There are several beautiful hikes and walks across Oé-Cusse, that will provide you with a broad overview of the landscape and terrain of the region. All the hikes are easy to moderate difficulty, ranging from about 20 minutes to two and a half hours one way. The description for each hike includes relevant historical and cultural information, as well as logistical details about the hike. Enjoy!
Sacred Experience in Nu’uba’u – Fonte Sagrada Trail: Known before the Portuguese colonization as “Nu’uba’u,” the Fonte Sagrada trail offers up a stunning waterfall, located deep in the jungle about two hours walking from the village of Oé-foko. Be prepared to get your feet wet and please ask permission from locals before entering the area. Also look out for bau (a local plant), communal vegetable gardens, caves and sometimes monkeys and tropical birds. A guide is required.
Waterfalls of Kutete Trail: Following the river stream, this trail progresses through a rich and complex ecosystem where visitors can enjoy the flora and fauna of the region. The hike covers the first portion of the complete path to Kutete, ending at an impressive waterfall. Very fit and ambitious hikers can continue to the village of Kutete, where much of the population that fled to the mountains in 1999 continues to live. A guide is required.
The Pais (country) Mountain Trail located in the Oesilo – Oé-Cusse highlands, a one-hour drive away from Pante Macassar. The hike takes approximately one and a half hours to the summit, where hikers will be rewarded with a panoramic view over Timor-Leste and across the Indonesian border. It is an excellent location to enjoy the sunrise. A guide is required.
A rewarding 25-minute hike that begins from the village of Oé-Tulo behind Pante Macassar, this walk takes you down a valley between two dramatic mountains ranges. On the walk, you will see local vegetable plantations and banana groves. For those intrepid enough, a short climb leads finally to the Maombelon waterfall. Small during the dry season, the waterfall swells dramatically during the wet season to cover much of the rock face. After resting and taking in the beauty of the waterfall, hikers return via the other side of the valley.
Fatu-Suba Trail – The Portuguese Legacy: This short and easy hike takes you to the ruins of the Fatu-Suba prison, one of the most emblematic buildings in Oé-Cusse during the Portuguese colonial period. The prison was located high on a hill above Pante Macassar to allow surveillance of the Savu Sea and also served as a residence for the Regional Administrator. A statue of Our Lady, the Helper, was built and placed in a cave near the prison at the time of the Indonesian invasion. An annual pilgrimage hike takes place in May. It is also one of the best spots to watch the sunset or gaze at the stars. This hike can be completed without a local guide.
Via Sacra Trail: Located in front of the port of Lifau, where the Portuguese first landed in 1515, this short and easy route takes you through the fourteen crosses of Via Sacra and provides beautiful views of the western part of Pante Macassar town. On Good Friday, an annual pilgrimage along this trail takes place, with massive participation from the local Catholic community. This hike can be completed with a local guide.
While all of the hikes are relatively safe, knowledge, preparation, and a good plan are essential for safe hiking. Remember that Oé-Cusse is a tropical region, so be specially prepared for sun, heat, and humidity, as well as insects and animals such as mosquitoes, spiders, and snakes. Take extra care during the wet season as flash floods are possible. Always carry sufficient water on your hike and wear and bring loose, cool, and comfortable clothing to protect your from the sun and heat. While Oe-Cusse has good mobile phone services, there is no reception along some of the hiking routes. We recommend downloading the hiking route on WikiLoc before beginning. As they travel through private property and sacred sites, the majority of hikes must be completed with a local guide.
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