Ermera: The Heart of Timor-Leste's Highlands

• HelloBainhira
  [By-ni-ra]
• GoodbyeAdeus
  [Ah-deh-oos]
• YesSim
  [Seem]
• NoLa
  [La]
• Please/You're welcomeFavor
  [Fa-vor]
• Thank youObrigadu
  [Oh-bree-gah-doo]
• Excuse me/SorryDeskulpa
  [Deskool-pa]
• How are you?Diak ka lae?
  [Jee-ak ka lie?]
• Fine. And you?Diak. O ita?
  [Jee-ak. Oh ee-ta?]
• Do you speak English?Ita koalia Ingles?
  [Ee-ta kwa-lee-ya Ing-gles?]
• I don't understandHau la hatene
  [How la ha-te-neh]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseHau hakarak hare menu, favor
  [How ha-ka-rak ha-re meh-noo, fa-vor]
• I don't eat meatHau la hakaan karne
  [How la ha-kaan kar-neh]
• Cheers!Saude!
  [Sow-deh]
• I would like to pay, pleaseHau hakarak selu, favor
  [How ha-ka-rak se-loo, fa-vor]

• Help!Ajuda!
  [Ah-joo-dah]
• Go away!Ba oin!
  [Bah oh-een]
• Call the Police!Talia Polisia!
  [Tah-lee-ah Po-lee-syah]
• Call a doctor!Talia doktor!
  [Tah-lee-ah dok-tor]
• I'm lostHau mate
  [How mah-teh]
• I'm illHau moras
  [How mo-ras]

• I'd like to buy...Hau hakarak sosa...
  [How ha-ka-rak so-sa]
• I'm just lookingHau deit hetan
  [How dayt heh-tan]
• How much is it?Kuantu?
  [Kwan-too?]
• That's too expensiveNe'e diak barak
  [Neh-eh jee-ak ba-rak]
• Can you lower the price?Ita bele foka tan prenu?
  [Ee-ta beh-le fo-ka tan pre-noo?]

• What time is it?Kuantas oras agora?
  [Kwan-tas o-ras a-go-ra]
• It's one o'clockHanesan oras ida
  [Ha-neh-sahn o-ras ee-dah]
• Half past (10)Nulu resin (10)
  [Noo-loo re-sin (10)]
• MorningKalan
  [Kah-lan]
• AfternoonTarde
  [Tar-deh]
• EveningKalan kleur
  [Kah-lan kleh-or]
• YesterdayHoriseik
  [Ho-ri-seek]
• TodayOhin loron
  [Oh-heen loh-ron]
• TomorrowAmi
  [Ah-mee]
• 1Ida
  [Ee-dah]
• 2Rua
  [Roo-ah]
• 3Tolu
  [Toh-loo]
• 4Haat
  [Ha-aht]
• 5Lima
  [Lee-ma]
• 6Neen
  [Neh-ehn]
• 7Hitu
  [Hee-too]
• 8Ualu
  [Wah-loo]
• 9Sia
  [See-ah]
• 10Sanulu
  [Sah-noo-loo]

• Where's a/the...?Iha nebee...?
  [Ee-ha neh-beh]
• What's the address?Address saida?
  [Ad-dres sa-ee-da]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Ita bele hatudu hau (iha mapu)?
  [Ee-ta beh-le ha-too-doo how (ee-ha mah-poo)]
• When's the next (bus)?Bainhira loron (bus) tuir mai?
  [By-ni-ra loh-ron (boos) too-eer mah-ee]
• A ticket (to ....)Bilhete (ba ....)
  [Bil-ye-te (bah)]

Before Portuguese colonization, Ermera was part of the various indigenous kingdoms that dotted the island of Timor. The region was inhabited by the Mambai people, who were known for their agrarian lifestyle and their intricate system of local governance. Oral traditions and archaeological findings suggest that the Mambai had a rich cultural heritage that included unique rituals, languages, and social structures.

The Portuguese arrived in Timor in the early 16th century and began to establish their control over the island. Ermera became an important administrative region for the Portuguese colonial government. The introduction of coffee cultivation in the 19th century transformed the local economy, making Ermera one of the primary coffee-growing areas in Timor-Leste. Portuguese influence is still visible in the architecture and layout of the town, as well as in the Catholic traditions that took root during this period.

During World War II, Timor-Leste was occupied by Japanese forces. Ermera, like many other regions, experienced significant hardship during this period. The local population was subjected to forced labor, and many were displaced from their homes. Despite the challenges, the people of Ermera played a crucial role in the resistance against the Japanese occupation, contributing to the larger struggle for Timor-Leste's independence.

Following the brief declaration of independence in 1975, Timor-Leste was invaded by Indonesian forces. Ermera experienced intense conflict and violence during the Indonesian occupation, which lasted until 1999. The region was a hotspot for guerrilla warfare, with local resistance fighters conducting operations against the occupying forces. The Indonesian occupation had a profound impact on the community, leading to significant loss of life and displacement.

After a UN-sponsored referendum in 1999, Timor-Leste voted for independence from Indonesia. Ermera, like much of the country, faced the immense task of rebuilding after decades of conflict. International aid and local initiatives have played a crucial role in the reconstruction efforts. Today, Ermera is known for its vibrant coffee industry, which has seen a revival and plays a significant role in the local economy. The region is also celebrated for its cultural heritage, with traditional dances, music, and festivals continuing to thrive.

Ermera is rich in cultural traditions that reflect its diverse history. The Mambai people, who are the predominant ethnic group, maintain a variety of cultural practices, including traditional dances, weaving, and ceremonial rituals. The annual coffee festival is a highlight, celebrating the region's primary agricultural product and drawing visitors from across Timor-Leste and beyond. The local language, Mambai, is widely spoken and is an integral part of the community's identity.

Ermera is located in the central highlands of Timor-Leste. The nearest international airport is Presidente Nicolau Lobato International Airport in Dili, the capital city, approximately 55 kilometers away. From Dili, you can take a minibus (known locally as mikrolets) or hire a private taxi to Ermera. The journey typically takes around 2 to 3 hours by road, depending on the traffic and road conditions.

Within Ermera, transportation options include mikrolets, local buses, and taxis. Mikrolets are a popular and economical way to get around, but they can be crowded. Taxis are readily available and are a more comfortable option for longer distances. Renting a motorbike is also a great way to explore the area at your own pace. Be aware that road conditions can vary, so drive carefully.

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 in smaller establishments and rural areas like Ermera. ATMs are available in Dili, but there are limited options in Ermera, so it is wise to withdraw sufficient cash before traveling.

Ermera is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, it is always advisable to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists in Ermera, but staying vigilant and aware of your surroundings is always best.

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

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Always cover your head when entering churches and mosques. 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 or a slight nod. Smiling and saying 'Bondia' (Good morning) or 'Botarde' (Good afternoon) is appreciated. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don’t refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Ermera like a local, visit the local markets where you can buy fresh produce and traditional Timorese goods. Engage with locals, as they are often friendly and willing to share stories about their culture and history. Don't miss visiting the coffee plantations, as Ermera is known for its high-quality coffee. For a unique experience, take a hiking trip to the surrounding mountains, which offer breathtaking views and a chance to connect with nature.