Mini Course: How to Speak Balinese (and Charm the Locals)

So you’re heading to Bali. You’ve booked the villa, packed your sarong, and practiced your best sun-drenched Instagram smile. But here’s one thing most travelers don’t realize: Balinese and Indonesian are not the same thing.

Yes, Bahasa Indonesia is the national language—and widely spoken. But Balinese is its own beautiful, complex, and poetic language, used in temples, ceremonies, and daily life across the island. Learning a few Balinese phrases won’t just impress the locals—it shows respect for a culture that values humility, grace, and a good laugh.

Welcome to your very first (and totally unofficial) crash course in Balinese. Consider it your secret island superpower.

1. Hello – "Swastyastu" (swa-stee-ah-stoo) This is your go-to greeting. Formal, spiritual, and beautiful. It literally means "may you be safe and well in God’s grace." Use it anytime you walk into a shop, pass someone in a village, or arrive at your villa. Bonus: smile and place your hands in prayer position. Balinese style.

2. Thank You – "Suksma" (sook-smah) Simple and heartfelt. Want to go one step further? Say "Suksma mewali" (thank you very much). Expect a smile in return—and maybe even an extra slice of watermelon at breakfast.

3. How are you? – "Punapi gatra?" (poo-nah-pee gah-trah) This is a lovely one to ask your driver or your villa staff. It's polite, thoughtful, and will earn you serious charm points. Just be prepared for a long answer. Balinese people love to chat!

4. I’m good – "Becik-becik" (beh-cheek beh-cheek) Your cheerful go-to when someone checks in on how you're doing. Works great with a head nod and a peaceful smile, ideally while sipping something tropical.

5. Goodbye – "Om santi santi santi om" Okay, this one isn’t just a goodbye—it’s a blessing. It means peace, peace, peace. You’ll hear it at the end of ceremonies and sometimes when people part ways. Use it and watch hearts melt.

6. Yes – "Nggih" (ng-gee) A polite and formal way to say yes. Use it with elders or in temples, and you’ll earn instant respect. Bonus points if you say it with a gentle head nod.

7. No – "Ten nggih" (ten ng-gee) A soft and respectful way to say no. Saying no in Balinese culture is often done gently—tone matters as much as the word.

8. Excuse me / Sorry – "Ampura" (ahm-poo-rah) Useful for those moments when you step on someone’s foot at the market or accidentally walk through a ceremony. Say it with a smile and sincerity.

9. Beautiful – "Bagus" (bah-goos) Technically Indonesian, but often used and understood across the island. Perfect when admiring a view, a sarong, or a sunrise.

10. Let’s eat! – "Makan ajeng" (mah-kahn ah-jeng) Because let’s face it—Bali’s food deserves its own applause. Say this before a feast of nasi campur or a beachfront seafood dinner and you’ll be speaking the language of joy.

Tips from the Temple: ✧ Don’t worry about perfect pronunciation. Just trying is considered polite. ✧ Pair every phrase with a genuine smile—it’s the universal language here. ✧ Don’t mix up "Suksma" (Balinese) with "Terima kasih" (Indonesian) unless you’re ready to launch a full linguistic discussion at the fruit stall.

Final Thought: Language is Connection

Learning just a few Balinese words opens doors—and hearts. It’s not about fluency; it’s about showing that you care. That you’re not just here to take photos, but to share space. To listen, to learn, and to laugh together.

So go ahead. Practice your "Swastyastu" in the mirror. Whisper "Om santi santi santi om" as you watch the sun set over Cemagi. And let your words, however few, carry the spirit of the island.

See? You’re already speaking Bali.