Crossing The Most Unknown Land Border On Foot 🇹🇱

[@padraigocobthaigh1770]

Ben the people are so relaxed. Your man in the hotel says ," No electricity, maybe 2pm". Imagine if that was anywhere in the British Isles, they would be calling it a disaster. What a resilient, humble people.

[@BackpackerBen]

Well said mate

[@topduk]

On small islands it's typical. Some don't have a "grid" and only certain places will run a generator.

[@padraigocobthaigh1770]

@@topduk yeah I understand. It's tough going but they remain so composed and friendly through it all.

[@benleno]

@@padraigocobthaigh1770they are used to it

[@DivineVegan]

Imagine the Americans, yikes!

[@AverytheCubanAmerican]

A more interesting about the Timor Leste-Indonesia border is that the land border you showed at 15:01 isn't the only land border with Indonesia, as the Indonesian flag in this image is covering the Timor-Leste enclave of Oecusse-Ambeno! Why does Oecusse-Ambeno exist? Well it was the first part of Timor that the Portuguese established themselves, and is thus considered the cradle of Timor-Leste! Oecusse and Ambeno are the names of the two original kingdoms in the area, of which Ambeno existed before the colonial period. When the Dutch and Portuguese divided Timor in the 1859 Treaty of Lisbon (which also gave Atauro to the Portuguese), this left the Portuguese with Oecusse as an enclave. Atauro is different from the rest of Timor-Leste as the people there are Protestants rather than Catholics! They were evangelized by a Dutch Calvinist mission from Alor in the early 20th century. Throughout its history, Atauro was used as a prison, both by the Portuguese and by the Indonesian government to imprison East Timorese guerrillas in the 1980s when Indonesia was in control. The landscape of the island is a result of the erosion of uplifted, originally submarine, volcanos from the Neogene period creating narrow, dissected ridges and steep slopes! And a neat fact about its wildlife is that a conservation group in 2016 found more species of reef fish per site in the waters surrounding the island than anywhere else in the world!

[@BackpackerBen]

There ya go people

[@DjowZDjowZ-de8xd]

Great tnx

[@cristovaosoarespereira5476]

Love You… As a Timorese People I really want proud of You🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@rewanji]

East-Timor has a lot of possibilities and space to grow responsibly - they just need to bring the right investors to the place. Thoroughly enjoyed the trip there. Cheers!👍🏻👍🏻

[@BackpackerBen]

Spot on there

[@eric000]

Specially possibilities in tourism are low hanging. Maybe also NGOs for training and development.

[@chriswatchingponies9877]

Bedankt

[@justinoboyle5767]

Thanks for taking us on tours of places I previously knew nothing about. Love your vids. Cheers from NYC

[@rems3000]

that massive crawfish would be worth around $200 is any regular restaurant lol. crazy, hope you enjoyed it

[@BackpackerBen]

EASILY

[@benleno]

@@BackpackerBen how much was it?

[@HalaTimor]

Bro im from east timor live in small town in chester, many Timorese live in UK as they have Portuguese citizenship..hope oneday you comeback to Timor Leste and you can stay in my place and I will host you and Cat😀😀😀 if you in north west maybe we can catch up and join Timorese party oneday..I cannot believe you visited Timor Leste because I have been watching you ages when you visited afghanistan looks crazy but you made, on July this year I was in Timor Leste and visit Jaco island unfortunately you and cat did not manage to reach Jaco island in Timor Leste,.I was so impressed with that island even Im a local..

[@pamelacrawford4105]

Was a nice island and they were so hospitable. Sorry you guys had a terrible night. Hope you have a good time in Indonesia. 😊😊😊

[@BackpackerBen]

Many thanks!

[@mariolopez-oi2td]

You go to the maddest places! Both you and kat have some real grit to face it all with a smile. well impressed

[@TomasHenriques-iy9bb]

Thanks a lot for visiting our country 🇹🇱❤️ we are many Timorese people working in Uk for long time I been work here in uk more then 10 years now but many times people asked me where I am from I said Timor Leste they did not know only people who work together know my country most of the people still don’t know Timor Leste 🇹🇱 is so very proud of you mate hopefully from your video many people will know then people can visit more our country 🇹🇱🙌🤝🤛 TC

[@DMfan1994]

Ben, you said it briefly, but you really should've taken the chance to go snorkelling at Atauro island! It's one of the best places in the world to see some incredible reefs and marine life, and the pristine clear water makes for perfect viewing. I was there last year for two days of snorkelling and I wish I could've been there for an extra two for more dive sites and hiking the mountain on the south side of the island. That said, staying at a homestay and going to as Timorese wedding is something I haven't tried. Always great to see videos of people exploring out-of-the-way places that no one visits, compared to the thousands of Bali travel vlogs out there, looking forward to seeing the lesser-known side of Indonesia!

[@BackpackerBen]

Yes mate we had a snorkel was very good!! No diving though we will do that in Komodo soon

[@mikea.1586]

WOW! Timor Leste still is kinda rough.... I bet it's such a contrast between Indonesia and Timor Leste. I'm envious of your adventure and hope to do this someday!

[@BackpackerBen]

Big difference! We are in Indonesia an hour away now and it’s completely different

[@etreni]

That's why the Indonesian half of the island doesn't want to reunite with TL, economics simply enough the reason why.

[@harukrentz435]

@@etreni they are different group of people tho, just because they look similar doesnt mean they are same people, they have their own language, culture to TL's.

[@rizkyadiyanto7922]

​@@harukrentz435nah, the border is only established by dutch and portuguese in 19th century. they speak the same lsnguage only different dialect.

[@GrampaDisrespect]

You guys did great, thanks for the Video mate!

[@BackpackerBen]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@WiggyWigmoreUK]

Yet another amazing adventure! To be invited to the wedding and go fishing looked incredible! Thanks again for sharing Ben!

[@soupsandwich1]

Kat is always, always smiling. It's so lovely and refreshing!

[@smthk-sthlm]

Another legendary update from your travels! Loved the gatecrashed wedding and free meal! Thumbnail king 🤘🏼

[@BackpackerBen]

Legend!

[@pavettto]

Good stuff as always!

[@BackpackerBen]

Thanks again!

[@quackersna]

Way better than a hotel experience any day. Thanks for sharing this part of your journey.

[@Dawn5048Batchelor]

Dude your so close to Asstralia, it wood be rude not to pop in and have a look.😖😁

[@BackpackerBen]

I used to live there for a year 👀

[@jimbanda]

With a $20 per night budget?? 😅

[@BackpackerBen]

No…$60 😆 scam prices there

[@Dawn5048Batchelor]

@@BackpackerBen things are bad in Australia 50 dollars buys nothing in the supermarket. Plus utilities and taxes are at an all time high. It seems like the one's at the top will only be content when no one has a bank balance any more.

[@Tony-tourette]

I did 3 months there back in 2017 and ended up working on a ford falcon xb ( mad max car ) loved it but yes it’s expensive but a once in a lifetime trip ❤

[@seanclark2085]

Nice one 👏👏👏👏I’ll look forward to watching 🙏

[@cristovaosoarespereira5476]

Thanks for Visit Brother. Love from Timor Leste

[@KjayCarving]

I love the sound of the Mic underwater haha the spear fishing looked so fun

[@BackpackerBen]

Hard work that

[@dougieranger]

It’s a beautiful country for sure. I’m keen to see where you guys turn up next. 👍🏼

[@ChrisorzMC]

That lobster catch was insane, doesn't get any fresher!!

[@BackpackerBen]

Was a beauty!

[@chriswatchingponies9877]

Hello. I'm a new sub. I am binge watching your videos. I'm loving it. You are better off without brother Bald tbh.. 😁 And Catarina is a fantastic sidekick. Sweet, never complains about a thing and she has a way more beautiful smile than Bald. She's adorable. The people of Timor Leste seem so sweet. So civilized in their ways. I know Timor Leste as Oost-Timor (East-Timor). That's how we call it in Dutch. And i knew about the brutal History with Indonesia. And since Indonesia was a Dutch colony, West Timor used to be Dutch-Timor. It's a whole thing. Man, the people are sweet.

[@lurkiandanti367]

Amazing video as always)

[@deborahs.9389]

Guys your so brave sailing the high seas!!enjoy island hopping in the southern Indian Ocean!!!⛵️

[@redbullvodka5696]

A proper backpackers holiday woohooo 👍💪 Going spearfishing, what happened to the saltwater crocs? 😂

[@BackpackerBen]

I scared them off. Got bad stomach issues here

[@donwan7817]

​@@BackpackerBenYou always got stomach issues mate 😂

[@redbullvodka5696]

@@BackpackerBen 😂😂😂👍👍

[@janet33465]

I liked this adventure some laughs along the way too, love the two of you together. Let’s go next adventure …. Yes please!! 😊

[@milesfinch]

Thanks

[@BackpackerBen]

Top man thanks brother

[@DW-nb2zc]

Amazing host Accomodations leave something to be desired

[@JoeFresh95]

We need more of Kat! Y’all chemistry is so cute!

[@howardcollins6748]

Incredible video regards Howard from Cyprus 🎉🎉

[@BackpackerBen]

Thanks mate!

[@mork6668]

I enjoyed quite alot these videos from Timor, cheers!!

[@abraham5233]

Great video 🎉

[@zarathustra007]

quite the wild ride mate! seems like a great place.

[@drainmudvayne27]

how awesome was that getting invited to a wedding just after arriving at your hotelroom on a island... couldn't of picked a better day to visit. cheers from australia.

[@BackpackerBen]

Spot on! Was sweating though! Over an hour no idea what was happening

[@Slykkpkins]

Always a mysterious adventure Bengamin, who to do it better wirh a fellow trooper Katt. You both bring good vibes to your vlogs. Always look forward.

[@BackpackerBen]

Appreciate it mate!!!

[@defensote]

Thanks for visiting my country

[@kabarangayofficial1414]

Thanks for the free tour ben.i hope you visit camiguin island in the Philippines soon.

[@Connie_From_AZ]

Ben, HELLO from Phoenix Arizona 🌵 USA 🇺🇸 Another great video ☺️ dud you ever start process of coming to the states? I remember you mentioning it before and troubles with your previous stamps on your passport from "enemy line" countries may prolonge your application 🤷🏻‍♀️ Obviously I'm in Arizona I'm going to say the Grand Canyon in northern AZ, but for an interesting place to visit I'd choose New Orleans, and NYC because I've never even been to these two states 😊 the Appalachian mountain folks are interesting but we may never see you again young man 😂 stay safe and see you on the next episode.

[@billelliott7531]

Wow, unexpected invite to a wedding. Yet another great adventure. I always enjoy seeing where you go and your experience.

[@BackpackerBen]

Appreciate it Billy !

[@Richard-sl1qf]

Your one of the best travel youtubers out there does that mean your rich or can you be a succesful youtuber and still be skint

[@BackpackerBen]

that is it from Timor Leste, what do you think of the place then? would you go? let me know... also do tell me where you wish to see me next I am now in Indonesia making plans. Thank you for watching! 🚀

[@Lionking1190]

Might think about going Timor leste in the future now 😎

[@BackpackerBen]

do it

[@will_274]

Any of the Pacific Islands is a good trip. Not cheap like Asia, but worth it.

[@thecoin5394]

​​@@BackpackerBenWelcome (Selamat Datang) to Indonesia Ben .. I hope you will enjoy your days in the East Nusa Tenggara Province of Indonesia!

[@ghulamdh]

Sumba would be great, not as hardcore as TL but definitely worth to try

[@clifforddang5947]

Portuguese is my favorite language, it sounds so eloquent and beautiful. Kat is such a great travel companion, she’s always so positive!

[@martocoelho4039]

Obrigado amigo 🤜🤛🇵🇹From Portugal

[@natesquestyouknowthatsrigh8269]

Awesome! 😊

[@yinedz0345]

Welcome ben!

[@icysurfer1]

How cool. Things like the wedding are super special. Now, people will know your faces, and all wlll be chill.

[@redshorse]

Excellent !

[@manisteerocks7092]

HHAAAAA..i just died laughing...had to hit the pause button...m8t?..a wrinkled proper shirt is better at a wedding than most of your others, so no worries..lol!

[@eksantra502]

Ben do you know there's MotoGP's circuit in indonesia called Mandalika? Hope you visit that place because it's not far from Bali

[@Tannertraversed]

Boss moves Benjamin 🙌

[@imveryhungry112]

Looks like a pretty fun trip

[@chrisbacarella839]

Once you get the hang of it spearfishing is awesome its hunting and fishing together can't get better than that

[@williamjongeward8672]

Dude i just missed you by a week. I just got back from being on atauro for a week. Not that youll ever go back, but id strongly reccomend hiking across to the remote west side of the island and staying at Adara village

[@BackpackerBen]

Small world mate. We enjoyed it for sure though just a tad boring. We will return in 5 years to see what’s changed ;)

[@Maldives2025]

this is amazing to watch. what people. you can be happy with the simple things.

[@BackpackerBen]

🤝🫶🏼

[@nigelcurtis3421]

Nice Spot . Thanks for showing us .

[@BackpackerBen]

No problem 👍🇹🇱

[@amorsemlimite4427]

You guys are amazing and brave, really enjoy your video.

[@BackpackerBen]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@crozzy04]

Interesting when you first sat on the ferry there was UK plug sockets on there 😀👍

[@ThydaCookingTV]

Good to see new things in fellow south East Sea country

[@sameeradesilva7972]

Wow wonderful surprise video Good one Ben are u coming to sri lanka 🇱🇰 will meet up I am looking all videos bro ❤

[@will_274]

What an amazing adventure. It pays to get off the beaten track.

[@thomasthgersen]

Wonderful video,😎😀

[@veritas2145]

Go Benjamin! 🎉🎉🎉

[@pedrogutierrez2610]

This is by far the video I enjoyed the most! Well done Ben and Kat! Brave!!!🎉🎉🎉

[@BackpackerBen]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@godiskungen27]

Awesome ppl host ❤❤

[@kieranhudson4938]

Have done my fair share of traveling for over a year on multiple occasions, these last handful of videos look like they have been a nightmare with very little sleep with most of it spent on public transport and wondering how to get from one place to the next, not much relaxing lol, don't burn yourself out too quick for the content bro

[@gloriahoulihan8717]

Being out at sea is fabulous! The weather looks lovely and warm, you will be soaking up some sun instead of coping with the wet, cold days we are having here. Have a great time 😊

[@kenken93941]

Thank you very much for you and your wife for visiting my country thank you very much brother BEEN And I also live in your country in Nottingham thnks brother

[@daryl906]

What an amazing host!

[@Dave-good36]

Every vid i watch you never get any sleep.

[@Tony-tourette]

We know you were struggling for content but even you and Kat showing us around the area it’s still interesting as you are doing the sightseeing for us 👍

[@mitotv6376]

Come back to Timor 🇹🇱 in next 10 yrs,, Hopefully it has more Hotels options and good roads infrastructure

[@BackpackerBen]

Sure will mate! 🫡

[@trancazia]

Well BuTTer My ArSe ha ha ha ha you crack me up mate, were the seats on the bus that hard!!!! Man that Lobster looked propper Lush. Indonesia Has been on my radar for a while now so will be watching with interest, thanks for sharing Bro : @ )

[@BackpackerBen]

Cheers mate ;)

[@BackpackerBen]

Yes hard seats!!

[@exiownage]

I think some drone shots would add a lot to the videos

[@MadDogAdventures]

I'll be crossing that border, on my motorbike, in a few months, I hope. In Raxaul, India, today, about to cross into Nepal

[@Jaime00008]

You crashed a random wedding in flip flops lol 😂

[@BackpackerBen]

Only in Timor Leste 👊🏼🇹🇱

[@seanclark2085]

Good vlogging. Will you be visiting the East Timorese enclave on the Indonesian side of the island ?, it's always fascinated me and I have intend to visit one day .

[@BackpackerBen]

Here now 👀

[@eksantra502]

Ben for now many Douyin (Chinese Influencers) go to Mt. Bromo in Indonesia, if you're lucky enough you can meet them

[@heathermartin8932]

Has Cat been shaving your eyebrows whilst you were asleep? 😅

[@pedrojuangutierez3117]

Funtastic video like always! Thanks K and B!

[@BackpackerBen]

Our pleasure!

[@harukrentz435]

the locals are so nice 🤩the Ataro Island has got potential for tourism i hope they can fix the electricity problem, theres nothing worse than stuck in building in southeast asia without ac or fan.

[@BackpackerBen]

Was like a sauna all night 😝

[@FallofftheMap]

I wish you’d gotten around a bit and shown us more of the island.

[@BackpackerBen]

Honestly nothing there 🫠

[@bepepoto5424]

Where is vlog about Kupang bro??

[@raykrzwda393]

Them boat seats are pleather plastic leather. 😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊

[@LyixID]

Don't forget to visiting 🇮🇩 ( Moluccas ) Maluku and Ambon Maybe there's something interesting experience Ben.!

[@ArcAudios77]

Ben, you needed 'Flippers' on your Feet to get anywhere near the standard of the Spear Fishermen. You tried it without, made me laugh. Best wishes for you & the 'Good Lady' close by are sent from Western Scotland.

[@kimblecheat]

Excellent videos

[@tberreth33]

Kay is a keeper! Always smiling! So amazing to see her attitude. BTW, sometimes if everyone is awake late/early, there are always other things to do. Just saying :)

[@briandoyle6188]

The upload with the wedding was almost a bit alan partridge....and then spear fishing...great..they need (Rollo) the rat catching patterdale dog🤗🤗👍

[@BackpackerBen]

Arrr harrrr

[@briandoyle6188]

@@BackpackerBen 🤗🤗🤗👍...

[@fnuppyfnup]

they love their loud music in TL :D:D:D

[@mahakugen9015]

Nice wedding lovely food ❤

[@honestrob6993]

God bless you and Kat. Ty for this bro. That bus music was out of control.. keep smashing it Benji

[@harukrentz435]

whoaaa 8 hours from the border point to Kupang by road on minibus?? i dont envy you at all mate 😅😅😅

[@BackpackerBen]

Killing me

[@sharonsecord5777]

What nice people!

[@globalmotortradersyt5514]

Nice one bruv

[@BackpackerBen]

🤝🫡

[@oceantree5000]

Legend! How’s the belly holding up over there? Seems like not too bad.

[@BackpackerBen]

Last 2 days been in bits!!

[@KimB10M]

That was an impressive number of times Ben said "Timor Leste".😃

[@haskelldavis5244]

Thanks!

[@aussiedad2587]

Ben what stuff do you travel with just 1 bag how do you power your camera on the road?