Bali Language Guide: Useful Indonesian & Balinese Phrases

Do You Need to Speak Indonesian in Bali?

No — English is widely spoken in tourist areas of Bali. But learning even a few Indonesian (Bahasa Indonesia) and Balinese phrases will significantly improve your experience. Locals genuinely appreciate the effort, and it makes interactions warmer and more authentic.

Basic Greetings (Indonesian)

• Halo — Hello
• Selamat pagi — Good morning (until noon)
• Selamat siang — Good afternoon (noon–3pm)
• Selamat sore — Good afternoon/evening (3–7pm)
• Selamat malam — Good evening (after 7pm)
• Apa kabar? — How are you?
• Baik, terima kasih — Fine, thank you
• Sampai jumpa — Goodbye (see you again)

Essential Phrases

• Terima kasih — Thank you
• Sama-sama — You’re welcome
• Tolong — Please / Help
• Maaf — Sorry / Excuse me
• Ya / Tidak — Yes / No
• Saya tidak mengerti — I don’t understand
• Bisa berbicara bahasa Inggris? — Can you speak English?

Food & Ordering

• Satu/dua/tiga — One/two/three
• Nasi goreng satu, tolong — One fried rice, please
• Tidak pedas — Not spicy
• Pedas sekali — Very spicy
• Minta tagihan — The bill, please
• Enak sekali! — Very delicious!
• Air mineral — Bottled water

Bargaining & Shopping

• Berapa harganya? — How much is it?
• Terlalu mahal — Too expensive
• Bisa kurang? — Can you lower the price?
• Saya hanya lihat-lihat — I’m just looking

Balinese Greetings

• Om Swastiastu — Traditional Balinese Hindu greeting (reply with the same)
• Suksma — Thank you in Balinese (locals love this)
• Matur suksma — Thank you very much in Balinese

Numbers

Satu (1), dua (2), tiga (3), empat (4), lima (5), enam (6), tujuh (7), delapan (8), sembilan (9), sepuluh (10), dua puluh (20), seratus (100), seribu (1,000), sepuluh ribu (10,000).