Mount Matebian
Matebian
Timor-Leste's second-highest peak, a limestone mountain known as the 'Mountain of the Dead', with a statue of Christ at the summit. It is a destination for pilgrimage and trekking.
Matebian rises to about 2,316 m. Its name means 'Mountain of the Dead', because locals believe the spirits of their ancestors dwell here. The fierce 1978 battle, in which Indonesian forces hunted down resistance fighters, also took place here. A statue of Christ stands on the summit, and large numbers of believers make pilgrimages up the mountain around All Souls' Day on 2 November. The usual route starts from villages in the direction of Quelicai or Baguia, and the round trip takes a full day. Most people spend the night in a village at the foot of the mountain and set off before dawn, and a local guide is essential. Driving from Baucau takes about 2 hours.
Opening hours
Open all day (guide required)
Nearby sights
- Baguia Fort
- Laga
- Venilale Japanese Caves
- Municipal Market of Baucau
- Baucau Old Town (Cidade Velha)
- St. Anthony Cathedral, Baucau
- Piscina de Baucau
- Pousada de Baucau