Mount Ramelau (Foho Tatamailau)

2,986 m (9,797 ft)

It takes between 2 and 3 hours to reach the peak and roughly 2 hours to descend, making this trek a total of ±5 hours. Most hikers start the trek early in the morning to catch the sunrise at the summit.

The hike up Ramelau is not difficult but does have one or two steep sections that may be a challenge to some. The trail is mostly a dirt path with loose stones and low forest on either side.

The starting point for the hike is in a mountain village called Hatobuilico situated at 1917m (6289 ft) above sea level.

The trail starts off as a series of big stone steps with railings in some parts. It takes about 30 minutes to climb these steps, at which point the trail becomes a gradually inclining dirt path (2,480m / 8136ft), where you’ll keep left. The trail crosses a couple of streams just after 2,500m (8202 ft).

After a total of about 1.5 hours of trekking the terrain becomes flatter. There is a church at around 2,800m (9186ft).

Nearing the summit, the trail becomes a bit steeper and you’ll reach another short set of steps to get up the statue of the Virgin Mary and the top of the mountain.

From here there is an absolutely spectacular view of the rolling hills, forest, and even the coastline in the distance, on a clear day. Most hikers opt to start early enough to reach the summit in time to witness the sunrise. This also affords hikers the opportunity for impressive star-gazing on the way up.

Most trekkers return the same way they came, but there is another trail option down the mountain on the opposite side to the way up, which leads to a town called Ainaro. This side is less frequented.

The climate in this part of Timor Leste is tropical and hot all year round. The rainy season is from December to March, but the area around Dili has less rain than the rest of Timor Leste, dropping below 1000mm (40in) of rain per year at times.

The best time to hike Ramelau is between May and November since this is the dry season in Timor Leste. The driest period is between June and September. This period will be when you have the best chance of clear skies for the view at the summit.

Keep in mind that there is a higher chance for thunderstorms in the mountainous areas compared to the coastline around midday.

It gets very cold and windy above 1,000 meters (3,300 feet) up on the mountain, especially during the dry season so pack something warm to wear for the higher altitudes.

There is also the chance of thunderstorms around midday so pack a light rain jacket and/or windbreaker just in case.

There are no special facilities up the mountain. Though it is quite a short hike, so this shouldn’t be a major inconvenience.

You will find two streams along the trail at about 2,500 (8202 ft). It is up to you if you want to trust them for drinking water. It is recommended to use a water bottle filter just in case.

It is recommended to hire a guide as most hikers do this trail in the dark, attempting to reach the summit for sunrise-  and there are a few places where it is easy to go off the trail and get lost.

Porters are not required or recommended.

Ramelau is situated in the Ainaro district, about 100km (62 mi) South of the city of Dili. The closest airport to Ramelau is Presidente Nicolau Lobato International Airport which is in Dili.

It is roughly a 5-hour drive from Dili to Hatobuilico via Maubisse because of the challenging roads.

To get to the starting point of the trail in Hatobuilico, it is best to hire a four-wheel drive vehicle or motorbike to make the journey since public transport is unreliable and won’t take you all the way there.

There is accommodation in the Hatobuilico village if need be.

There are no special risks for climbing Ramelau, though be aware that if you decide to do this trek in the rainy season, your entire journey will be more difficult. From the road leading to the starting point to the trek itself, things will be slippery and could become dangerous.