EBC Experience Bali Culture Learn Indonesian with EBC

Learn some Indonesian for your holiday in Bali

December 28, 2025 Amanda

A LITTLE USEFUL INDONESIAN FOR BALI # 2
from EBC EXPERIENCE BALI CULTURE

It’s really fun saying a few Indonesian words to the Balinese people. They really appreciate you trying. Don’t worry if you get it wrong, they will laugh with you and help you. It adds another aspect to your trip.

See pronunciation tips below, you can also ask a local to help with pronunciation.

A LITTLE USEFUL INDONESIAN FOR BALI # 2 – WHEN OUT & ABOUT IN BALI
from EBC EXPERIENCE BALI CULTURE WORKSHOPS

When you are shopping and just want to look without a commitment to buy, you can say:

“LIHAT LIHAT AJA” that means “just looking “
but you also just say “LIHAT LIHAT”
Often the shop keeper will repeat that and leave you alone. Or they will say “Silakan” which means “please look around”. Give it a try and see what happens, this can make your shopping trip a lot less stressful.

TERIMA KASIH – means thank you. You can also just say MAKASIH – that’s easier and means Thanks.
TERIMA KASIH BANYAK – Thanks you very much.

One of the favourites is “ TIDAK APA APA” – this means “ it doesn’t matter”, “no problem”.

It takes a little practice to learn to say it easily but can be used in all sorts of situations.
For example, if a driver arrives late, or they make a mistake in a Restaurant. Try saying “TIDAK APA APA” and everything is ok.

PRONUNCIATION TIPS

( A – like in father, C – as in church, E – as in bed, G – like in gas, I/i – like long e – as in bee, K – like in kite, R – roll the r ( like Spanish), U – (“OO”) like in soon )