Location Timor-Leste Meeting Point Dili International Airport, Timor-Leste Duration 10 days Difficulty Challenging Group Size 12
'This entirely authentic book vividly records for the first time the splendid exploits of the Australian 2/2 Independent Companies in Timor.' - Lieut. Col. B. J. Callinan Experience one of the world’s great unknown adventure treks. Embark on a pilgrimage as you follow a trail that connects sites of significance in the guerrilla campaign fought by Australia’s first commando forces in Timor-Leste and the Kriadu, Timorese people who walked alongside them, and honour those who bravely fought and lost their lives in 1942. Gain insight into the difficult terrain Australian forces had to endure during WWII and experience life in remote mountainous villages. The whole trek traverses the entire island of Timor from North to South, some 130km. This expedition covers the first half of the trek from Bazartete to Hatabulico approximately 92km, 6 days of intense hiking. The trail crosses rugged ridges, crystal clear rivers, passes through Portuguese era coffee plantations, thick tropical jungles and crosses Mount Ramelau, which peaks at 2,986m. It can be trekked year round but is best attempted during the dry season May – November to avoid the wet season and associated risks of heavy rain and landslides. Authentic hand drawn map from a 2/2 war diary (1942) that covers the trek route between Fatubesse and Atsabe. Drawn on the back of a page from a Japanese message book. While on tour you’ll explore the untold story of the 2/2nd Independent Company who in 1942 were sent to Kupang in the Dutch East Indies as part of a joint Australian and Dutch operation to defend against the expected Japanese invasion. A Dutch commander took members of the 2/2nd into Portuguese Timor to defend the nation but shortly after their arrival the Japanese invaded and their radio to contact Australia was destroyed. Members of the 2/2nd then went into the mountains to the west of Dili and fought a successful guerrilla war against the Japanese with the support of the Timorese people. They were Australia’s 1st commandos to see action. This tour follows their story.The name La Rende! means ‘no surrender’ and refers to an incident in March 1942 when David Ross, the British Consul in Dili, was sent by invading Japanese forces to deliver a surrender demand to the Australian HQ in Hatolia. The demand was rejected. The name also resonates strongly with Timorese Independence War veterans who campaigned along the track against the Indonesian occupiers between 1975 – 1999 and did not surrender. After decades of protracted struggle Timor Leste finally become an independent nation in 2002. This trek best suits moderate to advanced hikers. It is physically demanding and training is essential. There are two ways to tackle this hike and you can choose your level based on your fitness, budget and comfort. Moderate Level: Use of Timorese ponies* or vehicle shuttle for an additional USD $350, carrying only a light day pack with daily essentials, food and water.Advanced Level: Completely self-sufficient, carrying all equipment and food.*Timorese ponies are an important part of the 2/2nd story. They are ideally suited to the mountains and were used by the 2/2nds to carry supplies and equipment, and add an element of authenticity to the trek. Ponies are only available on days 8 & 9 of the trek.
Day 1 - Arrive Dili Arrive: Dili at 3.10pm QF 351Your guides will meet you at Dili International Airport to pick you up and take you to your accommodation.Accommodation: Hotel TimorActivity: Orientation of Dili – Cristo ReiDinner: L’Aubergine Restaurant (own cost) Day 2 - Explore Dili Breakfast: Hotel TimorDrive to Dare Memorial Museum & CafeLunch: Ahi Matan (Traditional Timorese)Explore Santa Cruz Cemetery and the Resistance MuseumDinner: Osteria ItalianaAccommodation: Hotel TimorNOTE: The Dare Memorial Museum & Cafe was established in 1969 with funds raised by the 2/2 Commando Association of Australia, and is the site of a significant firefight. Day 3 - Drive to Asumanu Breakfast: Hotel TimorDili Battlefield TourLunch: Cafe HaHaDrive from Dili to BazarteteDinner: AsumanuAccommodation: Asumanu TentsNOTE: On the way to Bazartete, we’ll take a short hike to see WWII gun pits and a Japanese soldiers’ gravesite. Bazartete is where Lieutenant Tom Nisbet’s 4 Section of B Platoon led an attack against 200 Japanese soldiers. Facing intense pressure, the Australians carried out a fighting withdrawal towards Hatolia. Casualties included 2 Australians and over 40 Japanese soldiers. Day 4 - Trek to Fatubessi Breakfast: AsumanuTrek 1: 12km + 440m descent + 880m ascentLunch: Traditional Timorese meal, on routeDinner: Fatubessi GuesthouseAccommodation: Fatubessi Tents / GuesthouseNOTE: Our trek begins with a steep, sun-exposed descent along a traditional footpath covered in loose shale. At the bottom, you’ll splash through the waters of Mota Curiho before facing a challenging ascent to our lunch spot. This climb is also sun-exposed, but your reward awaits near the top—a simple, traditional Timorese meal made from seasonal ingredients such as a hearty bean and corn stew, served with the famous ai manas, a spicy regional sauce that is central to Timorese cuisine. After lunch continue to retrace the steps of C Platoon soldiers from 1942, who braved swollen streams to reach the Japanese-owned SAPT plantation in Fatubessi, where they seized crucial radio equipment in a daring bid to restore communication with Australia. Fatubessi is of historic significance as a place of resistance during the 1975 – 1999 Indonesian occupation. Fatubessi is home to an intricate cave system that was used as a place of shelter by FALINTIL (Forças de Defesa de Timor Leste) combatants and resident communities. We will hear stories from this time. The area of Fatubessi is also occupied by the former coffee plantation of the SAPT company, a Portuguese colony exploratory company in Ermera District. Fatubessi is the home of the “Hybrid of Timor” rust-resistant coffee tree, a natural hybrid of Arabica and Robusta, whose seed was sent out into the world in 1953, begetting many other coffee trees. Day 5 - Trek to Hatolia Breakfast: Fatubessi GuesthouseTrek 2: 14.5km + 530m descent + 290m ascentLunch: Traditional Timorese meal, on routeDinner: Hatolia GuesthouseAccommodation: Hatolia Tents / GuesthouseNOTE: Our trek begins with a steep descent down through the village of Fatubessi crossing a refreshing river before a short ascent to a rugged 4WD trail. We’ll follow this trail to our lunch spot in a traditional picturesque village, where you’ll gain invaluable insights into the WWII campaign and Indonesian resistance. After lunch, you’ll make your way back through the village, picking fresh fruit berries, a favourite among Timorese children. This afternoon, you’ll trek through mountainous coffee plantations and cross rickety bamboo bridges on your way to Hatolia. Situated high in the rugged mountain region, Hatolia was a significant gathering point after the Japanese invasion. On Friday, March 13, 1942, David Ross, the British Consul-General who had been held under house arrest in Dili, arrived in Hatolia with a Japanese surrender demand. The initial reaction was reportedly terse and typically Australian: “Surrender! Surrender, be f…d.” This trek gets its name from this altercation, with the Tetun translation for “No surrender” being “La Rende!”
Day 6 - Trek to Datu Rua Breakfast: Hatolia GuesthouseTrek 3: 15km + 570m descent + 565m ascentLunch: Traditional Timorese meal, on routeDinner: Datu RuaAccommodation: Datu Rua camping platform / tentsNOTE: Today, we’ll explore Doc Dunkley’s Hospital, a Portuguese ruin nestled in the heart of Hatolia, before descending through the village. We’ll take a moment to cool off in the refreshing waters of Mota Loes. Next, we’ll trek through dry, sun-exposed paddy fields and past herds of buffalo. Enjoy a traditional lunch in Lemeia Craic, where you can quench your thirst with a fresh coconut. After lunch, we’ll continue our trek along rugged cliff lines and abandoned Japanese built roads that provide breathtaking views of the surrounding mountain ranges. Tonight will be spent in Datu Rua, the most remote and challenging village to reach along our trek. In line with Maddog Adventures’ commitment to supporting the economic development of rural communities, we have worked closely with the local community over the past three years to construct camping platforms, with plans for further development along the trek. Day 7 - Trek to Atsabe Breakfast: Datu RuaTrek 4: 13.5km + 360m descent + 975m ascentLunch: Traditional Timorese meal, on routeDinner: AtsabeAccommodation: Atsabe GuesthouseNOTE: Hike along rugged foot pads, across swollen rivers and through coffee country flanked to the north by Mount Cailcao and to the east by Mount Ramelau, which you’ll summit tomorrow. As far back as 1942 Atsabe was lauded for its allure with a tourism pamphlet suggesting an investigation of Bandeira waterfall. Today Mota Bandeira, located near the Raimutin Wet Mill, remains a popular waterfall and one of the country’s main tourist destinations. Day 8 - Trek to Hatabulico over Mount Ramelau Breakfast: Atsabe GuesthouseTrek 5: 22.5km + 670m descent + 1,745m ascentLunch: Expo lunchDinner: HatobulicoAccommodation: Hatobulico GuesthouseNOTE: Trek to Hatabulico, navigating over Mount Ramelau, the tallest mountain in Timor-Leste, standing at 2,986m. Today promises to be a long and challenging hike, as the higher altitude and unpredictable weather can add an extra layer of difficulty. Be sure to pack thermals, a beanie, and a raincoat in your backpack for the journey. Mount Ramelau holds deep religious and cultural significance, crowned by a statue of the Virgin Mary at its peak. On a clear day, the view from the top stretches across a patchwork of dense green forests and rolling hills, with the coastline visible in the distance. Enjoy the surreal experience of seeing the entire nation from a single vantage point. Take care on the steep, zigzagging descent into Hatobulico. Day 9 - Final trek to Mota Dokomali Breakfast: Hatobulico GuesthouseTrek 6: 14.5km + 920m descent Lunch: Expo lunchDinner: Sky BarAccommodation: Hotel TimorNOTE: Today is truly special and a wonderful way to conclude a spectacular trek. The first 8km of the trail follow a gently undulating dirt road, offering beautiful mountain views. Keep an eye out for soaring eagles overhead. Afterward, prepare for a steep 2km descent to the breathtaking Mota Dokomali waterfall. Once you pay the entry toll, navigate carefully along the slippery rocks to reach the base of this natural wonder, which holds deep spiritual significance for the Timorese. From there, it’s a 2km descent along a well-formed mountainous path to the outskirts of Ainaro, where our 4WD vehicles will be waiting for you. Enjoy a 3-hour return shuttle to Dili, where you can indulge in a well-earned warm shower and a scrumptious dinner. Day 10 - Journey Onward Breakfast: Timor HotelEnjoy a leisurely morning, visit the Tais market, try a Portuguese tart (or many). After lunch head to the Dili International Airport for your return flight home (or journey onward).
Inclusions Airport transfers All in-country accommodatonSingle RoomsTwin Share RoomsBreakfast in DiliAll meals while on expedition Tents, cooking equipment and eating utensil All in-country travel & logisticsAll Dili attraction entrance feesNational Park entrance feesExperienced Australian & local guidesSafety eqipment, satellite communication & first aid kitSupport vehicle in case of emergency Timorese ponies or vehicle shuttle at a cost of USD $350 Detailed itineraryClothing & equipment pack listPublic liability insurance Exclusions Flights (USD $1,000 – $1,350 return)Airline taxesEntry Visa (USD $30)Travel / Medical insurancePassportExcess baggageLunch & dinners in DiliPersonal spending moneyMedical expensesDoctor on call service – tele healthImmunisation requirements / special needsLaundryOptional activitiesAlcoholic beveragesBank fees for payments and transfersCredit card fees Pack List You’ll receive a Expedition Booklet that contains a detailed pack list of the clothing & equipment you’ll require on your expedition prior to departure. Know Before You Go Payment is required in full prior to your expedition.All of your personal administration – medical, flights, travel insurance, and visa application, along with the finalisation of your account – are required no less than 60 days prior to the date of travel.You will receive a comprehensive Expedition Booklet containing clothing & equipment pack list, travel itinerary, and country specific information prior to you expedition.Please be aware failure to pay in full may result in your removal from the expedition.
This initial walk of the La Rende! Trek is dedicated to the memory of Major James “Jim” Francis Truscott OAM, (ret.) 1956-2021. —
Can I use credit cards? Limited credit card and ATM facilities are avilable in Dili. Outside of Dili you will need to carry small value cash and coins (maximum USD $20 notes). Please note only Visa debit and credit cards are accepted. No Mastercards are accept at this stage in Timor-Leste. Do I need a visa? Yes, you will need to purchase a 30-day visa on arrival. Visa’s cost USD $30 per person. This must be paid in cash. Do I need travel insurance? Yes, all participants will require travel insurance. It is highly recommended that this cover is taken out at the time of booking. A copy of your travel insurance policy will need to be supplied to Maddog Adventures prior to your trip. How do I book flights to Timor? We work closely with Lisa Malnar from Travel Managers and highly recommend contacting her to book domestic transfers and international connections to Dili, Timor-Leste. Lisa is based in Darwin and is an all round Timor-Leste travel expert. She can assist with transiting accommodation in Darwin, group bookings, travel insurance and most importantly she will ensure your international connections fit our travel itineraries. Is it safe to drink water from the taps? We do not recommend drinking tap water in Timor-Leste, so avoid it and stick to sealed bottled water which is readily available. This includes steering clear of ice in drinks and brushing your teeth with tap water. What if I get sick or hurt while on tour? All our lead staff are Wilderness First Aid trained and we carry a comprehensive First Aid Kit with us at all times and can offer first response care. For more serious ailments we will take you to Stamford Medical, which is an international standard private healthcare provider based in Dili. We also Care Flight Darwin in case of an evac emergency. **Please note as per our T&Cs any medical care or evacuation organised by Maddog Adventures is at the personal cost of the participant or their travel insurance. What immunisations will I need? To travel to Timor-Leste make sure all your routine vaccinations are up to date. We recommend visiting your doctor prior to travel to discuss any additional vaccines or medications you may need. What in-country transportation do you use? We use a variety of in-country transportation methods depending on which district we are traveling too. We use 4 Wheel Drives for in-land travel and a combination of Dragon boat, catamaran, and local charter boats for sea travel. Sometimes, we even take a MAF charter flight. What is the local currency? USD is the main currency in Timor-Leste. Limited ATMs (Visa only) are available in Dili, but it’s always advisiable to bring cash with you. Smaller notes (maximum USD $20) and coins should be carried for travel outside of Dili, as is can be difficult to get change for larger notes. What is the weather like? Timor-Leste has a hot tropical climate, with a dry season from May – November and a wet season from December – April. Coastal temperatures range from 25 – 35 C. It’s cooler in the mountains and can be damp and misty, a perfect retreat from the heat. What is your risk management process? We take participant health and wellbeing very seriously. Risk is an inherent part of all tours, but we do our best to mitigate, manage and reduce the risk of these hazards causing harm. We work with our staff and suppliers to ensure that all of our products and experiences meet our high standards.
