hike below (click top left for the list of hikes).