In 2013 I traversed across East Timor from the north coast to the south coast. I walked almost all on roads of varying standards, carrying all my gear including food and a tent. It took 12 days, including a side trip to Mt Ramelau, the highest peak in East Timor. I camped some of the time and the rest of the time stayed in guesthouses.
The East Timorese were very curious about what I was doing and seemed to accept my explanation, but I still wonder what they really thought! I was received graciously wherever I went, and people were very helpful. At no time did I feel threatened. I became used to the stares, and still remember an entire school of children standing stock-still watching me pass by.
East Timor is a fascinating country at a crossroads in its development. Just by going there you are helping out. Highly recommended.
Links:
https://hatobuilico.wordpress.com/
http://www.ecodiscovery-easttimor.com/index.htm
(I met one of the Ecodiscovery guides at Hatubuilico, they were in the process of guiding clients on a cross country trek like mine, a bit more off the beaten track but with local support).