LOST IN TRANSLATION : PHRASES TO USE IN BALI

One of the best things about Bali are the beautiful Balinese people. Every time I travel to Bali, I always use some of the Balinese/Indonesian phrases below when speaking with the locals, somehow it seems to make their smiles even wider than they already are! Despite not being able to continue with the conversation in their language, a sentence or two spoken between us always feels like I am connecting on a deeper level, immersing myself with the people and culture, and to be honest, just makes me happy also.

I will always begin with “good morning/afternoon/evening”

Pagi / Siang / Sore / Malam

followed by “how are you”

Apa Kabar?

and answer their same question with “great”

Baik Baik - (i remember ‘bike bike’)

Another phrase I use countless times is “thank you”. This can be a difficult one to remember, but my nephew came up with a great idea that has stuck among our family, think “tear in my car seat”.

Terimah Kasih

That is about it for me with a few sprinkling of other words, That small conversation between myself and the Balinese, whether it be someone on the beach, the receptionist at the hotel, the gardener on the grounds, the cleaner, the waiter, the shop assistant, taxi driver, anyone really, is always so well received and brings me joy. If you are lucky enough to be travelling to Bali, try some of these Balinese/Indonesian phrases below.

Here are some of my favourite and well-used phrases:

  • Good Morning - Selamat Pagi (pag-ee)

  • Good Afternoon - Selamat Siang (see-ung) (usually from 11am - 3pm)

  • Good Afternoon - Selamat Sore (sore-ray) (usually from 3pm-6pm)

  • Good Evening - Selamat Malam

  • Good Bye - Selamat Tinggal or Jalan (formal)

  • See You - Sampa Jumpa (casual)

  • Thank You - Terima Kasih (teh-ree-mah kah-see) or as my nephew decided “tear-in-my-car-seat”

  • How Are You? - Apa Kabar? (up-ah kah-barr)

  • I’m fine/good - Baik Baik (bike-bike)

  • You’re Welcome - Sama Sama (saw-ma saw-ma)

  • Please - Tolong (toe-long) (help)

  • Please - Minta (min-tah) (asking for something)

  • I’m Sorry - Maaf (mah-uff)

  • No - Tidak

  • Yes - Ya

  • Delicious - Makan Enak

  • Beautiful - Cantik

I encourage everyone to try and get to know the Balinese local people when travelling to Bali. To me, they are the most beautiful people in the world. The Balinese always seem happy, they live simple lives and are grateful for everything. Their smiles are contagious, and their warmth surrounds you like an enveloping hug.

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ISLAND GEMS: 5 HIDDEN BALI BEACHES