For a weekend trip out of Timor-Leste’s capital Dili, one can travel back in time to the Jurassic period while walking through the thick foliage of Mundo Perdido (literally, ‘Lost World’) Protected Area. Ancient succulents, thick forests, and sharp rocks rising through the soil are home to several shy wild animals such as snakes and monkeys that are only seen with luck. However, the locals use this area to graze their livestock, so the curious horses, buffalo, cows and goats will be part of your hike. Do make sure you don’t get lost here, and hire a local guide for only $10!
The landscape here is so rough and remote that it became one of the last bastions against several invaders in the past. The mountain range hides secret bunkers and tunnels which were used to fight the Japanese during the Second World War; these are best reached from Venilale district. And more recently, the resistance against Indonesian forces was led from these same stunning mountains.
To hear first-hand stories from the war times, stay at the guesthouse of a retired soldier who fought during the independence wars. With a little knowledge of the local language Tetum or a translation from your guide, you may learn about the incredible stories of survival. Beside the stories, the Loihuno Huts guesthouse, home to Tenente Coronel Falur Rate Laek, a resistance leader in the years of Indonesian occupation, hosts a somber collection of photographs and memorabilia worthy of a museum.
Leave a Reply