Exploring Timor-Leste is an independent travel podcast hosted by Jonty Crane, a New Zealander who lived and volunteered in Dili in 2024–2025 and runs the Exploring Timor-Leste website. It is not an official tourism channel.
The podcast
Weekly episodes ran from June to at least late October 2025, with 25 episodes published by 25 October 2025. Topics include:
- An introduction to Timor-Leste and 10 travel experiences
- Snorkelling, diving and swimming with blue whales
- Exploring Dili, and where to eat and drink
- Municipality episodes: Baucau (with Venilale and Baguia), Ataúro, Oé-Cusse, Liquiçá, Aileu and Ainaro, Lautém (including Jaco Island), Ermera, Manatuto, Bobonaro, and Covalima, Manufahi and Viqueque
- Hiking: ten hikes across the country, ten of the best hikes in Dili, and hikes on Ataúro
- Practical episodes: safety, costs, itineraries and volunteering
- Guest interviews, including Alcino Da Silva, Birgit Hermann and Helen Reynolds
Listen on Buzzsprout or through the links on the podcast page.
Timor-Leste episodes on other podcasts
- Amateur Traveler, Episode 931: “Travel to Timor-Leste” (early 2025). A one-week itinerary covering Dili, Ataúro, Mount Ramelau, Baucau and Balibo. Listen
- Australian Hiker, Episode 307: “Hiking in Timor-Leste” (January 2025). Covers Tasi Tolu, the Ramelau summit, a multi-day walk from Tapo to Atsabe, and practical questions such as trail marking and phone coverage. Listen
- The podcast page also lists guest appearances on Zero to Travel (“Timor-Leste Hidden Gems”) and the Travel Writing Podcast.
For our own hiking information, see the Dili Saturday Walkers routes and our hiking guide.