Suai: The Hidden Gem of Timor-Leste

• HelloBondia
  [bon-dee-ah]
• GoodbyeAdeus
  [ah-deh-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?Ita diak?
  [ee-tah dee-ahk]
• Fine. And you?Diak. Ita?
  [dee-ahk. ee-tah]
• Do you speak English?Ita hatene Ingles?
  [ee-tah hah-teh-neh een-glees]
• I don't understandLa kompriende
  [lie kom-pree-en-deh]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseHau hakarak hare menu, favor
  [hah-oo hah-kah-rah hah-reh meh-noo, fah-vor]
• I don't eat meatHau la hola karne
  [hah-oo lah hoh-lah kahr-neh]
• Cheers!Saude!
  [sah-oo-deh]
• I would like to pay, pleaseHau hakarak selu, favor
  [hah-oo hah-kah-rah seh-loo, fah-vor]

• Help!Ajuda!
  [ah-joo-dah]
• Go away!Ba oin!
  [bah oh-een]
• Call the Police!Fila Polisia!
  [fee-lah poh-lee-see-ah]
• Call a doctor!Fila dotor!
  [fee-lah doh-tohr]
• I'm lostHau hetan
  [hah-oo heh-tahn]
• I'm illHau lae diak
  [hah-oo lie dee-ahk]

• I'd like to buy...Hau hakarak hola...
  [hah-oo hah-kah-rah hoh-lah...]
• I'm just lookingHau deit rezerva
  [hah-oo dayt reh-zehr-vah]
• How much is it?Hau nia osan hira?
  [hah-oo nee-ah oh-sahn hee-rah]
• That's too expensiveNe'e barak maka osan
  [neh-eh bah-rahk mah-kah oh-sahn]
• Can you lower the price?Ita bele hakotu osan?
  [ee-tah beh-leh hah-koh-too oh-sahn]

• What time is it?Oras ki'ak maka?
  [oh-rahs kee-ahk mah-kah]
• It's one o'clockOra ida
  [oh-rah ee-dah]
• Half past (10)Tolu nulu
  [toh-loo noo-loo]
• MorningManha
  [mah-nyah]
• AfternoonTarde
  [tahr-deh]
• EveningKalan
  [kah-lahn]
• YesterdayOhin loron
  [oh-heen loh-rohn]
• TodayOhin
  [oh-heen]
• TomorrowOhin loron
  [oh-heen loh-rohn]
• 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 nebe...?
  [ee-hah neh-beh]
• 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 mapa)?
  [ee-tah beh-leh hah-too-doo hah-oo (ee-hah mah-pah)]
• When's the next (bus)?Bainhira ona tuir?
  [bah-een-hee-rah oh-nah too-eer]
• A ticket (to ....)Bilhete (to ....)
  [beel-eh-teh (to ....)]

Before the arrival of the Portuguese in the early 16th century, Suai was part of a network of small, autonomous chiefdoms. These communities were primarily agrarian, relying on subsistence farming, fishing, and trading with neighboring tribes. Oral traditions and archaeological findings suggest that these early inhabitants had rich cultural practices involving rituals, dances, and folklore.

In the 16th century, Portuguese explorers arrived in Timor-Leste, including Suai. The region became part of Portuguese Timor, and Suai was influenced by colonial policies and missionary activities. The introduction of Christianity, particularly Catholicism, had a profound impact on the local culture and societal structure. However, Portuguese control was often limited outside of major settlements, and indigenous practices persisted.

During World War II, Timor-Leste, including Suai, was occupied by Japanese forces from 1942 to 1945. The occupation brought hardship to the local population, including forced labor and resource extraction. Resistance movements, such as the Timorese and Australian guerilla fighters, played crucial roles in combating the Japanese presence, contributing to the broader Allied war effort in the Pacific.

Following Portugal’s decolonization efforts in 1975, Suai, like the rest of Timor-Leste, declared independence. However, within days, Indonesia launched an invasion, leading to a brutal occupation that lasted until 1999. Suai experienced significant violence and human rights abuses during this period. The massacre at Suai Church in September 1999, where Indonesian militia killed many civilians seeking refuge, is a tragic and pivotal moment in Suai’s recent history.

In 1999, a UN-sponsored referendum saw the people of Timor-Leste, including Suai’s residents, vote overwhelmingly for independence from Indonesia. This led to widespread violence and destruction by pro-Indonesian militias. Suai was significantly impacted, with infrastructure damaged and many lives lost. The eventual arrival of international peacekeepers helped stabilize the region, leading to the official restoration of independence on May 20, 2002.

Post-independence, Suai has focused on rebuilding and preserving its cultural heritage. Traditional dances, music, and crafts have seen a revival, reflecting the resilience and pride of the Timorese people. The town has also developed as a site of historical reflection, with memorials and museums dedicated to its tumultuous past. Today, Suai is a blend of its rich historical legacy and efforts towards modernization and economic development.

Suai, located in the southwest of Timor-Leste, can be accessed via Presidente Nicolau Lobato International Airport in Dili, the capital city. From Dili, you can take a bus or hire a taxi for the approximately 8-hour journey to Suai. Alternatively, a 4x4 vehicle is recommended for a more comfortable trip, especially during the rainy season when roads can be challenging. As of recent years, there are also domestic flights available from Dili to Suai, reducing travel time significantly.

Within Suai, local transportation options include taxis and motorbike rentals. For short distances, walking is a viable option as many attractions are centrally located. Public buses and minibuses (called mikrolets) connect Suai to surrounding villages and towns. If you plan to explore the rural areas or visit remote beaches, renting a 4x4 vehicle is advisable due to the condition of some roads.

The official currency in 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 Suai, but they can sometimes be out of service, so it's wise to carry enough cash for your needs.

Suai is generally safe for tourists, but like any destination, it's important to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. While Suai does not have 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. There is a local police station in Suai, and medical facilities are available, though they may have limited resources. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, pharmacies are available 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 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 smile and 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 Suai like a local, visit the bustling markets where you can buy fresh produce and local handicrafts. Engage with the locals, who are often friendly and willing to share stories about their culture and history. Don’t miss the opportunity to attend a traditional dance performance or a local festival, which offer deep insights into the Timorese way of life. For a unique experience, visit the nearby Covalima district, known for its beautiful beaches and historical sites.