Dili: The Gateway to Timor-Leste’s Untouched Beauty

• HelloBondia
  [bon-dee-ah]
• GoodbyeAdeus
  [ah-day-oos]
• YesSim
  [seem]
• NoLae
  [lie]
• Please/You're welcomeFavor
  [fah-vor]
• Thank youObrigadu
  [oh-bree-gah-doo]
• Excuse me/SorryDeskulpa
  [des-kool-pah]
• How are you?Oinsá ita nia situasaun?
  [oy-n-sah ee-tah nee-ah see-too-sah-oon]
• Fine. And you?Diak. Oinsá ho ita nia?
  [dee-ahk oy-n-sah hoh ee-tah nee-ah]
• Do you speak English?Ita bele hatene Ingles?
  [ee-tah beh-leh hah-teh-neh een-glehs]
• I don't understandHau la kompriende
  [how lah kohm-pree-en-deh]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseHau hakarak hare menu, favor
  [how hah-kah-rak hah-reh menu fah-vor]
• I don't eat meatHau la manan karne
  [how lah mah-nahn kahr-neh]
• Cheers!Saude!
  [sow-deh]
• I would like to pay, pleaseHau hakarak selu, favor
  [how hah-kah-rak seh-loo fah-vor]

• Help!Ajuda!
  [ah-joo-dah]
• Go away!Ba oin
  [bah oh-een]
• Call the Police!Liga ba Polisia!
  [lee-gah bah poh-lee-see-ah]
• Call a doctor!Liga ba dotor!
  [lee-gah bah doh-tohr]
• I'm lostHau hasoru
  [how hah-soh-roo]
• I'm illHau moras
  [how moh-rahs]

• I'd like to buy...Hau hakarak sosa...
  [how hah-kah-rak soh-sah]
• I'm just lookingHau deit hakerek
  [how dayt hah-keh-rek]
• How much is it?Kuantu ida ne'e?
  [kwahn-too ee-dah neh-eh]
• That's too expensiveNe'e barak liu
  [neh-eh bah-rak lee-oo]
• Can you lower the price?Ita bele hakat lais merkadu?
  [ee-tah beh-leh hah-kaht lice mehr-kah-doo]

• What time is it?Oras ne'e hira?
  [oh-rahs neh-eh hee-rah]
• It's one o'clockOras ida
  [oh-rahs ee-dah]
• Half past (10)Oras nulu resin
  [oh-rahs noo-loo reh-seen]
• MorningTuku loron
  [too-koo loh-rohn]
• AfternoonTuku tarde
  [too-koo tahr-deh]
• EveningTuku kalan
  [too-koo kah-lahn]
• YesterdayHoriseik
  [hoh-ree-sake]
• TodayOhin loron
  [oh-heen loh-rohn]
• TomorrowAban
  [ah-bahn]
• 1Ida
  [ee-dah]
• 2Rua
  [roo-ah]
• 3Tolu
  [toh-loo]
• 4Haat
  [hah-at]
• 5Lima
  [lee-mah]
• 6Neen
  [neh-ehn]
• 7Hitu
  [hee-too]
• 8Walu
  [wah-loo]
• 9Sia
  [see-ah]
• 10Nulu
  [noo-loo]

• Where's a/the...?Sira iha nebe...?
  [see-rah ee-hah neh-beh]
• What's the address?Endereçu saida ne'e?
  [ehn-deh-reh-soo sah-ee-dah neh-eh]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Ita bele hatudu hau (iha mapa)?
  [ee-tah beh-leh hah-too-doo how (ee-hah mah-pah)]
• When's the next (bus)?Bainhira bus foun ne'e?
  [bah-ee-nee-rah boos foun neh-eh]
• A ticket (to ....)Bilhete (ba ....)
  [beel-yeh-teh (bah)]

Dili, the capital city of Timor-Leste, was founded by the Portuguese in 1520. It became the administrative center of Portuguese Timor and played a crucial role in the colonial administration.

During World War II, Dili was occupied by Japanese forces from 1942 to 1945. This period was marked by intense conflict and hardship for the local population, as Timor-Leste became a battleground between Allied and Japanese forces.

In 1975, following a brief period of independence, Timor-Leste was invaded by Indonesia. Dili became the center of Indonesian military operations and administration until the country's eventual independence in 2002.

One of the most significant and tragic events in Dili's modern history is the Santa Cruz Massacre. On November 12, 1991, Indonesian troops opened fire on a peaceful protest at the Santa Cruz Cemetery in Dili, killing over 250 people. This event drew international attention and galvanized the global movement for Timor-Leste's independence.

In 1999, a United Nations-sponsored referendum was held in Dili, where the majority of Timorese voted for independence from Indonesia. The subsequent violence and destruction led to a UN intervention, which eventually paved the way for Timor-Leste's full independence in 2002.

Dili became the capital of the newly independent Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste on May 20, 2002. The city's restoration marked the beginning of a new era, as it started rebuilding and developing after decades of conflict and occupation.

Dili is a melting pot of various cultural influences, including Portuguese, Indonesian, and indigenous Timorese traditions. The city is known for its vibrant festivals, traditional dances, and crafts, which reflect the rich cultural heritage of Timor-Leste.

Dili is home to several significant landmarks that commemorate its historical journey. Notable sites include the Cristo Rei statue, one of the largest Jesus statues in the world, and the Resistance Museum, which offers a detailed account of the country's struggle for independence.

Dili is the capital city of Timor-Leste and is accessible primarily by air. Presidente Nicolau Lobato International Airport (DIL) is the main gateway, located about 6 kilometers west of the city center. International flights connect Dili to regional hubs like Darwin, Bali, and Singapore. Alternatively, you can reach Dili by sea via passenger ferries from nearby islands, though this is less common and services can be infrequent.

Within Dili, transportation options include taxis, microlets (shared minibuses), and rental cars. Taxis are widely available but make sure to negotiate the fare before starting your journey as meters are not commonly used. Microlets are a budget-friendly option and follow fixed routes, though they can be crowded. For greater flexibility, consider renting a car, but be aware of local driving conditions and traffic rules. Bicycles and motorbikes are also popular for getting around the city.

The official currency of Timor-Leste is the US Dollar (USD). Credit cards are accepted in some hotels, restaurants, and larger stores, but many smaller establishments operate on a cash-only basis. ATMs are available in Dili, though it is wise to carry enough cash for purchases, especially when traveling to more remote areas. It is also advisable to carry smaller denominations, as change for larger bills can sometimes be hard to come by.

Dili is generally safe for tourists, but it is advisable to exercise common sense and caution. Avoid walking alone at night, especially in poorly lit areas. Neighborhoods like Comoro and Becora have had occasional reports of petty crime targeting tourists, so avoid displaying expensive items and keep your belongings secure. Always use registered taxis and avoid accepting rides from strangers.

In case of an emergency, dial 112 for police, fire, and medical assistance. The main hospital in Dili is Guido Valadares National Hospital, which provides emergency medical services. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, several pharmacies are available throughout the city. The Australian Embassy can also offer assistance to Australian citizens in emergencies.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites or rural areas. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Always remove your shoes before entering a church or someone's home. Public Transport: Do be respectful and patient. Give up your seat to elderly passengers and avoid eating or drinking on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake and a smile. A slight bow of the head is 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 Dili like a local, visit the Tais Market for traditional textiles and handicrafts. Engage with locals, who are often friendly and happy to share their culture and history. Don't miss a visit to the Cristo Rei statue for panoramic views of the city and coastline. For a unique culinary experience, try the local street food, especially at the night markets. If you have time, take a day trip to Atauro Island for snorkeling and diving in pristine waters.