The start of a tough but incredible three day 46km hike through Ainaro and Manufahi, in the mountainous centre of Timor-Leste. I went with the amazing crew from Eco Discovery who I walked across the country with the previous month.

It was an unusually cold start, with me wearing my rain jacket for only the second time in six months in Timor-Leste. The previous time was at the summit of Mt Ramelau, at nearly 3,000m, the highest point in the country. It was atmospherically misty for the hour hike up to Mt Saboria. From here there would have been good views of Mt Ramelau on a clear day, but instead we ate our lunch in the clouds. It gets pretty windy up here judging by the bent metal of the cross lying on the ground.

As is often the way within half an hour of leaving the summit the clouds cleared to reveal the stunning landscape of Ainaro, probably the most mountainous region of the country.

The clouds cast photogenic shadows across the landscape.

I didn’t know it at the time but this rocky mountain ahead was Mt Rabilau, which we would summit in the afternoon, though first we had to descend way past it before climbing back up again.

Timor-Leste is a beautiful place to hike.

The wind died down just enough that I could get my drone out for a higher view across the landscape, including of Mt Ramelau in the distance.

The Timorese have built impressive terraces across the landscape to be able to grow crops.

The ochre Ministry of Tourism sign signalled the way to Mt Rabilau, to which a new road is being built. This is an area has been developed for tourism since 2011 with training of locals, but really got going in 2022 with the building of camping facilities.

There were some interesting rock formations, and good views.

On a steep cliff side somehow they have added a large I Love Maubisse sign.

It was a decent hike up but the views helped.

At the summit is a Statue of Our Lady of Fatima, a pilgrimage site for Catholics.

Which has quite incredible views over the surrounding area.

Nearby was a great spot to take some drone photos.

It was then downhill to the village of Kanurema to camp for the night.

From the campsite I watched the sunset colour light up Mt Rabilau.

Using my drone I found some beautiful Timorese traditional buildings (probably Uma Luliks) nearby.

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