An enjoyable near 6km loop hike in Dili over the hills behind Metiaut to Bidau, before returning along the beach.

The start is steep, narrow and slippery, and wasn’t entirely obvious at first but was manageable after heading up to a small green shed on the hillside, and following the path from there.

It offered good views though of the Metiaut coastline out to Cristo Rei, across the Wetar Strait to Atauro Island, and to downtown Dili.

Thankfully the path felt a bit safer without the drop offs.

I headed up to a large cross at the top of the hill, a common sight in Timor-Leste.

The morning light was bringing the hills to life.

It was then an enjoyable descent along at times slippery paths to Bidau.

I wondered around the back streets of Bidau toward the coast.

Then returned along the beach to where I started, finding a couple of large pieces of street art.