Bali, with its breathtaking landscapes, rich culture, and warm hospitality, is a top destination for travelers from around the world. While many Balinese people speak English, knowing some basic phrases in Bahasa Indonesia can enhance your travel experience, help you connect with locals, and show respect for the local culture. This article provides a list of essential phrases in Bahasa Indonesia for tourists visiting Bali, covering greetings, common questions, directions, dining, shopping, and emergencies.
Greetings and Basic Phrases
Starting your interactions with a greeting in the local language can set a positive tone. Here are some common greetings and polite expressions:
- Hello: Halo
- Good morning: Selamat pagi
- Good afternoon: Selamat siang
- Good evening: Selamat sore
- Good night: Selamat malam
- Goodbye: Selamat tinggal (if you’re leaving) / Selamat jalan (if someone else is leaving)
- Please: Tolong
- Thank you: Terima kasih
- You’re welcome: Sama-sama
- Excuse me: Permisi
- I’m sorry: Maaf
- Yes: Ya
- No: Tidak
- How are you?: Apa kabar?
- Fine, thank you: Baik, terima kasih
Common Questions
Knowing how to ask basic questions can be very helpful when you’re navigating through Bali. Here are some useful phrases:
- What is your name?: Siapa nama Anda?
- My name is [your name]: Nama saya [your name]
- Where is the bathroom?: Di mana kamar mandi?
- How much does this cost?: Berapa harganya?
- Do you speak English?: Apakah Anda bisa berbahasa Inggris?
- I don’t understand: Saya tidak mengerti
- Can you help me?: Bisa tolong saya?
- What time is it?: Jam berapa?
Directions
Getting around Bali can be easier if you know how to ask for directions. Here are some phrases that might come in handy:
- Where is [place]?: Di mana [place]?
- Left: Kiri
- Right: Kanan
- Straight ahead: Lurus
- Near: Dekat
- Far: Jauh
- Turn left: Belok kiri
- Turn right: Belok kanan
- Where can I find a taxi?: Di mana saya bisa menemukan taksi?
Dining
Dining is a significant part of the travel experience. These phrases will help you navigate menus and communicate with restaurant staff:
- Menu: Menu
- Water: Air
- Spicy: Pedas
- Not spicy: Tidak pedas
- I am a vegetarian: Saya vegetarian
- Check, please: Tolong bonnya
- Delicious: Enak
- I would like to order [dish]: Saya mau pesan [dish]
- No ice: Tanpa es
- More rice, please: Tolong tambah nasi
Shopping
Bargaining is common in many markets in Bali. These phrases can help you get better deals and communicate with shopkeepers:
- How much is this?: Berapa harganya ini?
- Can you lower the price?: Bisa kurang?
- Too expensive: Terlalu mahal
- Do you accept credit cards?: Apakah Anda menerima kartu kredit?
- Receipt: Struk
- Bag: Tas
Emergencies
In case of emergencies, knowing a few key phrases can be crucial. Here are some important ones:
- Help!: Tolong!
- Call the police: Panggil polisi
- I need a doctor: Saya butuh dokter
- I’m lost: Saya tersesat
- Fire: Kebakaran
- Thief: Pencuri
- Accident: Kecelakaan
- Hospital: Rumah sakit
Conclusion
Learning a few basic phrases in Bahasa Indonesia can significantly enhance your travel experience in Bali. It helps you connect with the locals, navigate daily activities, and show respect for the local culture. While many Balinese people speak English, using their language demonstrates your appreciation for their culture and can lead to more meaningful interactions. Selamat berlibur (Happy holidays) and enjoy your time in Bali!
