Bali’s charm isn’t just in its beaches and temples - it’s in the warmth of its people. Knowing a few Indonesian phrases can turn a good trip into an unforgettable one. Here are the essentials.
1. Selamat pagi / siang / sore / malam
Selamat pagi / siang / sore / malam
/sə'lamat 'pagi/ /'sijaŋ/ /'sore/ /'malam/“Good morning / afternoon / evening / night”
The standard greetings, used depending on the time of day. Locals appreciate the effort, even if you fumble the pronunciation.
2. Terima kasih
Terima kasih
[tərima kasɪh]“Thank you”
A non-negotiable. Say it with a smile, and you’ll often hear the Balinese reply with sama-sama (you’re welcome).
3. Berapa harganya?
Berapa harganya?
/bə'rapa har'gaɲa/“How much is this?”
Crucial for markets and warungs (small eateries). Follow it up with boleh kurang? (can it be cheaper?) if you’re bargaining.
4. Di mana...?
Di mana...?
/di 'mana/“Where is...?”
Use this to ask for directions. Pair it with pantai (beach), kamar kecil (toilet), or warung (local café).
5. Tolong
Tolong
/ˈtɔlɔŋ/“Please / Help”
A versatile word. Use it politely (Tolong, satu kopi – Please, one coffee) or urgently (Tolong! – Help!).
6. Saya tidak mengerti
Saya tidak mengerti
/'saja 'tidaʔ məŋ'erti/“I don’t understand”
Handy when conversations spiral beyond your vocabulary. Follow it with bisa bahasa Inggris? (do you speak English?).
7. Enak!
Enak!
/ə'nak/“Delicious!”
The best compliment for a Balinese cook. Say it after a bite of babi guling (suckling pig) or nasi campur, and you’ll likely get extra portions.
8. Maaf
Maaf
/ˈmaaf/“Sorry”
Use it if you bump into someone, or to politely interrupt (Maaf, di mana ATM?).
9. Boleh foto?
Boleh foto?
/'boleh 'foto/“Can I take a photo?”
Always ask before snapping pictures of locals or ceremonies. A nod and terima kasih go a long way.
10. Sampai jumpa lagi
Sampai jumpa lagi
/'sampai 'dʒumpa 'lagi/“Until we meet again”
A warmer goodbye than selamat tinggal (goodbye). Balinese culture values connection - this phrase hints you’d like to return.
Pro tip: Balinese often mix Indonesian with their native language. If someone replies in Balinese, a confused smile and Saya tidak mengerti will usually prompt a switch to Indonesian or English.
For more phrases useful across Indonesia’s 17,000 islands, see our guide on Essential Phrases for Traveling Across Indonesian Islands.
