Balibo Trails is a cooperative of local guides in Balibó, a hill town in Bobonaro near the Indonesian border, offering guided walks of the village, longer hikes, cycle tours and mountain bikes for self-guided rides. It is listed on the official Timor-Leste Tourism operator directory (checked October 2026); book a few days ahead by WhatsApp or through the Balibó Fort Hotel.
Walks and rides
- Balibó village walk (about 75 minutes): the town’s history, culture and daily life, including the Flag House, where in 1975 five Australian-based journalists, the “Balibo Five”, painted an Australian flag shortly before they were killed by invading Indonesian forces. It is now a memorial and community centre.
- Gruta Morutau: a walk into the hills north of Balibó past the Stations of the Cross, ending with views across the border towards Atambua in Indonesia.
- Leohitu: a village a short bike ride away, with seasonal waterfalls and a fish hatchery.
- Balibó to Batugade (13 km): a downhill walk to the coast at Batugade, best started early in the morning; the guides can arrange a picnic breakfast.
- Bike hire and cycle tours: rent a mountain bike to explore on your own, or ride with a guide who points out cultural, natural and historical sites, including limestone caves that sheltered people during the Indonesian occupation.
Trail grades and what to bring are in our hiking guide.
Who runs it
Balibo Trails began as Balibo Walking Trails in 2019 with a Friendship Grant from Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), obtained by the Balibó House Trust. Dili tour company Timor Adventures trained the guides, and a later grant from the Victorian Government added mountain bikes. When it opened, the venture was described as the first formal tour office outside Dili, with about ten locally trained guides led by manager Egidio “Gido” Da Purificacao Soares.
The Balibó House Trust also supports the Balibó Fort Hotel, inside the restored Portuguese fort, and community projects such as the Balibó Community Learning Centre. Balibo Trails is next door to the learning centre.
Planning your visit
- Getting there: Balibó is reached by road from Dili; ask your hotel or driver about current road conditions. See getting around.
- Where to stay: the Balibó Fort Hotel; see Balibó House and Balibó Fort.
- Booking: contact Balibo Trails in advance. The official directory lists +670 7715 7737; reviewers recommend WhatsApp, or booking through the hotel.
- Season: the dry season (roughly May to November) is best for walking and cycling.