Sub-Menu Detail
Getting there
In Dili, local ‘microlets’ are available to get you to the main bus station where you can find private regional bus companies that will take you from downtown Dili to the outer districts and Lospalos where you can then find local transport to the smaller surrounding villages. For the adventurous, these local buses are cheap, hot, bustling and can take longer than private transport along deteriorated roads.
Self-drive 4wd or dirt bikes are alternate options as the roads around Timor-Leste can be challenging!
- Dili to Com Village:
The drive from Dili to Com Village is one of Timor‑Leste’s most scenic journeys, winding along rugged coastal cliffs and rolling hills with sweeping views of the turquoise sea. As the road climbs and dips, visitors are treated to glimpses of remote beaches, traditional villages, and lush forested slopes that frame the horizon. It’s a route that feels both adventurous and tranquil, offering a perfect prelude to the quiet charm awaiting in the quaint fishing village of Com. This is a fully paved road.
- Com Village to Tutuala:
The drive from Com to Tutuala is a journey through some of Timor‑Leste’s most dramatic and culturally rich landscapes. The road winds through rugged mountains, with sweeping views of the deep blue Wetar Strait, before climbing into forested hills dotted with traditional villages. Along the way, visitors pass stretches of untouched beaches and pockets of dense tropical forest, creating a sense of both remoteness and discovery. The highlight is reaching Pousada Lautem, perched high above Tutuala, where panoramic views across to Jaco Island and the Wetar Islands make the drive feel like a passage into another world. It’s a route that blends natural beauty with cultural depth, setting the stage for exploration at the very eastern tip of Timor‑Leste. 4wd recommended.
- Tutuala to Valu Beach and Jaco Island:
The short drive from Tutuala to Valu Beach feels like a descent into another world. The road winds down from the hills through patches of forest, opening onto sweeping coastal views before reaching the tiny fishing village of Valu at the very eastern tip of Timor‑Leste. A few eco-lodges and basic accommodation sit right on the beach side with stunning views across to Jaco Island. It is here that you can engage a local fisherman to take you across to Jaco Island costing approximately US$10 return. Arrange a time for pick-up from Jaco and pay when you return to Valu Beach. 4wd recommended.
- Lospalos to Lore I:
The drive from Lospalos to Lore Village is a beautiful journey through Timor‑Leste’s eastern landscapes. The road* winds through rolling hills and stretches of untouched forest before opening onto sweeping coastal views. Along the way, visitors catch glimpses of traditional villages and quiet beaches, creating a sense of discovery and remoteness. As you approach Lore I, the scenery shifts to lush tropical forest and mangroves, setting the stage for its rich biodiversity and cultural heritage. It is a memorable drive that feels like an introduction to one of the country’s most pristine coastal regions.
*The road is not sealed, but was upgraded in November 2025, and takes approximately 45minutes from Los Palos. 4wd recommended.