The Hidden Gem of Rolas Island in Sao Tome and Principe

• HelloOlá
  [oh-lah]
• GoodbyeAdeus
  [ah-deh-oosh]
• YesSim
  [seem]
• NoNão
  [now]
• Please/You're welcomePor favor/De nada
  [pohr fah-vohr/deh nah-dah]
• Thank youObrigado
  [oh-bree-gah-doo]
• Excuse me/SorryCom licença/Desculpe
  [kohm lee-sen-sah/deh-skool-peh]
• How are you?Como está?
  [koh-moo ehs-tah]
• Fine. And you?Bem. E você?
  [bayn/eh voh-seh]
• Do you speak English?Fala inglês?
  [fah-lah een-glehsh]
• I don't understandNão entendo
  [now ehn-tehn-doo]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseGostaria de ver o cardápio, por favor
  [goh-stah-ree-ah deh vehr oo kahr-dah-pyoo/pohr fah-vohr]
• I don't eat meatNão como carne
  [now koh-moo kahr-neh]
• Cheers!Saúde!
  [sow-deh]
• I would like to pay, pleaseGostaria de pagar, por favor
  [goh-stah-ree-ah deh pah-gahr/pohr fah-vohr]

• Help!Ajuda!
  [ah-joo-dah]
• Go away!Vai embora!
  [vah-ee ehm-boh-rah]
• Call the Police!Chame a Polícia!
  [shah-meh ah poh-lee-see-ah]
• Call a doctor!Chame um médico!
  [shah-meh oom meh-dee-koo]
• I'm lostEstou perdido
  [eh-stoh pehr-dee-doo]
• I'm illEstou doente
  [eh-stoh doo-en-teh]

• I'd like to buy...Gostaria de comprar...
  [goh-stah-ree-ah deh kohm-prahr]
• I'm just lookingSó estou olhando
  [soh ehs-toh oh-lahn-doo]
• How much is it?Quanto custa?
  [kwan-toh koos-tah]
• That's too expensiveIsso é muito caro
  [ee-soh eh mwitoo kah-roo]
• Can you lower the price?Pode baixar o preço?
  [poh-deh bai-shahr oo preh-soh]

• What time is it?Que horas são?
  [keh oh-rahz sow]
• It's one o'clockÉ uma hora
  [eh oom-ah oh-rah]
• Half past (10)Meio-dia e meia
  [may-oh-dee-ah e may-ah]
• MorningManhã
  [mahn-yah]
• AfternoonTarde
  [tahr-deh]
• EveningNoite
  [noy-teh]
• YesterdayOntem
  [ohn-tehn]
• TodayHoje
  [oh-zheh]
• TomorrowAmanhã
  [ah-mahn-yah]
• 1Um
  [oom]
• 2Dois
  [doh-ees]
• 3Três
  [trehs]
• 4Quatro
  [kwah-troo]
• 5Cinco
  [seen-koh]
• 6Seis
  [saysh]
• 7Sete
  [seh-teh]
• 8Oito
  [oy-toh]
• 9Nove
  [noh-veh]
• 10Dez
  [dehs]

• Where's a/the...?Onde está o/a...?
  [ohn-deh ehs-tah oh/ah]
• What's the address?Qual é o endereço?
  [kwahl eh oh ehn-deh-reh-soh]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Pode me mostrar (no mapa)?
  [poh-deh meh moh-strahr (noo mah-pah)]
• When's the next (bus)?Quando é o próximo (autocarro)?
  [kwan-doo eh oh proh-see-moo (ow-to-kah-roo)]
• A ticket (to ....)Um bilhete (para ....)
  [oom beel-yeh-teh (pah-rah)]

Rolas Island, part of the São Tomé and Príncipe archipelago, was discovered by Portuguese explorers in the late 15th century. The island’s strategic location along the equator made it a significant stopover point for explorers seeking new trade routes and territories.

Throughout the colonial period, Rolas Island played a crucial role in the economic development of São Tomé and Príncipe. The Portuguese established plantations on the island, cultivating crops like sugarcane and later, cocoa, which became the backbone of the colony’s economy.

One of the most unique features of Rolas Island is its equator marker. The island is bisected by the equator, and a monument was erected to signify this geographical marvel. Visitors can stand with one foot in the Northern Hemisphere and the other in the Southern Hemisphere, making it a popular tourist attraction.

Rolas Island is home to a rich cultural heritage that reflects the blending of Portuguese and African influences. The inhabitants celebrate traditional music, dance, and festivals which are deeply rooted in their history. The island's community is known for its vibrant celebrations, particularly during local and religious festivals.

In recent years, Rolas Island has become a sought-after destination for eco-tourism. Efforts have been made to preserve its natural beauty and biodiversity. The island's pristine beaches, clear waters, and diverse marine life attract visitors from around the globe, contributing significantly to the local economy.

Due to its strategic location, Rolas Island has historically been an important landmark for maritime navigation. Sailors and explorers used the island's position along the equator to calibrate their instruments and plot their courses, making it a pivotal point in the history of seafaring.

Rolas Island is located off the southern tip of São Tomé Island, part of the nation of São Tomé and Príncipe. To get there, you will first need to fly into São Tomé International Airport (TMS). From the airport, you can take a taxi or a pre-arranged transfer to the southern port town of Porto Alegre. From Porto Alegre, a boat ride of approximately 20-30 minutes will take you to Rolas Island.

Rolas Island is relatively small and best explored on foot. There are no cars on the island, but you can rent bicycles or use local boat services to get around. Walking is the most popular mode of transport as it allows you to enjoy the island's natural beauty at your own pace.

The official currency is the São Tomé and Príncipe Dobra (STN). It is advisable to carry cash as credit cards are not widely accepted on Rolas Island. There are no ATMs on the island, so make sure to withdraw enough cash while on São Tomé Island before heading to Rolas.

Rolas Island is generally safe for tourists. However, it is always wise to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night and keep an eye on your belongings. There are no specific areas with high crime rates targeting tourists, but staying vigilant is always recommended.

In case of an emergency, contact local authorities or your accommodation for assistance. There are basic medical facilities on the island, but for serious medical emergencies, you may need to return to São Tomé Island where the main hospitals are located. It's advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially in public areas. Lightweight, breathable clothing is recommended due to the tropical climate. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Public Transport: Do be respectful and patient when using local boat services. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly 'Bom dia' (Good morning) or 'Boa tarde' (Good afternoon). Eating & Drinking: Do try the local cuisine and fresh seafood. Don't waste food, as it is considered disrespectful.

To experience Rolas Island like a local, wake up early to enjoy the sunrise and interact with the local fishermen as they bring in their catch. Participate in local festivals if your visit coincides with one, and don’t miss the opportunity to stand on the equator line marked on the island. Exploring the island's lush landscapes and pristine beaches will give you a deeper appreciation for its natural beauty.