Plan Your Ride
572 km Loop, Hard, Remote, Mountainous, Sealed/Unsealed Rough
Cycling in Timor Leste is for the adventurous. The roads are a challenge, the temperature and humidity exhausting, and outside the capital city of Dili, shops are very poorly-provisioned. But for the cyclist who dares to come here, they will find themselves richly rewarded for their efforts.
What we Love
Josiah’s Highlights: You will cycle through endless tiny villages with traditional bamboo shacks and palm leaf roofs. Women carry firewood or pots of water on their head. So few tourists visit East Timor that the locals are very curious and shy. They are always welcoming and excited to share about their country. The scenery is beautiful and varied – around Maubisse, in the west, beautiful mountains stretch endlessly in every direction. In the east you will cycle through a grassy plateau with grazing cows, buffalo and horses. The north and south coastline is very dramatic.
What to Look out For
Heading towards Maubisse first, you will get the largest climb (1,900 metres) and the worst roads out of the way first. The north of the country is more developed than the south.
Stock up on food in Dili. Outside the capital you will be heavily restricted by what is available (cigarettes, petrol, alcohol), and instant noodles and biscuits. In the morning (and only in the morning), you will find fresh bread rolls, and doughnuts available in every village. Buy rice and tinned food (vegetables, tuna etc.) in Dili for dinner.
