How much does it cost to explore Timor-Leste in 2025? This episodes covers flights and visa, accommodation, transport, food and drink, snorkeling and diving, attractions and tours, internet tipping and money tips.

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

Website - www.exploringtimor.com

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

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

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

If you want a different perspective on life—and a way to make a real contribution—Timor-Leste is a remarkable place to volunteer.

I spent a year living in Dili, the capital, volunteering with a local NGO, a government department, and supporting several small businesses. It was an unforgettable and deeply rewarding experience. Volunteering in a country very different from your own isn't always easy, and it's not for everyone, but it can be genuinely life-changing.

This episode draws from my own experience, and from conversations with locals, expats, and other volunteers.

I answer 1. Why Volunteer in Timor-Leste? 2. Which organisation to volunteer through? 3. Which organisations to volunteer with? 4. Advice for those considering volunteering 5. Impact and Legacy – What Difference Can You Actually Make? 6. Reverse Culture Shock – Coming Home Can Be Harder Than Leaving

More information on volunteering in Timor-Leste - https://exploringtimor.com/discover-what-you-can-do-in-timor-leste/#volunteer

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 varied municipality of Lautém, home to Jaco Island and Com.

More information on Lautém - https://exploringtimor.com/lautem/

Website - www.exploringtimor.com

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

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

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

Excellent conversation with Helen Reynolds, a New Zealander volunteer and artist who has lived in Timor-Leste on / off for a decade. She shares why she loves Balibó and Baucau, and her favourite places to eat in Dili.

Her website - www.helenreynolds.co.nz

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 spectacular municipalities of Aileu and Ainaro.

More information on Aileu - https://exploringtimor.com/aileu/ and Ainaro - https://exploringtimor.com/ainaro/

Website - www.exploringtimor.com

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

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

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

Test your knowledge of this fascinating country with this quiz about 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

Exploring the historic and beautiful municipality of Liquiçá.

More information on Liquiçá - https://exploringtimor.com/liquica/

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 Birgit Hermann, a German / New Zealander who has lived in Timor-Leste for a decade. She is a free diver and mountain biker who has worked extensively on marine protection and education.

Her website - www.birgithermann.com

Website - www.exploringtimor.com

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

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

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

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