Most Balinese are bilingual if not trilingual (Indonesian, Balinese, English). Although every Balinese speaks the language of their mother island, Indonesian is the most common language – particularly in the tourism sector.

English is the common “third” language and the most popular foreign language by far (after Indonesian and Balinese). Due to tourism requirements a lot of Balinese speak a level of English that allows them to communicate with tourists on a basic level. But you will meet many who do speak a fairly decent English.

You will be surprised how many young locals particularly in Kuta will greet you with a solid “G’Day Mate”, sounding very much like an Australian!

That being said, it’s always great to try and learn some key words when you are travelling to a country, out of respect for their culture.

Indonesian Greetings and Civilities

• Good morning – Selamat pagi
• Good afternoon (llam-3pm) – selamat siang
• Good afternoon (after 3pm) – selamat sore
• Goodnight – selamat malam
• Sleep well – selamat tidur
• Goodbye – selamat tinggal (when you are leaving)
• Goodbye – selamat jalan (when you are staying)
• Please – silahkan
• Thank you – terima kasi
• Welcome – selamat datang
• You’re welcome – sama sama
• Sorry – ma’af
• Excuse me – permisi
• Beautiful or pretty – indah
• Love; to love – cinta
• Good- Bagus
• Good food- Enak
• No- Tidak
• No Thank You- Tidak Terima Kasi
• Yes- Ya

Indonesian Shopping words

• What’s this – Apa ini
• How much – berapa
• Money – rupiah
• Cheap – murah
• Expensive – mahal
• I have no more money – singau ngulah pis (Sing-alar Piss)

Indonesia Numbers

• 1 – satu
• 2-dua
• 3 – tiga
• 4- empat
• 5 – lima
• 6 – enam
• 7- tujuh
• 8 – delapan
• 9 – sernbilan
• 10 – supuluh

Print this out and keep it with you on your travels. It will make communicating in Bali so much easier for all parties.