First day of a four day hike with Eco Discovery through the remote landscapes of Manufahi and Manatuto between Turiskai and Laclubar. I was pushing my luck by doing this right at the end of the dry season, wet season seemed to start at the same time as the hike.

It was dry though in the attractive town of Turiskai, about 1.5 hours drive on rough roads from Maubisse. The town is surrounded by beautiful scenery.

In the middle was a ruined Pousada, a former Portuguese colonial building.

There was also a sizeable church.

We drove to the east of town before having lunch with a view. Even after nine months of exploring Timor-Leste I was still finding incredible new and different landscapes to hike through. The colours here were quite different to anything else I’d seen around the country.

After lunch it was time to start hiking, heading downhill along pleasant paths through the red landscape punctuated by brilliant white trees.

These huge rock formation were a welcome surprise.

As was this fascinating wall of varied plant life living on the side of the rock face.

The enjoyable path ended at the road.

The path returned us to the road, and down what must be a big river system in the wet season. We crossed over and climbed up, passing through scattered small settlements. Then the rain started and instantly the ground became slippery.

It was a relief to reach the aldeia (hamlet) of Tetuluai in the suco (village) of Liurai just before the heaviest of the rain (accompanied by thunder and lightning).

Luckily there was community building we could shelter and camp in. It only rained for an hour or so but felt like it would rain forever.

Thankfully it cleared and we were treated to a decent sunset and full moon rising.