Timor-Leste Hidden Gems: Blue Whales, Diving, and Slow Travel in One of the World’s Least Visited Countries with Jonty Crane

Jul 8, 2025

Jonty Crane, a New Zealand traveler and guidebook author, shares his insights on Timor-Leste, one of the least visited yet most rewarding destinations. He advocates for slow travel and explains how deeper connections with locals enhance the travel experience. Jonty highlights stunning landscapes, coral reefs, and engaging wildlife like blue whales. He discusses the challenges faced while promoting sustainable tourism and offers tips for navigating Timor-Leste's infrastructure. Finally, he reveals hidden gems around the world worth exploring.

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ANECDOTE

Jonty's Travel and Volunteering Journey

Jonty Crane took sabbaticals from his job and eventually quit to travel extensively.
He transitioned to volunteering in Timor-Leste for deeper cultural immersion and purposeful slow travel.

INSIGHT

Value of Slow Travel

Slow travel offers richer cultural experiences than short visits.
Living in a place and learning the language deepens understanding beyond traditional tourism.

ADVICE

Prepare for Minimal Infrastructure

Accept some discomfort traveling in least developed countries like Timor-Leste for authentic experiences.
Prepare for limited infrastructure such as slow internet and challenging roads outside the capital.

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Could the least-visited places offer the most rewarding travel experiences?

Jonty Crane is a New Zealand-based traveler, guidebook author, and longtime advocate for meaningful, off-the-beaten-path travel. With over 75 countries under his belt, he’s currently volunteering in Timor-Leste, where he’s helping promote sustainable tourism while living the slow travel lifestyle.

In this episode, we unpack what makes Timor-Leste one of the most under-the-radar travel destinations in the world. From coral reefs and dramatic mountain landscapes to warm, welcoming locals and a fascinating (if difficult) history, Jonty gives us a deep look at what it’s like to live and travel there and why more people should consider visiting.

We talk about the difference between traditional tourism and slow travel, and how living and volunteering in a place like Timor-Leste can offer deeper insight, stronger connection, and more personal transformation than a quick trip ever could. Jonty also shares his favorite things to do in the country, what to expect when traveling there, and how to navigate the lack of infrastructure without losing your mind. Plus, you’ll get three of his top picks for other lesser-visited destinations that are worth the effort.

Have you ever traveled somewhere that felt like a true hidden gem? What made it special for you? I'd love to hear about it, and I hope you’ll share by sending me an audio message.

Tune In To Learn:

Why Timor-Leste gets so few tourists and why that’s part of its magic
How it feels to be one of the only foreigners in a place (and how locals respond)
What slow travel really means, and how it compares to traditional tourism
Advice for traveling in places with limited infrastructure (and why it’s worth it)
Jonty’s take on authenticity, cultural connection, and purpose-driven travel
The best things to do in Timor-Leste, from coral reefs to mountain hikes
What it’s like volunteering abroad and “working” while exploring
Why slow travel doesn’t have to mean doing nothing
A peek at Timor-Leste’s rich history and resilient spirit
And so much more

Resources:

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Jonty’s website and Instagram
Exploring Timor-Leste website
Jonty’s books on Timor-Leste
Exploring Timor-Leste Podcast
TikTok
YouTube

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