Must-Know Balinese Words and Phrases for Travelers

Speak to a Balinese in their language, and you’ll speak to their heart. A proverb I heard in Ubud, just before being handed rice I didn’t ask for.

Let’s clear something up: Balinese is not the same as Bahasa Indonesia. Yes, both are spoken in Bali. No, they are not interchangeable, and no, yelling “TERIMA KASIH” louder won’t suddenly turn you fluent.

Here’s the truth: While Bahasa Indonesia is the national language, Balinese is the cultural language, the one used in ceremonies, family gatherings, and temple offerings. It’s layered, poetic, and hyper-contextual. And if you drop even one well-timed Balinese word, the locals will notice. In a good way.

Most tourists never learn any. Or worse, they try, butcher the pronunciation, and accidentally say “chicken” when they meant “thanks.”

That’s where this guide comes in.

We’re going to skip the boring stuff, drop the filler, and get right into the Balinese words and phrases you’ll actually use and remember. Whether you’re here for a week of surfing or a three-month spiritual rebirth (or just the nasi goreng), these words will make your trip smoother, more respectful, and a hell of a lot more fun.

Get ready to speak fewer syllables and earn more smiles.

Absolutely. Below is the full blog post on Balinese words, written in the same style you liked, a mix of punchy and flowing sentences, practical and specific information, and a tone that’s fun, professional, and human.

Key Takeaways

• Balinese and Bahasa Indonesia are different languages; Balinese is used in ceremonies, family life, and temple culture.

• Learning even a few Balinese words (like Suksma for “thank you”) shows respect and builds a genuine local connection.

• Key phrases to know include Om Swastiastu (hello), Suksma (thank you), and Rahajeng semeng (good morning).

• Pronunciation matters, but effort matters more. Locals appreciate the attempt.

• For most travellers, using simple, polite words in the right context makes your experience deeper, friendlier, and more memorable.

Why Learn Balinese Words at All?

First things first: you don’t need to learn Balinese to get around Bali.

English and Bahasa Indonesia will get you through 90% of your trip, whether you’re haggling over coconuts or negotiating scooter rentals with questionable brakes.

So why bother?

Because language is a bridge. And in Bali, that bridge leads you straight to the cultural heart of the island.

Balinese people are warm, expressive, and incredibly proud of their heritage. When you speak even a handful of Balinese words, just five, it sends a loud, respectful signal: “I see you. I care.”

Locals don’t expect fluency. They just notice the effort. And that effort gets you better prices, deeper smiles, and conversations that don’t end with a sales pitch.

Bonus: it also helps you dodge the “just another tourist” label. Which, let’s face it, feels pretty good.

Key Differences Between Balinese and Bahasa Indonesia

If you thought learning Balinese was just about swapping a few words in and out of Bahasa Indonesia, sorry,  that shortcut doesn’t exist.

Let’s break this down simply: Bahasa Indonesia is the official national language of Indonesia,  spoken in schools, used in government, and widely understood across the country, including Bali. Balinese, on the other hand, is a local language specific to the island of Bali. It’s what people speak at home, in ceremonies, and when they’re not trying to sell you a sarong.

While Bahasa Indonesia is relatively simple and standardised, Balinese is complex, layered, and steeped in tradition. It actually has three distinct levels of speech. Low, middle, and high, each used depending on who you’re talking to. You’d use high-level speech when speaking to a priest or elder, and low-level speech with close friends or children. That level of formality isn’t something you’ll find in Bahasa Indonesia, which is much more uniform in tone.

The two languages also differ completely in vocabulary and pronunciation. For example, “hello” in Bahasa Indonesia is just “Halo,” easy enough. In Balinese, it’s the much more ceremonial “Om Swastiastu,” a greeting often accompanied by a small bow and prayer hands. Where Bahasa Indonesia is practical and modern, Balinese is spiritual, poetic, and context-sensitive.

Now here’s where it gets tricky for visitors: Balinese people often switch between the two languages, or blend them depending on who they’re talking to. A local shopkeeper might greet a tourist in English, speak to their friend in Bahasa Indonesia, then turn to their grandmother and use Balinese. All in the same sentence.

So, while you won’t need to master Balinese to get around, learning even a few words shows you’re not just another tourist passing through. It shows that you care, and in Bali, that goes a long way.

Also, relax, for travellers, using middle-level speech or the most respectful form is usually safe. And honestly? If you mess up, locals will usually laugh, correct you gently, and then invite you to eat something.

Common Balinese Words and Phrases

Let’s cut the fat and get to what matters: words and phrases that will actually help you in Bali. These are grouped by use case, so you’re not out here saying “vegetables” when you mean “toilet.”

Greetings and Polite Words

These are your MVPs. Use them daily, and you’ll stand out (in the best way).

• Om Swastiastu – Hello (spiritual greeting, used when entering places)

• Punapi Gatra? – How are you?

• Suksma – Thank you

• Suksma mewali – You’re welcome

• Rahajeng semeng – Good morning

• Rahajeng wengi – Good evening

• Sampun – No, thank you (polite and firm)

Pro tip: “Suksma” will get you more smiles than any amount of tipping. Say it loud. Say it often.

Essential Travel Phrases

Useful when things go slightly sideways, or just confusing.

• Nenten ngidang – I can’t / I don’t understand

• Went to the toilet? – Is there a toilet?

• Kija toya? – Where’s the water?

• Ida ten wenten – He/she is not here

• Mali sinampura – Excuse me / Sorry

Use these when you’re lost, confused, or accidentally trespassing on someone’s rice field.

Numbers and Money Terms

If you’re bargaining at a market or counting satay skewers, these help.

• Siki – One

• Kalih – Two

• Tiga – Three

• Kude regane? – How much?

Note: You’ll often hear Bahasa numbers in tourist zones, but local warungs might drop into Balinese, especially in rural areas.

Eating and Drinking

The most delicious section.

• Nasi – Rice (the lifeblood of Bali)

• Jukut – Vegetables

• Ajam – Chicken

• Madaging celeng – Pork

• Banyu – Water

• Arak – Local rice alcohol (handle with care and zero overconfidence)

Learn these if you don’t want to be surprised by what shows up on your plate.

Pronunciation Tips

Balinese uses the Latin alphabet, so it looks familiar. But don’t let that fool you, some sounds will trip you up if you’re not careful.

Here’s a cheat sheet:

• “C” is pronounced like “ch” – So celeng (pork) sounds like cheh-leng, not seh-leng.

• “Ng” at the start of words – Totally normal in Balinese, hard for English speakers. Practice saying ngidang without choking.

• Stress tends to fall on the second syllable – So suksma becomes sooks-MA, not SOOKS-ma.

Don’t sweat the accent too much. Getting close is more than enough. People will understand you, and probably applaud the effort.

Cultural Context: When and How to Use Balinese Words

Let’s be clear: language is not just for chatting. In Bali, it’s a deeply cultural act.

Here’s how to use Balinese words appropriately, and not come off like a walking Lonely Planet manual.

• Use “Om Swastiastu” when entering temples, shops, or even someone’s home. It’s a spiritual greeting, not just “hi.”

• “Suksma” is gold. Say it to drivers, street vendors, hotel staff, priests or anyone who helps you.

• Avoid overusing Balinese in official settings. Government offices, police, and airports expect Bahasa or English.

• Don’t joke or be casual with sacred words. Words like canang (offering) or dukun (healer) carry cultural weight. Respect them.

If in doubt, keep it simple and sincere. That’s the winning combo.

Balinese Words You’ll Hear but Don’t Need to Say

You’ll hear these all over the island, especially if you’re staying in local homestays or near temples. Knowing them helps you understand what’s happening, even if you never say them out loud.

• Banjar – Community/neighbourhood group (you’ll hear it when something loud is being planned)

• Canang – Daily offering made of flowers and leaves

• Nyepi – Balinese New Year and Day of Silence (don’t go surfing)

• Ogoh-ogoh – Giant demon effigies paraded before Nyepi

• Galungan – Major holiday when ancestral spirits return to earth

You don’t need to memorise these. Just recognise them, so when someone says “Galungan,” you know why the streets are full of penjor poles and all the shops are closed.

Tools to Learn More Balinese

If you want to take it further, here are practical ways to learn without going full linguist.

• Apps: Drops, Simply Learn Balinese, or Ling. They’re all decent for phrase-level fluency.

• YouTube: Search for “Balinese language basics". Some locals post excellent short lessons.

• Phrasebooks: Grab a PDF of the Wikitravel Balinese phrasebook or go analogue with Lonely Planet’s regional books.

• Ask a local: Seriously. Most people are thrilled when you ask, “How do I say this in Balinese?” Some will teach you more than you expect. Especially over a beer.

Just don’t overthink it. Say what you can. Laugh when you mess up. Learn a little more each time.

That’s the magic of it.

Conclusion

No one’s expecting you to walk into a Balinese temple and recite Vedic chants. But saying “Suksma” instead of “Thank you”? That’s powerful. It shows respect. It says you tried. And in a place like Bali, that effort matters more than you think.

Because language isn’t just about words. It’s about context, culture, and connection. You can Google the weather, the Wi-Fi code, or the best place for sunset drinks. But that one local who teaches you to say “Rahajeng Semeng” with a smile? That’s the kind of moment you remember.

So write them down. Speak them out loud. Don’t worry if your accent’s off, trust me, it is. That’s not the point.

Use the words. Let them open doors. And more importantly, let them open conversations.

And hey, if all else fails, smile, nod, and offer a canang sari. Works every time.

Learning a few Balinese phrases is just the start. Our Bali Travel E-Guide gives you cultural insights, local tips, and authentic recommendations to help you connect deeper with the island.