Indonesia’s landscapes are as diverse as its languages. Whether trekking through Sumatran jungles, diving in Raja Ampat, or watching the sunrise over Mount Bromo, knowing a few key nature words in Bahasa Indonesia will deepen your connection to the environment. This guide covers practical vocabulary for outdoor enthusiasts.
Landscapes & Terrain
Gunung
/ˈɡunuŋ/“Mountain”
A mountain or volcano. Indonesia has over 100 active volcanoes, including Krakatau and Rinjani.
Hutan
/ˈhutan/“Forest”
Forest or jungle. Indonesia’s rainforests are among the world’s most biodiverse.
Pantai
/ˈpantai̯/“Beach”
Beach or coast. Indonesia has over 17,000 islands, so you’ll find plenty of these.
Sungai
/ˈsu.ŋai̯/“River”
River. Many Indonesian rivers, like the Kapuas in Kalimantan, are vital transport routes.
Wildlife & Plants
Orangutan
/o.raŋˈu.tan/The iconic great ape native to Borneo and Sumatra. The name means ‘person of the forest’.
Harimau
/haˈrimau̯/“Tiger”
Tiger. The Sumatran tiger is critically endangered.
Bunga
/ˈbuŋa/“Flower”
Flower. Indonesia is home to the Rafflesia, the world’s largest flower.
Pohon
/ˈpohon/“Tree”
Tree. Teak (jati) and durian (durian) are among Indonesia’s most famous trees.
Weather & Natural Phenomena
Hujan
[ˈhud͡ʒan]“Rain”
Rain. Indonesia has a tropical climate, so sudden downpours are common.
Angin
/ˈaŋin/“Wind”
Wind. Useful for sailors and surfers catching waves in Bali or Lombok.
Gempa
/ɡəmˈpa/“Earthquake”
Earthquake. Indonesia sits on the Pacific Ring of Fire, so seismic activity is frequent.
Tip: Many Indonesian nature words are used in place names. For example, ‘Bukit’ means hill (as in Bukit Lawang), and ‘Danau’ means lake (Danau Toba). Spotting these can help you navigate.
Useful Phrases for Outdoor Activities
- Di mana jalur pendakian? – Where is the hiking trail?
- Berapa lama sampai puncak? – How long to the summit?
- Apa ini bisa dimakan? – Is this edible? (Handy for foraging)
- Hati-hati, ada ular! – Be careful, there’s a snake!
For more practical phrases, check out our guide to essential travel phrases for Indonesian islands.
Regional Variations
Some nature terms differ across Indonesia’s regions. In Bali, ‘yeh’ means water (as in Yeh Pulu), while in standard Indonesian it’s ‘air’. Javanese speakers might say ‘lereng’ for mountain slope instead of the more common ‘lereng gunung’.
Remember: Many national parks require permits or guides. Always check regulations before hiking or camping in protected areas like Komodo or Tanjung Puting.
