Same: The Heart of Timor-Leste's Highlands

• HelloBondia
  [bon-dee-ah]
• GoodbyeAdeus
  [ah-day-oosh]
• YesSim
  [seem]
• NoLae
  [lie]
• Please/You're welcomeFavor
  [fah-vohr]
• Thank youObrigadu
  [oh-bree-gah-doo]
• Excuse me/SorryDeskulpa
  [deh-skool-pah]
• How are you?Di'ak ka lae?
  [dee-ahk kah lie]
• Fine. And you?Di'ak. Ita?
  [dee-ahk ee-tah]
• Do you speak English?Ita hatene Ingles?
  [ee-tah hah-teh-neh een-glees]
• I don't understandLa comperende
  [lah kohm-peh-rehn-deh]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseHau hakarak hare menu, favor
  [how hah-kah-rahk hah-reh meh-noo fah-vohr]
• I don't eat meatHau la hakaik katu
  [how lah hah-kah-ee-kah-kah-too]
• Cheers!Saude!
  [sow-deh]
• I would like to pay, pleaseHau hakarak selu, favor
  [how hah-kah-rahk seh-loo fah-vohr]

• 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 doutor!
  [lee-gah bah doh-too]
• I'm lostHau mate
  [how mah-teh]
• I'm illHau moras
  [how moh-rahs]

• I'd like to buy...Hau hakarak hola...
  [how hah-kah-rahk hoh-lah]
• I'm just lookingHau so buka-buka
  [how soh boo-kah-boo-kah]
• How much is it?Kuantu mak?
  [kwahn-too mahk]
• That's too expensiveNe'e naruk liu
  [neh-eh nah-rook lee-oo]
• Can you lower the price?Ita bele hamenus preco?
  [ee-tah beh-leh hah-meh-noos preh-soo]

• What time is it?Hira agora?
  [hee-rah ah-go-rah]
• It's one o'clockHusi ida iha oras
  [hoo-see ee-dah ee-hah oh-rahsh]
• Half past (10)Tuan (10)
  [too-ahn (ten)]
• MorningManha
  [mah-nyah]
• AfternoonTarde
  [tahr-deh]
• EveningFoho
  [foh-hoo]
• YesterdayTuku ona
  [too-koo oh-nah]
• TodayOhin loron
  [oh-heen loh-rohn]
• TomorrowAban
  [ah-bahn]
• 1Ida
  [ee-dah]
• 2Rua
  [roo-ah]
• 3Tolu
  [toh-loo]
• 4Haat
  [hah-aht]
• 5Lima
  [lee-mah]
• 6Neen
  [neh-ehn]
• 7Hitu
  [hee-too]
• 8Ualu
  [wah-loo]
• 9Sia
  [see-ah]
• 10Sanulu
  [sah-noo-loo]

• Where's a/the...?Iha nee...
  [ee-hah neh-eh]
• What's the address?Enderecu saida?
  [ehn-deh-reh-soo sah-ee-dah]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Ita bele hatudu hau (iha map)?
  [ee-tah beh-leh hah-too-doo how (ee-hah map)]
• When's the next (bus)?Bainhira ba oin (onibus) tuir mai?
  [bah-een-hee-rah bah oh-een (oh-nee-boos) too-ee-ee mai]
• A ticket (to ....)Bilhete (ba ....)
  [beel-yeh-teh (bah)]

Before the arrival of European colonizers, Same was inhabited by the indigenous Mambai people. The Mambai were known for their unique cultural practices, including elaborate rituals and traditional governance systems. They were agrarian, relying on the fertile lands around Same for subsistence farming.

Same became a significant administrative center during Portuguese colonial rule, which began in the 16th century. The Portuguese built various structures, including churches and schools, to solidify their presence. The town's architecture still bears traces of this colonial influence, evident in the old Portuguese-style buildings that dot the landscape.

In the 1970s, Same was a focal point for the Fretilin movement, which sought independence from Portuguese rule. The town witnessed several key meetings and strategic planning sessions. Following the Carnation Revolution in Portugal in 1974, Fretilin declared the independence of East Timor in 1975, leading to a brief period of self-rule.

After the brief independence, Indonesia invaded East Timor in 1975, leading to a prolonged and brutal occupation. Same, like many other towns, suffered greatly during this period. The Indonesian military established a strong presence, and the local population endured significant hardships, including forced relocations and human rights abuses.

The struggle for independence continued throughout the Indonesian occupation. Same was a hotbed of resistance activities, with local guerrilla fighters and clandestine networks operating in the area. The resilience and determination of the people of Same played a crucial role in the eventual liberation of East Timor in 1999, following a UN-sponsored referendum.

Following independence, Same focused on rebuilding and healing from the scars of conflict. International aid and local efforts have led to the reconstruction of infrastructure, educational institutions, and healthcare facilities. Today, Same is known for its vibrant cultural festivals, traditional crafts, and as a gateway to the stunning natural beauty of the central Timor-Leste region.

Same is located in the Manufahi municipality of Timor-Leste. The nearest international airport is Presidente Nicolau Lobato International Airport in Dili, approximately 100 kilometers away. From Dili, you can take a taxi, hire a private car, or use a public bus to reach Same. The journey typically takes around 3 to 4 hours by road, depending on traffic and road conditions.

Same is a small town, and many of its attractions are within walking distance. Local taxis and 'ojeks' (motorbike taxis) are available for hire and relatively inexpensive. Public buses connect Same with other towns and villages in the region. Renting a car or motorbike can also be a convenient option for exploring the surrounding areas at your own pace.

The official currency in Timor-Leste is the US Dollar (USD). Credit cards are accepted in some hotels, restaurants, and shops, but it is advisable to carry cash, especially in smaller establishments and rural areas. ATMs are available in Same, but it is wise to withdraw sufficient cash in Dili before traveling to ensure you have enough funds.

Same is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, like any travel destination, it is advisable to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. While there are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, it is 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 Same. 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. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Always cover your head when entering churches and other religious 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 or a slight bow of the head as 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 Same 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 the town's history and culture. Don't miss visiting the Same Church and the surrounding natural attractions such as the local waterfalls and scenic viewpoints. For a unique experience, participate in local festivals and cultural events to immerse yourself in the local way of life.