Learning a few words of the local language before you arrive in Bali will genuinely transform your trip. It’s always a good idea to know key expressions when travelling in another country. The local people love teaching you more words, and it’s polite and fun to order when in a restaurant.
Table of Contents
Essential Bali Phrases by Category
Greetings
- Selamat pagi : Good morning, normally from 05 am to 10.59 am
- Selamat siang : A greeting from 11 am until 3 pm
- Selamat sore : A greeting from 3.01 pm until 6 pm as sore is when the sun begins to fade
- Selamat malam : A greeting from 7 pm until 12 am
Meeting people
- What is your name? : Nama Anda siapa?
- Nice to meet you : Salam Kenal
- Terima kasih [banyak] : Thank you [very much]
- Permisi [per-mi-si] : Excuse me
Note: we say “permisi” in Indonesia while passing by someone, or when we want to ask for help from other people.
In restaurant
- I would like to order … : Saya mau pesan …
- Not too spicy … : Jangan terlalu pedas
- Delicious : Enak
- Do you have a menu? : Apakah kamu punya menu?
- Can I have the bill? : Bolehkah saya minta bill?
- I don’t want it spicy : Saya tidak mau pedas
- I don’t want sugar : Saya tidak mau gula
- No MSG please : Tidak pakai MSG/michin
- Can I have water? : Boleh saya minta air?
- Can I have ice? : Boleh saya minta es?
- I cannot eat nuts : Saya tidak bisa makan kacang
- I don’t understand : Saya tidak mengerti
- I don’t know : Saya tidak tahu
- How much [asking for price] : Berapa harganya?
- Where is the toilet? : Di mana toilet?
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Shopping and Directions Phrases
Knowing a few language phrases for shopping and getting around in Bali will help you navigate markets, negotiate prices, and find your way. Some useful Bali language expressions include: Too expensive: Terlalu mahal | Cheaper please: Bisa kurang? | I want to go to [place]: Saya mau ke [tempat] | Turn left: Belok kiri | Turn right: Belok kanan | Straight ahead: Lurus terus | Stop here: Berhenti di sini | How far?: Berapa jauh? | I am lost: Saya nyasar | Please help me: Tolong saya | I need a taxi: Saya butuh taksi | I am in a hurry: Saya sedang terburu-buru. For more on making the most of your Bali trip, explore our guides to Bali traditional villages, Bali etiquette, and Bali luxury villas. For background on the Indonesian language, see Indonesian language on Wikipedia.
Tips Before You Arrive in Bali
Even a handful of language phrases will open doors and hearts in Bali. Balinese and Indonesian people respond warmly to visitors who make any effort with the local language, however small. A simple “Selamat pagi” (good morning) to your hotel staff will set a wonderful tone for the whole stay. If you are visiting more than once, consider using a language app to build on the basics between trips. The Balinese language itself (distinct from Indonesian) is a rich and complex system with different registers for different social situations, but for daily visitor use, standard Indonesian is what you need. You do not need to be fluent — a few words said with genuine warmth and a smile will take you remarkably far in this warm and welcoming part of the world — one where hospitality is genuinely felt in every encounter.
Learning even a handful of these phrases before you arrive shows a level of cultural respect that will be noticed and appreciated everywhere you go in Bali — from the morning beach to the evening warung.
