Aileu: Timor-Leste’s Serene Mountain Retreat

• HelloBondia
  [Bon-dee-ah]
• GoodbyeAdeus
  [Ah-deh-oosh]
• YesSim
  [Seem]
• NoLa
  [Lah]
• Please/You're welcomePor favor
  [Pohr fah-vohr]
• Thank youObrigadu
  [Oh-bree-gah-doo]
• Excuse me/SorryDeskulpa
  [Deh-skool-pah]
• How are you?Oinsa ita nia moris?
  [O-een-sah ee-tah nee-ah more-ees]
• Fine. And you?Diak. O ita?
  [Dyahk. Oh ee-tah]
• Do you speak English?Ita bele hatene Ingles?
  [Ee-tah beh-leh hah-ten-eh Ing-glees]
• I don't understandLa komprende
  [Lah kohm-prehn-deh]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseHa'u hakarak hare menu, favor
  [Hah-oo hah-kah-rah har-eh men-oo, fah-vohr]
• I don't eat meatHa'u la gosta hala'i ain
  [Hah-oo lah gos-tah hah-lah-ee a-een]
• Cheers!Saude!
  [Sow-deh]
• I would like to pay, pleaseHa'u hakarak selu, favor
  [Hah-oo hah-kah-rah seh-loo, fah-vohr]

• Help!Ajuda!
  [Ah-joo-dah]
• Go away!Ba oin
  [Bah o-een]
• Call the Police!Liga ba Polisia!
  [Lee-gah bah Po-lee-see-ah]
• Call a doctor!Liga ba doutor!
  [Lee-gah bah doo-tohr]
• I'm lostHa'u mate
  [Hah-oo mah-teh]
• I'm illHa'u hakarak
  [Hah-oo hah-kah-rah]

• I'd like to buy...Ha'u hakarak hola...
  [Hah-oo hah-kah-rah hoh-lah]
• I'm just lookingHa'u de'it hare
  [Hah-oo deh-eet har-eh]
• How much is it?Kuantu prezus?
  [Kwan-too preh-zoosh]
• That's too expensiveNe'e barak karu liu
  [Neh-eh bah-rak kah-roo lee-oo]
• Can you lower the price?Ita bele hamenus prezus?
  [Ee-tah beh-leh hah-men-oos preh-zoosh]

• What time is it?Sira boot ita ki'ik?
  [See-rah boat ee-tah kee-eek]
• It's one o'clockHanesan ida
  [Hah-neh-sahn ee-dah]
• Half past (10)Nain rua metade
  [Nah-een roo-ah meh-tah-deh]
• MorningTuku mane
  [Too-koo mah-neh]
• AfternoonTuku loron
  [Too-koo loh-rohn]
• EveningTuku noite
  [Too-koo noh-ee-teh]
• YesterdayIha loron bainhira
  [Ee-hah loh-rohn bah-een-hee-rah]
• TodayIha loron ida
  [Ee-hah loh-rohn ee-dah]
• TomorrowLoron tuku rua
  [Loh-rohn too-koo roo-ah]
• 1Ida
  [Ee-dah]
• 2Rua
  [Roo-ah]
• 3Tolu
  [Toh-loo]
• 4Haat
  [Hah-at]
• 5Lima
  [Lee-mah]
• 6Neen
  [Neh-ehn]
• 7Hitu
  [Hee-too]
• 8Ualu
  [Oo-ah-loo]
• 9Sia
  [See-ah]
• 10Sanulu
  [Sah-noo-loo]

• Where's a/the...?Iha neba...
  [Ee-hah neh-bah]
• What's the address?Enderecu saida?
  [En-deh-reh-soo sah-ee-dah]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Ita bele hatudu ba ha'u (iha mapa)?
  [Ee-tah beh-leh hah-too-doo bah hah-oo (ee-hah mah-pah)]
• When's the next (bus)?Bainhira nebe (bus) tuir mai?
  [Bah-een-hee-rah neh-beh (boos) too-ear mah-ee]
• A ticket (to ....)Bilhete (to ....)
  [Beel-heh-teh (to ....)]

In the pre-colonial era, Aileu was inhabited by indigenous Timorese people who lived in small, self-sustaining communities. These early inhabitants practiced subsistence farming, hunting, and gathering. They also engaged in cultural rituals and ceremonies that are still observed today.

Aileu came under Portuguese control in the 16th century as part of the broader colonization of Timor-Leste. The Portuguese introduced Christianity, and Aileu became a focal point for missionary activities. Colonial infrastructure, including roads and administrative buildings, began to take shape during this period.

During World War II, Aileu, like the rest of Timor-Leste, experienced Japanese occupation from 1942 to 1945. The local population endured hardships and resistance movements emerged. The Japanese used Aileu as a strategic location due to its elevated terrain, which offered natural defensive advantages.

Following the end of Japanese occupation, Timor-Leste returned to Portuguese control, only to later declare unilateral independence in 1975. However, this was short-lived as Indonesian forces invaded. Aileu played a significant role during the resistance against Indonesian occupation from 1975 to 1999. Many locals joined the Falintil guerrilla forces, and the region witnessed numerous skirmishes and acts of defiance.

After the 1999 referendum, in which the Timorese voted overwhelmingly for independence, Aileu, like many parts of Timor-Leste, saw a period of UN administration. Efforts were made to rebuild infrastructure and restore peace. During this time, many international NGOs operated in Aileu, contributing to education, healthcare, and community development.

Today, Aileu is a vibrant town known for its cultural heritage and natural beauty. Traditional crafts, such as weaving and pottery, are still practiced, and the town hosts various cultural festivals throughout the year. Aileu also serves as a gateway to explore the surrounding highlands and forests, providing visitors with a glimpse into Timor-Leste's rich history and diverse culture.

Aileu, located in the central part of Timor-Leste, is accessible via the capital city, Dili. The nearest international airport is Presidente Nicolau Lobato International Airport in Dili, approximately 47 kilometers away. From Dili, you can take a taxi or a local minibus (known as 'mikrolets') to Aileu. The journey typically takes around 1.5 to 2 hours by road, depending on traffic and weather conditions.

In Aileu, transportation options include taxis, mikrolets, and rented motorbikes. Taxis can be arranged through hotels or by hailing one from the street. Mikrolets are the primary form of public transport and are an affordable way to get around, although they can be crowded. For more flexibility, renting a motorbike is a popular option, but ensure you have the appropriate license and experience for the mountainous terrain.

The official currency of Timor-Leste is the US Dollar (USD). Credit cards are accepted in some hotels and larger restaurants, but it is advisable to carry cash, especially for smaller establishments and local markets. ATMs are available in Aileu, but it is wise to withdraw sufficient cash in Dili before traveling.

Aileu is generally safe for tourists, but standard precautions should be taken. Avoid walking alone at night and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded areas. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, but it's always best to stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. The local police station and medical facilities are available in Aileu, but they may be limited. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, there are pharmacies in the town where you can purchase over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites or rural areas. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Always cover your head and remove your shoes when entering churches or sacred sites. Public Transport: Do be respectful and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake. A slight bow of the head is also a sign of respect. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don’t refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Aileu like a local, visit the weekly markets where you can buy fresh produce and traditional Timorese goods. Engage with locals, who are often friendly and willing to share stories about their culture and history. Don’t miss the opportunity to attend local festivals and ceremonies, which offer a deep insight into the local way of life. Exploring the surrounding natural beauty, such as hiking trails and waterfalls, can provide a unique and enriching experience.