Possibly the least visited municipality in Timor-Leste, Viqueque is a mixture of sprawling mountains and flat, dense jungle leading to the coast. It is one of the less-developed regions of the country, partly due its size and lack of population (around 80,000 people), and was a stronghold of the resistance during the Indonesian occupation. It is home to Mundo Perdido, the ‘Lost World’, Timor-Leste’s largest remaining rainforest.

One of Timor-Leste’s largest towns, Viqueque is home the Church of the Immaculate Conception, one of the most impressive churches in Timor-Leste, which was completed in 2014. The original church was the site of a horrific massacre of up to a thousand Timorese by Indonesian troops in August 1983, commemorated by a monument containing the wrecked remains of a car, in which two nuns were murdered. The new church took two years to build by an Indonesian company and cost $2m.

Close to the church is the formal Tilou Park, home to various monuments and a playground.

The large Cuha River runs through the town, and crocodiles have been known to travel up from the south coast.

As you travel through Viqueque town look out for the 14 large concrete crosses marking Stations of the Cross, between the start of town and the church.

The Santa Cruz Beloi cemetery is the largest in Viqueque.

Heading north out of Viqueque was the very yellow Capela Sao Francisco Xavier Buanurag.

Further along the road to Baucau is the lovely village of Loihuno, home to one of my favourite waterfalls in Timor-Leste.

Along with another yellow church.

While I was flying my drone young Timorese (football supporters?) excitedly came through Loihuno in the back of rather full trucks.

Abrigo Reconciliação Guerilla Hideout was an interesting if challenging place to visit. Here metal ladders have been attached to the steep terrain to allow access to a lookout marking where two Timorese independence leaders first met in 1989. Allow at least 45 minutes to reach the lookout and return. There is a second lookout about half way up.

The huge red and green Church of Saint Thérèse of the Child Jesus dominates the village of Ossú.

On the hillside behind the church is shrine (gruta) to Jesus and the Virgin Mary.

There is also a market building with the same design as the market in Venilale.

Few other sights from around Ossú.

Larigutu is home to the large Alakubaa Cemetery opposite the Miradouro de Lariguto statue, commemorating a female Timorese independence hero.

Before the border with Baucau are a pair of attractive Uma Lulik, traditional sacred Timorese houses.

To end with a couple more photos of the incredible Viqueque landscape.