Learning a new language is very hard, but learning a couple of basics is easy. To help our fellow free birds along, here are the 25 basic Indonesian words and phrases for traveling through Indonesia, and for the paradise island we all adore: Bali!
When traveling to a faraway foreign country like Indonesia with a very different culture and a very different language, it’s best to know some common basic words! The upsides of knowing how to say hello, thank you, goodbye, yes, no and many more basic words, is that it makes you not look like a gullible tourist. It makes you seem friendly, knowledgeable, and interested. Also knowing how to order two cold beers and knowing how to you like your drinks and/or food, makes your stay so much more enjoyable. The locals and the staff will deeply appreciate it when you as a tourist are trying your best to learn their language and culture. You will see people opening up and smiling big when you are speaking their tongue.
The very basics
Hello = Halo
Goodmorning = Salemat Paggi
Yes = Ya
No = Tidak
Thanks = Terima kasih / suksma (on Bali)
Goodbye = Sampai jumpa
Before you book that flight to Bali,… do you have the right travel insurance for this destination?
Greetings
How are you = Apa kabar
Very good = Baik sekali
Oke = Baik
Sorry = Maaf
You’re welcome = Sama sama
Cheers = Cheers
Beautiful = Cantik
Perfect = Sempurna
We need
Supermarkt = Maha pasar
Hotel = Hotel
Toilet = Toilet
Doctor = Dokter
Help = Tolong
The essentials
Water = Air
Coffee = Kopi
Beer = Bir
Tea = Teh
The food was delicious = Makanan enak
Now you know the basic Indonesian words to get you started. Have a great time in Indonesia!
Our first language is Dutch, but if we have made a mistake or if you don’t agree on some words, let us know (info@freebirdsmagazine.com).
More Bali / Indonesia articles
> Top 10 Things to Do in Canggu, Bali
> How to find and book affordable accommodation on Bali
> The 4 best places for a good massage in Canggu
> The best coworking spaces to get work done in Canggu
> The best warungs in Canggu, Bali: our 6 recommendations
> 13 things we DON´T like about Bali
> The 10 best places for breakfast and lunch in Canggu, Bali
> Bali Hotspot: The must-visit Monkey Forest in Ubud!
> The best cafes in Canggu for digital nomads
> Bali for first-timers | 10+ things you need to know before you go!
> The 6+ best beach clubs in Canggu, Bali
> The best coffee in Canggu, Bali: our 3 must-visit recommendations!
We shared so many Stories on Instagram of our adventures in Canggu. Must-visit beach clubs, cafes, temples, coworking spaces and so much more. Check it out free birds!
