A spectacular but technical 6.4km hike along the ridge of Cape Fatacuma from Cristo Rei up a further (steeper and higher) hill before a steep return to the coast for an easy second half of the walk around the coastline. This hike offers great views along the Dili and Hera coastlines, but requires a head for heights, and comfort with walking on steep, slippery terrain.

I started by Cristo Rei as the sun was rising, and headed up the many steps past 14 Stations of the Cross.

The 27m high Cristo Rei is an icon of Timor-Leste.

Which looked even better from the air.

The light had changed already, with the usual morning mist hanging over the city.

I headed along the ridge, which requires care and a head for heights as there are rather large drop offs on both sides…

I attempted this hike 8 month before and everything went wrong. It was satisfying to repeat it with more experience and confidence about hiking in Timor-Leste, making for an enjoyable rather than terrifying experience!

The views from antenna hill toward Cristo Rei and along Back Beach were beautiful.

I then headed further up the ridge, through attractive eucalyptus bush.

The views just kept getting better as I continued to climb, though the heat and humidity, even at 7am, was brutal.

There were huge views along the Hera coastline.

And more attractive views as I took as steep and slippery way back down to the coast.

It was super easy from here, walking around the scenic coastline along Back Beach, and back up the steps to Cristo Rei to return to where I started.