Discover the untouched beauty of Timor-Leste with Bird-Photo-Tours ASIA, one of the newest destinations on the world map and among the first operators to offer specialized bird photography expeditions in this remarkable country. Timor-Leste, a hidden gem in Southeast Asia, offers photographers a rare chance to capture species and landscapes that are still largely unseen by the global lens. Our tours are led by one of Asia’s most experienced bird photographers, ensuring that every excursion combines expert guidance with insider knowledge to maximize your photographic opportunities.
Explore a mosaic of vibrant habitats, from lush lowland forests and serene mangroves to dramatic hillsides and pristine coastal areas, each teeming with life. Witness endemic and rare birds in their natural settings, from brilliantly colored parrots and elusive kingfishers to striking raptors soaring above rugged landscapes. Beyond the birds, Timor-Leste’s breathtaking scenery—from misty mountains to sparkling turquoise waters—provides a stunning backdrop for your photography, making this an expedition that will inspire and reward both seasoned and aspiring bird photographers alike.
Dili District: Photographic Targets: Pheasant Coucal / Flame-breasted Sunbird / White-bellied Bush Chat / Timor Oriole / Helmeted Friarbird / Red-chested Flowerpecker / Arafura Fantail / Spot-breasted Heleia / Cinnamon-band Kingfisher / Scaly-breasted Munia / Spectacled Monarch.
Manatutu District: Photographic Targets: Savanna Nightjar / Red-capped Plover / Paddyfield Pipit / Australian Pratincole / Blue-tailed Bee-eater / Rainbow Bee-eater / Timor Friarbird / Pied Bush Chat / Timor Sparrow.
Baucau District: Photographic Targets: Sunda Zebra Finch / Black-faced Woodswallow / Paddyfield Pipit / Pale-headed Munia / Scaly-breasted Munia / Zitting Cisticola / Golden-headed Cisticola / Pied Stilt / Barred Dove / Little Tern / Common Greenshank.
Lautem District: Photographic Targets: Timor Oriole / Pheasant Coucal / Sunda Zebra Finch / Shining Bronze Cuckoo / Barred Dove / Pacific Emerald Dove / Asian Emerald Dove / White-bellied Bush Chat / Arafura Fantail / Rose-crowned Fruit Dove/ Cinnamon-band Kingfisher / Flame-breasted Sunbird / Helmeted Friarbird / Red-chested Flowerpecker / Arafura Fantail / Spot-breasted Heleia / Orange-footed Scrubfowl / Scaly-breasted Munia / Spectacled Monarch.
Guiding Fees / Ground Transportation / Accommodation / Meals / Entrance Fees / Tipping for Drivers, Boatsmen, Hotel and Restaurant Staff.
International Flights / VISA Fees / Travel Insurance / Tips for Local Guide / Alcohol / Laundry / Items of a Personal Nature
Days 1-2 Dili District [1N, 0D, 2S]. Arrive Dili International Airport, drive 20-minutes to hotel. Photographic Targets: Timor Coucal / Flame-breasted Sunbird / White-bellied Bushchat / Timor Oriole / Helmeted Friarbird / Red-chested Flowerpecker / Arafura Fantail / Timor White-eye / Cinnamon-banded Kingfisher / Orange-footed Megapod / Scaly-breasted Munia / Spectacled Monarch.
Days 2-3 Manatutu District [1N, 0D, 2S]. Drive 2-hours to Manatutu District. Photographic Targets: Savanna Nightjar / Red-capped Plover / Paddyfield Pipit / Australian Pratincole / Blue-tailed Bee-eater / Rainbow Bee-eater / Timor Friarbird / Pied Bushchat / Timor Sparrow.
Days 3-5 Baucau District [2N, 1D, 3S]. Drive 2-hours to Baucau District. Photographic Targets: Sunda Zebra Finch / Black-faced Woodswallow / Paddyfield Pipit / Pale-headed Munia / Scaly-breasted Munia / Zitting Cisticola / Golden-headed Cisticola / Pied Stilt / Barred Dove / Little Tern / Common Greenshank.
Days 5-8 Lautem District [3N, 2D, 5S]. Drive 2-hours to Lautem District. Photographic Targets: Timor Oriole / Timor Coucal / Sunda Zebra Finch / Shining Bronze Cuckoo / Timor Barred Dove / Pacific Emerald Dove / Asian Emerald Dove / White-bellied Bushchat / Arafura Fantail / Rose-crowned Fruit Dove/ Cinnamon-banded Kingfisher.
Days 8-11 Lautem District [3N, 2D, 5S]. Drive 3-hours. Photographic Targets: Timor Coucal / Flame-breasted Sunbird / White-bellied Bushchat / Timor Oriole / Helmeted Friarbird / Red-chested Flowerpecker / Arafura Fantail / Timor White-eye / Cinnamon-banded Kingfisher / Orange-footed Megapod / Scaly-breasted Munia / Spectacled Monarch.
Days 11-12 Dili District [1N, 0D, 1S]. Drive 8-hours to Dili District for international departures the following day [END].
[Key: N: Night / D: Full Day / S: Session / Half-Day]
Nick Ludovic Green has spent much of his life travelling and photographing birds across Asia and Oceania, developing a depth of field experience that few bird photographers achieve. Over more than 15 years in the region, Nick has led 150+ bird photography tours in 35 countries, carefully designing each itinerary to give photographers the best possible access to light, behaviour and habitat.
Through extensive long-term travel, Nick has photographed 2,500 bird species across Asia and Oceania, many at portrait-quality standard. In China alone he has documented over 1,200 species, working in every province and returning repeatedly to key locations to refine photographic opportunities, an experience that directly benefits photographers travelling with him.
His longer bird photography expeditions include a four-month journey across Melanesia, a three-month traverse of Xinjiang Autonomous Region in China's western frontier, and a four-month Himalayan journey from Kashmir, Ladakh and Bhutan to Arunachal Pradesh and Assam. These extended field projects have helped build deep regional knowledge and trusted local relationships.
Nick’s images have been published internationally, and his methods reflects a long-term commitment to careful, respectful bird photography. On tour, he is known for his organized, supportive approach and practical in-field guidance, helping bird photographers of all levels improve their work whilst enjoying unhurried time amongst the region’s most sought-after species.
(i) The guesthouses are all in close proximity to the bird photography locations (ii) Walking is at a light pace (iii) There is no requirement to hike nor climb. (iv) None of the locations are at altitude (v) There is no camping Summary: for these five reasons this trip has been graded as 'Easy'.
