Malabo: The Enchanting Capital of Equatorial Guinea

• HelloHola
  [o-la]
• GoodbyeAdios
  [a-dyos]
• YesSi
  [see]
• NoNo
  [no]
• Please/You're welcomePor favor
  [por fa-vor]
• Thank youGracias
  [gra-thyas]
• Excuse me/SorryPerdón
  [per-don]
• How are you?¿Cómo estás?
  [ko-mo es-tas]
• Fine. And you?Bien. ¿Y tú?
  [byen. ee too]
• Do you speak English?¿Hablas inglés?
  [a-blas in-gles]
• I don't understandNo entiendo
  [no en-tyen-do]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMe gustaría ver el menú, por favor
  [me gus-ta-ree-a ver el me-nu, por fa-vor]
• I don't eat meatNo como carne
  [no ko-mo kar-ne]
• Cheers!¡Salud!
  [sa-lud]
• I would like to pay, pleaseMe gustaría pagar, por favor
  [me gus-ta-ree-a pa-gar, por fa-vor]

• Help!¡Ayuda!
  [a-yu-da]
• Go away!¡Vete!
  [ve-te]
• Call the Police!¡Llama a la Policía!
  [ya-ma a la po-li-thya]
• Call a doctor!¡Llama a un médico!
  [ya-ma a un me-di-ko]
• I'm lostEstoy perdido
  [es-toy per-di-do]
• I'm illEstoy enfermo
  [es-toy en-fer-mo]

• I'd like to buy...Me gustaría comprar...
  [me gus-ta-ree-a kom-prar]
• I'm just lookingSolo estoy mirando
  [so-lo es-toy mi-ran-do]
• How much is it?¿Cuánto cuesta?
  [kwan-to kwes-ta]
• That's too expensiveEs demasiado caro
  [es de-ma-sya-do ka-ro]
• Can you lower the price?¿Puedes bajar el precio?
  [pwe-des ba-har el pre-syo]

• What time is it?¿Qué hora es?
  [ke o-ra es]
• It's one o'clockEs la una
  [es la u-na]
• Half past (10)Las diez y media
  [las dyeth ee me-dya]
• MorningMañana
  [ma-nya-na]
• AfternoonTarde
  [tar-de]
• EveningNoche
  [no-che]
• YesterdayAyer
  [a-yer]
• TodayHoy
  [oy]
• TomorrowMañana
  [ma-nya-na]
• 1Uno
  [oo-no]
• 2Dos
  [dos]
• 3Tres
  [tres]
• 4Cuatro
  [kwa-tro]
• 5Cinco
  [sinko]
• 6Seis
  [says]
• 7Siete
  [syet-te]
• 8Ocho
  [o-cho]
• 9Nueve
  [nwe-ve]
• 10Diez
  [dyeth]

• Where's a/the...?¿Dónde está...?
  [don-de es-ta]
• What's the address?¿Cuál es la dirección?
  [kwal es la di-rek-thyon]
• Can you show me (on the map)?¿Puedes mostrarme (en el mapa)?
  [pwe-des mos-trar-me (en el ma-pa)]
• When's the next (bus)?¿Cuándo es el próximo (autobús)?
  [kwan-do es el pro-ksi-mo (au-to-bus)]
• A ticket (to ....)Un boleto (a ....)
  [oon bo-le-to (a)]

Malabo, originally named Santa Isabel, was founded by the British in 1827. The city was established as a base to combat the transatlantic slave trade. In 1844, it was ceded to Spain, and it became the capital of the Spanish colony of Fernando Poo, later known as Bioko. The city served as an administrative and commercial center for the Spanish, who left a lasting architectural and cultural influence.

In 1973, as part of a broader movement to Africanize place names in post-independence Equatorial Guinea, the city was renamed Malabo, after Malabo Lopelo Melaka, a local king who resisted Spanish colonization. This renaming was part of President Francisco Macías Nguema's policy to assert national identity and break from colonial past.

Equatorial Guinea gained independence from Spain on October 12, 1968, with Malabo becoming the capital of the new nation. The early years of independence were tumultuous, marked by the authoritarian rule of Francisco Macías Nguema, whose regime was characterized by human rights abuses and economic decline. In 1979, Macías was overthrown by his nephew, Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, who has been in power since.

In the late 20th and early 21st centuries, Malabo experienced significant economic transformation due to the discovery of large offshore oil reserves. This oil boom attracted international businesses and transformed the city’s infrastructure, leading to rapid urbanization and modernization. The influx of wealth has led to the development of new buildings, roads, and improved public services.

Malabo boasts numerous cultural landmarks that reflect its historical tapestry. Key sites include the Malabo Cathedral, a neo-Gothic structure built in 1916, and the Malabo Government Palace, an example of colonial architecture. The city also hosts the Centro Cultural de España en Malabo, which promotes cultural activities and exchanges between Equatorial Guinea and Spain.

Malabo is a melting pot of ethnic groups, including the Bubi, Fang, and Fernandino communities. Each group contributes to the city’s rich cultural mosaic through traditional music, dance, cuisine, and festivals. For example, the Bubi people celebrate the Abira festival, a rite of purification and renewal, while the Fang people are known for their vibrant storytelling and Eboka dances.

Malabo is accessible primarily via Malabo International Airport (SSG), which is the main entry point for international travelers. Several airlines offer flights to Malabo from major cities in Africa and Europe, including Ethiopian Airlines, Lufthansa, and Air France. Upon arrival, taxis and car rental services are available at the airport for transportation to the city center.

Within Malabo, taxis are the most common form of transportation and are relatively inexpensive. Make sure to negotiate the fare before starting your journey, as taxis do not use meters. Public buses are available but can be crowded and less reliable. For a more flexible option, consider renting a car; however, be aware that traffic can be chaotic, and road conditions may not always be ideal.

The official currency in Equatorial Guinea is the Central African CFA franc (XAF). Credit cards are accepted in some hotels, restaurants, and shops in Malabo, but it is advisable to carry cash for smaller establishments and markets. ATMs are available in the city, but it is best to have enough cash on hand to avoid any inconvenience.

Malabo is generally safe for tourists, but it is important to exercise caution. Avoid walking alone at night, especially in less populated areas. The neighborhoods of New Malabo and Campo Yaoundé have higher crime rates, so be extra vigilant in these areas. Keep your belongings secure and be aware of your surroundings at all times.

In case of an emergency, dial 112 for police assistance, 114 for medical emergencies, and 115 for fire services. The main hospital in Malabo is the Hospital General de Malabo, which provides emergency medical care. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies are also available in the city for minor health issues.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially in public and religious sites. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions, and be mindful of religious practices. Public Transport: Do be respectful to fellow passengers and give up your seat to the elderly. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake and a smile. Address people with titles and formalities as a sign of respect. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes and accept food offerings graciously. Don't refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Malabo like a local, visit the lively Central Market where you can buy fresh produce and traditional goods. Engage with locals who are often friendly and willing to share stories about the city's culture and history. Don't miss visiting the Malabo National Park for a relaxing stroll, and explore the colonial architecture in the old town. Additionally, try local dishes such as 'sopa de pescado' (fish soup) and 'malamba' (a traditional drink made from sugarcane).