Helpful Language Tips

The primary language spoken on Bali is Bahasa Indonesia, but travelers to the island will be happy to know that many Balinese are also skilled in English, as well, since it is now taught to all children in the schools here. However, these gracious people are also pleased when visitors have made an effort to learn a few simple words and phrases in the local tongue, as is true in most countries around the world. So, you may find what follows helpful in mastering a few useful words and phrases, and their proper pronunciation, as you plan your trip to The Island of the Gods. For those wishing to learn more about the language and the culture, and for a handy bilingual dictionary combined, you may want to refer to such books as: Everyday Indonesian by Thomas G. Oey, PhD (Passport Books).

PRONUNCIATION: Here are a few basic tips:

Consonants: Indonesian consonants are pronounced phonetically as they are in English, except for the following:

C sounds like Ch - as in celana (pants)
G is hard, and sounds like Give - as in garuda (bird)
H is soft or not pronounced - as in hati-hati (be careful!)
Ng is also soft and sounds like Linger - as in Wayang Kulit (shadow puppet play)
R is rolled, as it is in Spanish and sounds like Rumba - as in Saya dari... (I am from...)

Vowels: There are five Indonesian vowels, as there are in English, and they are pronounced as follows:

A is broad and sounds like Ah or Paw - as in Apa kabar? (How are you?)
E sounds like the beginning of Alive - but, sometimes sounds like a long 'a' like 'Say '
I is like a long 'e' and sounds like Seem - as in Lima (the number five)
O is long and sounds like Okay - as in Oleh-Oleh (gift)
U is long and sounds like Cool - as in Upacara (ceremony)

Words & Phrases:

Sampai nanti! (See you later!)