Wia Wia Nature Reserve: Serenity in Suriname

• HelloAla o
  [ah-lah oh]
• GoodbyeBai bai
  [bye bye]
• YesYa
  [yah]
• NoNanga
  [nahn-gah]
• Please/You're welcomeMi lobbi yu
  [mee loh-bee yoo]
• Thank youTanksi
  [tahnk-see]
• Excuse me/SorrySori
  [soh-ree]
• How are you?Ou du?
  [oh doo]
• Fine. And you?Boni. En ou?
  [boh-nee. ain oh]
• Do you speak English?Yu taki Inglish?
  [yoo tah-kee ing-gleesh]
• I don't understandMi no sabi
  [mee noh sah-bee]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMi wani si a meniu, mi begi
  [mee wah-nee see ah meh-nee-oo, mee bay-gee]
• I don't eat meatMi no eetu karni
  [mee noh ee-too kahr-nee]
• Cheers!Proost!
  [prohst]
• I would like to pay, pleaseMi wani pai, mi begi
  [mee wah-nee pie, mee bay-gee]

• Help!Fu yepi!
  [foo yeh-pee]
• Go away!Go na baka!
  [goh nah bah-kah]
• Call the Police!Bri Polisi!
  [bree poh-lee-see]
• Call a doctor!Bri wan doktor!
  [bree wahn dohk-tohr]
• I'm lostMi dede
  [mee dey-dey]
• I'm illMi siki
  [mee see-kee]

• I'd like to buy...Mi wani bai...
  [mee wah-nee bah-ee]
• I'm just lookingMi dey si
  [mee dey see]
• How much is it?Fa a pris?
  [fah ah prees]
• That's too expensiveDati de go moro duur
  [daht-ee deh goh moh-roh doo-oor]
• Can you lower the price?Yu kan meki a pris ondro
  [yoo kahn meh-kee ah prees ohn-droh]

• What time is it?Fa teni disi?
  [fah teh-nee dee-see]
• It's one o'clockNa wan teni
  [nah wahn teh-nee]
• Half past (10)Teni pasi
  [teh-nee pah-see]
• MorningMoro
  [moh-roh]
• AfternoonNeti
  [neh-tee]
• EveningEfu
  [eh-foo]
• YesterdayGisteri
  [gis-teh-ree]
• TodayDen dei
  [dehn dey]
• TomorrowMara
  [mah-rah]
• 1Wan
  [wahn]
• 2Tu
  [too]
• 3Trei
  [tray]
• 4Fosi
  [foh-see]
• 5Fifti
  [fif-tee]
• 6Sesi
  [seh-see]
• 7Sebi
  [seh-bee]
• 8Eiti
  [ay-tee]
• 9Nain
  [nah-een]
• 10Ten
  [tehn]

• Where's a/the...?Fa a...?
  [fah ah]
• What's the address?Fa a adres?
  [fah ah ah-drehs]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Yu kan sori mi (na a mepi)?
  [yoo kahn soh-ree mee (nah ah meh-pee)]
• When's the next (bus)?Fa teni a neti (bus)?
  [fah teh-nee ah neh-tee (buhs)]
• A ticket (to ....)Wan tiketi (go ...)
  [wahn tee-keh-tee (goh ...)]

The Wia Wia Nature Reserve, like much of Suriname, was originally inhabited by Indigenous peoples, notably the Arawak and Carib tribes. These groups were the first to navigate and utilize the lush landscapes of what is now the reserve, leaving behind artifacts and cultural imprints that hint at their sophisticated understanding of the region's ecology.

During the 16th and 17th centuries, European explorers, including the Dutch, began to chart the coastal regions of Suriname. The fertile lands around Wia Wia were of particular interest, leading to early colonial settlements. These explorations brought significant changes to the region's landscape and indigenous ways of life.

Wia Wia was officially designated as a nature reserve in 1961, recognizing the area's rich biodiversity and the need to protect its unique ecosystems. This decision was driven by conservationists and government officials who were keen on preserving the nesting sites of various bird species, especially the scarlet ibis and other migratory birds.

The establishment of the reserve marked the beginning of concerted conservation efforts. The Wia Wia Nature Reserve is home to a myriad of flora and fauna, some of which are endemic or endangered. Conservation programs have aimed to balance ecological preservation with sustainable tourism, ensuring that the natural beauty and biodiversity are maintained for future generations.

In recent decades, Wia Wia has become a focal point for ecotourism in Suriname. Efforts to develop the area as a tourist destination have included the creation of guided tours, bird-watching excursions, and educational programs that highlight both the natural and cultural history of the reserve. These initiatives have helped to foster a deeper appreciation for the region's heritage and environmental significance.

Wia Wia Nature Reserve is located along Suriname's northern coast, near the Atlantic Ocean. The nearest major city is Paramaribo, which is about 100 kilometers away. To get to Wia Wia Nature Reserve, fly into Johan Adolf Pengel International Airport (PBM) in Paramaribo. From Paramaribo, you can take a pre-arranged tour, hire a private car, or use local transportation options like buses and taxis to reach the nature reserve. The journey typically takes about 2 to 3 hours by road.

Once in the Wia Wia Nature Reserve area, the best way to navigate is by hiring a local guide or joining a guided tour. The reserve itself is vast and not all areas are accessible by road. Some parts may require travel by boat, especially during the rainy season when water levels rise. In Paramaribo, you can use taxis, buses, or rental cars to travel to the reserve. Note that public transportation can be infrequent, so planning ahead is essential.

The official currency in Suriname is the Surinamese Dollar (SRD). Credit cards are accepted in larger establishments in Paramaribo, but cash is essential for transactions in and around Wia Wia Nature Reserve. ATMs are available in Paramaribo, but it is advisable to withdraw sufficient cash before heading to the reserve, as banking facilities are limited in remote areas.

Wia Wia Nature Reserve is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, it is important to take standard precautions. Avoid traveling alone to remote areas and always inform someone of your travel plans. Petty crime, such as pickpocketing, can occur in crowded areas in Paramaribo, so keep an eye on your belongings. It is also advisable to use reputable tour operators and guides when exploring the nature reserve.

In case of an emergency, dial 115 for police assistance or 110 for medical emergencies. It is highly recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Emergency services in remote areas like Wia Wia Nature Reserve can be limited, so having a plan in place is crucial. For minor health issues, it is best to carry a basic first aid kit and any necessary medications.

Fashion: Do wear lightweight, breathable clothing suitable for tropical climates. Long sleeves and pants are recommended to protect against mosquitoes. Avoid flashy or revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Public Transport: Do be patient, as public transportation can be slow and infrequent. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly hello or 'Goedemorgen' in Dutch. Eating & Drinking: Do try local foods and beverages. Don't refuse food offerings, as it may be considered impolite.

To experience Wia Wia Nature Reserve like a local, consider visiting during the bird migration season to witness the incredible variety of bird species. Engage with local guides who can provide in-depth knowledge about the flora and fauna. Participating in eco-friendly activities and respecting the natural environment will enhance your visit. Don't miss the chance to explore the mangroves and coastal areas, which offer unique landscapes and wildlife experiences.