Useful phrases you should know for your visit to Bali

The local language of Bali is Balinese. However, everybody on the island can speak the national language; Bahasa Indonesia. Besides speaking the language, it's also important to observe some local etiquette and mind your manners so you don't offend the locals:

• Always dress and act modestly. While you can be in swimwear at the beach, remember to wear appropriate clothes around town and cover up with a sarong when you enter a temple.
• Remove your footwear when you enter a home or temple.
• Never touch someone's head as the head is considered sacred.
• • Don't use your left hand to give something to someone as it's considered rude.
• Don't point your feet at someone or something as the feet are considered to be dirty.

When meeting someone in Bali, here are some phrases that you can use to greet them. Handshakes are common, but if you're a man greeting a woman, it's best to wait for her to offer her hand first. If she doesn't, a friendly smile is just as good.
• Hello - Halo / Hai
• Good morning - Selamat pagi
• Good afternoon - Selamat siang
• How are you? - Apa khabar?
• Good or fine - Baik
• My name is ... - Nama saya
• What's your name? - Siapa nama kamu?
• Good evening - Selamat sore
• Good night - Selamat malam
• Goodbye - Selamat tinggal
• Thank you - Terima kasih
• Please - Tolong
• Sorry - Maaf
• Excuse me - Permisi / Maaf


You should also know what to call people when you're speaking with them. Balinese and Indonesians in general rarely use the term "you" or "kamu" in a conversation, as it's not considered polite. Instead, it's best to use honorifics which are usually determined by a person's age. Here are how you address people in Bali:
• Elder man - Bapak / Pak
• Elder woman - Ibu / Bu
Someone slightly older or similar to you in age, regardless of • gender - Kakak / Kak
• Someone younger - Adik

Knowing some general phrases can be helpful when you need to ask a question or give directions. Below are some phrases you can use to obtain information when you're out and about on your Bali holiday:
• Yes - Iya
• No - Tidak / Nggak (casual)
• What - Apa
• When - Kapan
• I don't understand - Saya nggak mengerti
• Can you repeat? - Bisa ulangi?
• How much? - Berapa?


When giving directions to your taxi driver, you can use these phrases:
• Can you take me to ..(name of place)? - Bisa antar saya ke ...?
• How much to go to ..(name of place)? - Berapa harganya ke ...?
• Turn Right - Belok kanan
• Turn Left - Belok kiri
• Taxi - Taksi
• Stop here - Berhenti di sini
Wait here - Tunggu di sini


Bali has delicious food and great shopping opportunities. To make sure you can clearly communicate what you want to eat and get the best price when shopping, use these words:
• I want this - Saya mau ini
• I don't want spicy - Nggak mau pedas
• Hot - Panas
• Cold - Dingin
• Ice - Es
• Dine in - Makan di sini
• Take away - Bungkus
• This is good - Bagus
• So expensive - Mahal banget
• No I don't want - Saya nggak mau
• Can you make it cheaper? - Bisa lebih murah?
• Just looking - Lihat-lihat aja
• I'll come back later - Saya ke mari nanti

Knowing some words in the Indonesian language while in Bali can be useful especially when you want to communicate something specific like directions and ordering food. However, if you prefer to stay at a resort with excellent facilities and service, as well as English speaking staff, why not stay at Club Med Bali? Our international staff are fluent in English and some even in other languages. So book a stay with us now!