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What to do

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Walking & Hiking:

Points of Interest – The short walk from Lore Village to the Portuguese Alfândega ruin is both scenic and atmospheric. The trail follows a gentle coastal path through old‑growth forest, where the sound of waves and birdsong accompany you along the way. After about an hour, the track opens onto the abandoned colonial ruins, once used as customs houses to control the lucrative sandalwood trade. Locals often describe these ruins as “haunted” or angker in Tetum, seeing them as dark remnants of oppression rather than simple historical landmarks. Their crumbling walls, set against the backdrop of the protected turtle conservation zone and sweeping ocean views, create a powerful contrast — a place where natural beauty and cultural memory intertwine. For visitors, the walk offers not only a chance to enjoy the coastline but also to reflect on Timor‑Leste’s layered history.

Difficulty: Moderate – approximately 5km from the centre of Lore village, a pleasant one hour each way, flat walk along the coast and through a dense, shady forest track. 

Points of Interest – The walk from Com Village to Airleu Beach is a gentle coastal journey that blends cultural heritage with natural beauty. Beginning in the village, you’ll pass the Uma Udat, a traditional sacred house that reflects the spiritual heart of the community. Continuing along shaded paths, the trail leads to Umun Ira, a place shrouded in local legend and characterised by its serene beauty, a sacred lake believed to be protected by ancestral spirits. This site is deeply revered by locals, offering visitors a thoughtful pause to appreciate Timor‑Leste’s living traditions. (Swimming is not permitted here.)

From Umun Ira, the path winds further along the coast until it opens onto Airleu Beach, a quiet cove with golden sand and crystal‑clear waters perfect for swimming and relaxing. The combination of cultural landmarks and untouched natural scenery makes this walk a memorable highlight of Com, offering both reflection and recreation in a single journey.

Difficulty: Easy approximately 2.5km north west of Com village, an easy level walk approximately 30minutes each way. 

Points of Interest –  The walk from Com Jetty to Salara Alara Beach is a perfect day adventure for visitors seeking both culture and natural beauty. Starting at the jetty, the trail leads past the Antigo Edifício do Com, a Portuguese ruin that offers a glimpse into Timor‑Leste’s colonial past. Continuing on, you’ll pass the Semetério Muapusso, a quiet resting place that reflects the deep spiritual heritage of the local community.The path eventually opens onto the stunning, empty sands of Salara Alara Beach, where turquoise waters and sweeping coastal views create a magical setting. It’s the ideal spot to spread out a picnic, swim, snorkel, or simply relax in complete tranquility. With its blend of history, culture, and untouched nature, this walk is one of Com’s most memorable experiences

Difficulty: Moderate approximately 4.5 km level walk along the beach and a dirt track, 1 hour each way. 

Points of Interest  - The hike from Lore Beach to Iliomar in the Nino Konis Santana National Park is a remote and rewarding journey through untouched forest and coastal landscapes. This unsign-posted trail begins at Lore, passing the Sescko Sandalwood Resort before leading you to the atmospheric Portuguese Alfândega ruin, once a colonial customs house tied to the sandalwood trade. From there, the path continues along the coast to Praia Ofu‑Larin, a quiet beach where the forest meets the sea, offering a perfect rest stop.

The trail then climbs inland toward the Kapela Nossa Senhora de Fátima Ilat‑Laun, a small chapel that reflects the deep Catholic heritage of the region, before finally reaching the village of Iliomar. This hike is a true immersion into Timor‑Leste’s natural and cultural heritage, it is remote and unmarked — travellers should carry all supplies and advise the guesthouse in Lore before departure. The combination of forest, coastline, ruins, and living culture makes it one of the most memorable treks in the park, ideal for more adventurous visitors seeking both solitude and discovery.

Difficulty: Challenging approximately 30 km and 7 hours one way. 

Points of interest – The hike from Pousada Lautem in Tutuala to Zo’on‑Sere Chailoro is one of the most adventurous treks in the Nino Konis Santana National Park, combining steep forest trails with the reward of reaching a hidden natural oasis. Starting from the colonial‑era Pousada, the path descends sharply through dense tropical forest, alive with birdsong and the occasional rustle of small wildlife. The trail is unmarked and rugged, so it’s best undertaken with a local guide who knows the terrain.

After about 90 minutes, you arrive at Zo’on‑Sere Chailoro, a secluded clearing with freshwater pools surrounded by untouched forest. It’s an ideal spot to pitch a tent, swim, and enjoy the tranquillity of nature far from any village. Camping here offers a rare chance to experience the park’s wilderness overnight, with the sounds of the forest as your backdrop. Visitors should bring all supplies, including food, water, and camping gear, and inform your guesthouse in Tutuala before departure. This hike and overnight stay provide a deep connection to the park’s wild character, making it a highlight for adventurous travellers seeking solitude and immersion in Timor‑Leste’s natural heritage.

Difficulty: Challenging approximately 4km each way of unmarked, steep forested trail with uneven terrain. Hire a local guide for navigation and safety.

Snorkelling & Diving:

Jaco Island is one of Timor‑Leste’s most breathtaking destinations, a pristine paradise at the eastern tip of the country within Nino Konis Santana National Park and the Biosphere Reserve. Sacred to the Fataluku people, the island remains uninhabited, offering visitors a rare chance to experience nature in its purest form. Its powder‑white beaches meet crystal‑clear turquoise waters, while dense coastal forest shelters birdlife such as kingfishers, parrots, and seabirds. Offshore, vibrant coral reefs teem with tropical fish, sea turtles, and even the occasional dolphin, making it a haven for wildlife enthusiasts.

For tourists, Jaco Island is perfect for a day of snorkelling, swimming, and quiet exploration. Walking trails allow gentle hikes through the forest, while the beach provides a tranquil setting for picnics and relaxation. Because of its cultural significance, overnight stays are not permitted, but boat transfers from the fishermen of Valu Beach make it easy to spend the day here. Whether you come for the wildlife, the hiking, or the snorkelling, Jaco Island offers an unforgettable blend of natural beauty and cultural reverence.

Com beach is a wonderful spot for both snorkelling and fishing, offering visitors golden sands, calm waters, and a glimpse into local traditions right at the centre of the village. The bay is sheltered and clear, making it ideal for swimming and exploring coral reefs just offshore. Snorkellers can expect to see colourful reef fish and occasional sea turtles, while fishing remains a central part of village life, with locals often heading out in small boats to catch the day’s meal.

A community‑run activity centre in Com Village provides equipment hire snorkels, fins, hammocks, and basic camping equipment, making it easy to enjoy the beach and surrounding waters. If the centre is closed, it’s customary to contact the local village chief, who can help arrange access or connect you with community members. 

The Lore coastline offers snorkelling and swimming, a special experiences thanks to the area’s rich seagrass meadows and the presence of the gentle dugong, a rare marine mammal that feeds along these coastal beds. The waters here are calm and clear, making them perfect for swimming and exploring the underwater world. Snorkellers can drift over seagrass fields alive with small reef fish, crabs, and other marine life, while keeping an eye out for dugongs grazing peacefully in the shallows — a truly unforgettable sight.

The beaches of Lore are quiet and uncrowded, offering a sense of solitude and connection with nature. Swimming here feels serene, surrounded by untouched tropical forest and the Coral Triangle’s marine diversity. For visitors, Lore combines relaxation with the thrill of spotting rare wildlife, making it one of Timor‑Leste’s most authentic coastal experiences. BYO equipment and food supplies, there are limited facilities or infrastructure in Lore. 

Birdwatching:

Early mornings and late afternoons are the best times for birdwatching when species are most active. Incorporate your birdwatching at all times when visiting the park so as not to miss the abundance of birdlife. 

Nestled on the coast, Com village a rewarding birdwatching destination thanks to its mix of coastal habitats, forests and nearby sacred sight. Creating a haven for both endemic and migratory species, the golden beaches and mangroves attract seabirds, while the inland forests shelter rare species unique to Timor-Leste. Enjoy the tranquil atmosphere of a small fishing village while spotting rare species against a backdrop of cultural storytelling, nature and tradition. 

Birds Commonly Seen Around Com Village - 

-Yellow‑crested Cockatoo (Cacatua sulphurea), critically endangered; rare but occasionally spotted near forest edges.

-Timor Green‑Pigeon (Treron psittaceus), endemic and endangered; feeds on fruiting trees in coastal forest.

-Timor Imperial‑Pigeon (Ducula cineracea), endangered; large fruit‑eating pigeon often seen in tall canopy.

-Timor Sparrow (Lonchura fuscata), vulnerable; small seed‑eating bird found near rice fields and village edges.

-Black Cuckoo‑Dove (Turacoena modesta), near‑threatened; prefers dense forest, recognisable by dark plumage.

Orange‑banded Thrush, near‑threatened; forest songbird with a striking orange chest band.

One of Timor‑Leste’s premier birdwatching destinations, combining lush coastal forests, mangroves, and turtle nesting beaches with its designation as an Important Bird Area (IBA). The region shelters more than 24 protected species in diverse habitats of old-growth sandalwood forests, mangroves and coastal cliffs allowing birdwatchers to enjoy sightings in peaceful, uncrowded settings.

Key Protected Birds in Lore -

-Yellow‑crested Cockatoo (Cacatua sulphurea), critically endangered, rare sightings in forest edges. Known for its striking yellow crest and loud calls.

-Timor Green‑Pigeon (Treron psittaceus), endemic to Timor, endangered, found in lowland forests feeding on fruiting trees.

-Timor Imperial‑Pigeon (Ducula cineracea), endangered, large fruit‑eating pigeon, often seen in tall evergreen forest canopies.

-Timor Sparrow (Lonchura fuscata), vulnerable, small seed‑eating bird. Commonly spotted near rice fields and village edges.

-Black Cuckoo‑Dove (Turacoena modesta), near‑threatened, prefers dense forest. Recognisable by its dark plumage and slow flight.

-Orange‑banded Thrush (Geokichla peronii), near‑threatened, forest‑dwelling songbird, noted for its orange chest band and melodic calls.

Dirt-bike trails & 4wd wild camping:

Dirt biking and 4WD wild camping offer adventurous travellers a thrilling way to explore the National Park’s most remote landscapes. The rugged terrain, from steep forest trails to coastal tracks, is perfect for off‑road exploration, giving riders and drivers a chance to experience untouched wilderness far beyond the usual tourist routes. Trails around Tutuala, Lore, and Com provide challenging rides through forest, limestone hills, and coastal paths.

Riders encounter wildlife, traditional villages, and panoramic views, making each journey both cultural and scenic. 4WD vehicles allow access to remote sites and hidden beaches, ideal for wild camping under the stars, offering a rare sense of solitude, with only the sounds of the forest and ocean. Local guides can assist with navigation and cultural introductions, ensuring respectful engagement with communities.

History & Culture:

Lene Cece is a remarkable cultural site near Tutuala offering visitors a chance to step back into Timor‑Leste’s deep history. Just a short walk from the main road, the trail leads through untouched forest to a striking rock face where ancient art tells stories of seafaring and ancestry. For local communities, Lene Cece is more than an archaeological site — it is a sacred place tied to ancestral memory and cultural identity. The walk to Lene Cece is gentle and scenic, passing through natural forest, alive with birds and small wildlife. Visitors can admire the ancient art while learning about Timor’s maritime heritage and cultural resilience. Guided visits with local custodians are recommended to fully appreciate both the scientific and spiritual importance of the site.

Lene Hara is considered an ancestral home by local Fataluku communities, linking living traditions to ancient carvings and paintings. 

Accessible from Tutuala village the cave is reached by forest trails and offers a mix of adventure and cultural discovery.

Visitors should respect its sacred status, explore with local guides, and take time to appreciate both the natural beauty and the profound human story preserved here.

Evidence from Lene Hara shows that humans occupied Timor 35,000 years ago, making it a key site in understanding the colonisation of Wallacea and the water crossings between the ancient continents of Sunda and Sahul.

Il Kere Kere, Tutuala is one of Timor‑Leste’s most fascinating cultural and historical treasures, offering a glimpse into both ancient artistry and living tradition. Nestled near Tutuala, these limestone caves are filled with rock paintings and carvings that date back thousands of years, making them among the most diverse and well‑preserved rock art sites in Southeast Asia.

The wider Il Kére Kére cave system contains paintings between 2,000 and 6,000 years old, including depictions of ancestors and maritime imagery, making it one of Southeast Asia’s most significant rock art sites.

The cave system is considered sacred, with carvings and paintings believed to represent great‑grandparent ancestors, reinforcing its role as a cultural archive. Local beliefs hold that the images appeared “at the time when the earth first emerged,” linking the art to deep spiritual traditions. Guided visits with local custodians are recommended to understand both the archaeological importance and the living cultural traditions tied to the caves.

Perched above the coast near Tutuala are among Timor‑Leste’s most important archaeological sites and a must‑see for culturally curious travellers. These caves hold extraordinary evidence of human history, showing that people lived here more than 42,000 years ago, making Jerimalai one of the earliest known human settlements in Wallacea. Excavations revealed stone tools, shellfish remains, and fish bones, proving that early inhabitants were skilled fishers and seafarers. The caves provide some of the earliest evidence of deep‑sea fishing in the world, with remains of tuna and other pelagic species.

Jerimalai is central to understanding how humans crossed the seas between Sunda and Sahul, contributing to the story of migration into Australia and the Pacific

Jerimalai can be visited with local guides from Tutuala village, who share both scientific insights and cultural stories. The caves overlook the turquoise waters of the Wetar Strait, offering a dramatic setting that combines natural beauty with deep history. Visitors should explore respectfully, as the site is both a scientific treasure and a place of cultural memory.

  • Tais Weaving Cooperatives

The Tais weaving cooperatives in Lospalos and Com are living expressions of Timor‑Leste’s cultural heritage, where tradition and community come together through the art of hand‑woven textiles. For those visiting, these co-operatives offer a chance to see how Tais cloths—intricately patterned with symbolic motifs—are created using techniques passed down through generations. Tais weaving is a centuries‑old tradition, deeply tied to identity, ceremony, and storytelling. Each design carries meaning, often reflecting ancestral heritage, local myths, and social status.

Weaving groups often combine demonstrations with storytelling, dress‑up photo opportunities, and sales of handmade textiles, ensuring tourism supports local livelihoods and the continuation of this ancient handicraft

Lo’ud Tais Co-operative Los Palos | Alalo Tais Co-operative Com

Uma Lulik translates to sacred house, and are among the most powerful symbols of Timorese history and culture. They represent far more than traditional architecture — they embody the spiritual heart of local communities. 

Built from wood and palm thatch, their distinctive tall, conical roofs symbolize a connection between the earth and the sky. They serve as repositories of ancestral spirits, oral histories, and cultural identity, often linked to clan heritage and local myths.

These places of ritual and ceremony, where offerings are made to ancestors and community decisions are sanctified embody the social order and spiritual protection, reinforcing bonds between families, villages, and the natural world. Each house is unique, decorated with motifs that reflect local beliefs and stories.

Sacred nature 

-Seek Permission First: Never enter a village or approach an Uma Lulik without asking permission from local residents, elders, or a guide

-Engage a Local Guide: It is highly recommended to hire a local guide to navigate cultural norms, provide insights, and bridge the language barrier

-Respect Sacredness: These are active spiritual centres, not museums. Rituals and important community decisions occur there

-Dress Modestly: Wear clothing that covers shoulders and knees.

-Ask Before Photographing: Always ask for consent before taking photos of the Uma Lulik or people in the village

March - Lore Coast | April - Valu Beach

The Meci Festival in Lore and Valu is one of the most captivating cultural events in Timor‑Leste, blending ancient ritual with vibrant community celebration. Held each March / April (following the lunar calendar), it honours Fataluku traditions through music, dance, and ceremonies that connect people to the rhythms of the sea and the guidance of the moon and stars. 

Rooted in ancestral customs, the festival celebrates harmony between people, nature, and the spiritual world. Traditional songs and dances are performed in the water, symbolising renewal and connection to the ocean. The backdrop of the Lore coastline and Valu Beach adds natural beauty, with coastal landscapes providing a dramatic backdrop.

Experiencing Meci offers a rare chance to witness living tradition, where culture and environment are inseparable.

Perched high above the coastline, Pousada Lautem is a beautifully restored colonial‑era guesthouse offering visitors both history and hospitality in one of Timor‑Leste’s most scenic settings. Originally built during Portuguese rule, the building reflects the architectural style of the time, with its elegant design and commanding views across the Wetar Strait. Visitors can enjoy panoramic views, peaceful surroundings, and access to hiking trails and cultural sites offering a blend of heritage, comfort and adventure.