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“ I don’ t want to sell just adrenaline,” he says.“ I want to sell connection.”
That connection has also led him to give back. He still volunteers at the orphanage that raised him, offering mentoring and English lessons to the next generation. In 2016, he was selected to represent Timor-Leste at a UNICEF youth conference in Kuala Lumpur. There, he spoke about post-conflict trauma, education, and what young people need to rebuild.
“ I talked about the importance of education, opportunity, and peace,” he says.“ I was nervous, English isn’ t my first language, but I wanted people to know that even in small countries, we have big dreams.”
Later that year, he volunteered at the United Nations Development Program in Dili and received a national award for his contributions to youth empowerment.
In 2018, he enrolled in university to study business. Not for status, but for purpose. His ultimate dream? To return to Maubisse and build a fully sustainable eco-tourism retreat on his ancestral land.
“ I want to create something sustainable,” he says.‘“ Timor needs tourism, but we must protect our environment. My dream is to offer homestays, hiking, cultural workshops, all run by locals, for locals.”
It’ s a vision that blends his personal history, professional ambition, and a deeply rooted respect for nature and heritage.
“ Tourists don’ t just want beaches,” he says.“ They want meaning. I can give them that.”
Dili Dirt Bike may have started as a hustle, but today it’ s a symbol of something bigger: the belief that young Timorese don’ t have to leave to build a better life. They can build it right here, with sweat, vision, and a secondhand Honda.
“ My country has suffered a lot,” Anas says.“ But we are strong. We are learning. I still have many dreams.”
For now, Anas splits his time between managing Dili Dirt Bike, and dreaming big. He still rides every chance he gets, helmet dusty, smile bright, voice full of stories.
If you ask him how he managed all this, to rise from an orphanage to a business owner and advocate, he’ ll shrug.“ People helped me,” he says.“ Now it’ s my turn.” And if you ever find yourself in Timor-Leste, looking for a real adventure, don’ t be surprised if Anas hands you a helmet and a set of keys, and says,“ Let’ s go. I want to show you the real Timor.”
Because he doesn’ t just want to take you for a ride. He wants you to understand where it began.
In the mountains. In the dirt. In the dreams of a boy who lost everything— and built a life anyway. TRAVERSE
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