Along with the Waterfalls of Cucute Trail, this is the best known hike in the Oé-Cusse region. It follows a river system, from fields of corn to boulder scrambling reach the attractive Fonte Sagrada waterfall. It is quite an interesting walk, though particularly if done during the wet season, you need to be confident on wet, slippery rocks. Permission is needed from the local community, along with a $25 payment, to walk the trail. Pay in the house to the left of where the trail starts and a local guide is required, to find one try Nato on +670 7539 4952.

Before starting I took the drone up to get an idea of the surrounding landscape.

The walk started through corn filled fields.

Before heading through bush, banana plants, and a dry water course.

It was uneven but relatively easy walking, with more corn planted alongside the route.

Water is piped to the village, so following the pipe is an easy way to go the right way to the waterfall.

It started to get increasingly wet underfoot.

There were some interesting bends in the water pipe!

I walked with a local guide who lives close to the start of the trail, and a couple of young boys who tagged along.

There are various concrete and pipe sections, purpose unknown.

I didn’t quite make it to the end without getting my boots wet, but thankfully they dry quickly in the Timor-Leste heat.

It was an attractive waterfall, though the flow wasn’t as strong as I expected for the middle of the wet season.

Animals are tied to this post awaiting sacrifice as part of annual ceremonies honouring the spirits of this sacred place, held in March or April. It must be quite a challenging carrying live animals up the river system to the waterfall.

I returned back the way I came, somewhat faster taking far fewer photos and videos…