When most people think of Timor-Leste, safety is often a concern. That perception is rooted in the country's history of conflict and political unrest, especially surrounding its hard-won independence in 2002. But how accurate is that view today?

I spent a year living in Dili, the capital, and travelled extensively around the country. What I found was a peaceful, welcoming place — much safer than I had expected. That’s not to say there aren’t challenges, but most concerns are manageable with some common sense and awareness. My key takeaway from this episode is that Timor-Leste is a safe place to visit, and the chances of a visitor having any issues is very low.

This episode is based on my own experiences, conversations with locals, expats, and travellers, and guidance from official sources. It is structured in 5 areas - Current Travel Advisories, Crime & Personal Safety, Civil Unrest & Political Stability, Transport & Road Safety, and Natural Hazards & Health

More safety information - https://exploringtimor.com/plan-your-journey-to-timor-leste/#safety

Website - www.exploringtimor.com

TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@exploringtimor

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@ExploringTimorLeste

Books - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D82D3TBJ

Exploring the beautiful tropical island of Atauro, one of the most idyllic places in Timor-Leste. Jonty shares tips on what to do and see, including Beloi, Vila, Makili, Akrema, Adara and Atecru

More information on Atauro Island - https://exploringtimor.com/atauroisland/

Website - www.exploringtimor.com

TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@exploringtimor

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@ExploringTimorLeste

Books - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D82D3TBJ

Exploring the remote enclave of Oé-Cusse, a little visited but beautiful part of Timor-Leste completely surrounded by Indonesian West-Timor

More information on Atauro Island - https://exploringtimor.com/oecusse/

Website - www.exploringtimor.com

TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@exploringtimor

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@ExploringTimorLeste

Books - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D82D3TBJ

Exploring the municipality of Baucau, including Timor-Leste's second city, Baucau, and other places worth visiting including Venilale, Baguia, Laga, Vermasse and Gariuai.

More information on Baucau - https://exploringtimor.com/baucau/

Website - www.exploringtimor.com

TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@exploringtimor

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@ExploringTimorLeste

Books - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D82D3TBJ

Your host, Jonty, talks about ten amazing hikes in Timor-Leste...

Horta Loop in Dili, 10km, 3 hrs, Easy - Timor-Leste’s best known day walk

Tasi Tolu Hills in Dili, 5.5km, 2-2.5 hrs, Moderate to Hard - Spectacular views of Dili from several lookouts, from Gruta de Nossa Senhora Maria Auxilliadora / Cave of Our Lady of Mount Golgotha

Tibar Coastal Walk in Dili, 13km, 3 hrs, Easy - Beautiful coastal walk to mangroves

Mt Ramelau / Tatamailau, 9.5km, 3-5 hrs, Moderate to Hard - Summit the highest peak in Timor-Leste

Matebian, 9.3km, 5-9 hrs, Hard - Challenge yourself on the second highest peak

Mundo Perdido, 6.6km, 3-4 hrs, Moderate to Hard - Explore Timor-Leste's largest remaining rainforest

La Rende!, 92km, 6 days, Hard - Discover the WW2 history of Timor-Leste with Mad Dog Adventures

Mt Saboria to Mindelo, 45.8km, 3 days, Hard - Remote hiking through spectacular landscapes with Eco Discovery

Tapo to Atsabe, 41.4km, 3 days, Hard - Enjoy two hot springs and the highest waterfall with Eco Discovery

Timor-LesteCoast2Coast, ~100km, 8 days, Hard - Cross the entire country on foot with Eco Discovery

Exploring Timor-Leste on Foot: 30 incredible hikes in one of the least visited countries in the world - https://www.amazon.com/Exploring-Timor-Leste-Foot-incredible-countries-ebook/dp/B0DNF9VK9Z

Website - www.exploringtimor.com

TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@exploringtimor

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@ExploringTimorLeste

Books - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D82D3TBJ

Exploring Dili, the capital of Timor-Leste. Jonty shares some of his favourite places from a year spent living in Dili.

Website - www.exploringtimor.com

TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@exploringtimor

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@ExploringTimorLeste

Books - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D82D3TBJ

Fascinating conversation with Alcino Da Silva, a Timorese entrepreneur, about his home country.

Website - www.exploringtimor.com

TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@exploringtimor

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@ExploringTimorLeste

Books - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D82D3TBJ

Snorkelling, Diving and Swimming with Blue Whales in Timor-Leste.

Website - www.exploringtimor.com

TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@exploringtimor

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@ExploringTimorLeste

Books - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D82D3TBJ