10 Balinese Greetings You Should…
10 Balinese Greetings You Should Know of While Visiting Bali Home What’s Inside If you’re…
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10 Balinese Greetings You Should Know of While Visiting Bali
If you’re heading to Bali, learning some Balinese greetings is a great idea!
The Balinese language, or “Basa Bali,” is an important part of the island’s culture.
A few simple phrases can go a long way, helping you connect with locals and enrich your experience.
Here are 10 essential greetings that every traveler should know when visiting Bali.
Understanding the Balinese Language
The Balinese language, known as “Basa Bali,” is unique and rich in culture. It has various levels of formality, reflecting the island’s traditions and social structure.
Learning this language can help you appreciate Bali’s heritage and make your interactions with locals more meaningful during your visit.
Common Balinese Greetings
In addition to greetings, there are many useful Balinese expressions to know. Simple phrases for asking questions or expressing gratitude can enhance your experience.
By using these expressions, you’ll show respect for the culture and connect better with the people, making your trip even more enjoyable and memorable.
1. Om Swastiastu
Om Swastiastu is the most formal greeting in Bali, often used in ceremonies and when meeting elders. It’s a Hindu blessing, meaning “may you be blessed and protected.” This greeting can be used any time of day and is highly respected in Balinese culture.
When you meet someone and say Om Swastiastu, you are expressing a sense of respect and goodwill. You’ll hear this greeting commonly, especially in more formal settings or when participating in cultural activities.
2. Selamat Pagi (Good Morning)
Selamat Pagi means “good morning” and is used between dawn and 11 a.m. This is one of the simplest Balinese greetings to remember and can be used every morning when you encounter locals. It’s a polite way to start the day and acknowledge the people around you.
If you’re joining a sunrise trek or heading to one of Ubud’s early morning markets, don’t hesitate to greet others with Selamat Pagi.
3. Selamat Siang (Good Afternoon)
Used from around 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Selamat Siang means “good afternoon.” It’s the perfect greeting for lunch meetings or when you’re exploring temples in the heat of the day.
If you happen to be on an Ubud Walk during the afternoon, try greeting your guide or fellow travelers with Selamat Siang to practice your Balinese greetings.
4. Selamat Sore (Good Evening)
After 3 p.m., the appropriate greeting is Selamat Sore, which means “good evening.” It’s a common phrase used in the late afternoon and evening when the sun is setting, and people are winding down their day.
When you take a sunset walk through Ubud’s scenic routes, greeting someone with Selamat Sore is a kind and respectful way to acknowledge their presence.
5. Selamat Malam (Good Night)
Selamat Malam is used from sunset until late at night and translates to “good night.” This is a great way to say goodbye or greet someone at night, whether you are leaving a dinner gathering or heading back to your accommodation after a long day of sightseeing.
By using Selamat Malam, you’ll feel more connected to the locals as you explore Bali’s nightlife.
6. Apa Kabar? (How Are You?)
Apa Kabar? means “how are you?” and is one of the most popular Balinese greetings. It’s a friendly and informal way to ask about someone’s well-being, and you’ll often hear it when interacting with locals. It’s the perfect icebreaker if you want to start a conversation.
If someone asks you Apa Kabar?, you can reply with Baik, which means “good” or “fine.”
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7. Terima Kasih (Thank You)
While not a traditional greeting, saying Terima Kasih (thank you) is essential in everyday interactions. Whether you’re thanking someone for a service, a favor, or simply showing appreciation, Terima Kasih is a key part of Balinese etiquette.
You’ll find yourself using Terima Kasih frequently, whether you’re thanking a vendor at Ubud’s local markets or showing gratitude after a cultural tour.
8. Permisi (Excuse Me)
When you want to get someone’s attention politely, saying Permisi is the proper way to do so. It’s equivalent to “excuse me” in English and is used when you’re trying to pass by someone or when you need to interrupt a conversation briefly.
Whether you’re exploring Ubud’s narrow streets or moving through a crowded market, Permisi will come in handy.
9. Maaf (Sorry)
Maaf means “sorry” and is another important word to know in Bali. Whether you bump into someone accidentally or need to apologize for something, Maaf is a polite way to express your regret.
In Balinese culture, being polite and respectful is highly valued, and using words like Maaf helps you blend in seamlessly during your interactions.
10. Sampai Jumpa (See You Later)
When parting ways with someone, you can say Sampai Jumpa, which means “see you later.” It’s a casual way to say goodbye and can be used with friends, acquaintances, or even new people you meet during your trip.
If you’ve enjoyed your Ubud Walk and want to bid farewell to your guide or group, Sampai Jumpa is the perfect phrase to use.
Learn More from Ubud Story Walks!
If you’re eager to learn more about the authentic Balinese culture, consider joining one of Ubud Story Walks very unique walking tours!
FAQ's
Yes, there are slight differences. While many Balinese people speak Indonesian, the island has its own traditional greetings influenced by Hinduism, like Om Swastiastu. Common greetings like Selamat Pagi are shared between Indonesian and Balinese languages.
Om Swastiastu is generally used during formal occasions, religious ceremonies, or when meeting elders. It’s always appreciated when foreigners use this greeting in cultural or ceremonial contexts, such as temple visits or religious events in Bali.
While you can use “hello,” learning a few Balinese greetings will go a long way in showing respect for the local culture. The Balinese people are known for their warmth and friendliness, and using their language is a great way to make connections.
Pronunciation is important in any language. For most Balinese greetings, the pronunciation is phonetic , making it easier for English speakers to learn. Listening to locals or using online resources can help you get it right.
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Read what people say about Ubud Story Walks...
Ubud Story Walks is something different. It’s a fun, entertaining and refreshing way to delve into Ubud’s past. The knowledgeable guides place as much emphasis on how they tell a story as they do on what they’re sharing, which means all sorts of magical and mystifying details are revealed. I believe the best way to get to know a place is to walk its streets, which makes Ubud Story Walks one of the best ways to get to know Ubud.
Julia Winterflood
We had a fantastic time walking around the historical centre of Ubud! Even though we've been based in Bali for a few years, we'd never had an actual tour of some of Bali's most iconic landmarks and learning about the history was fascinating. Our guide was hilarious and full of information and it was a lovely and relaxing way to learn so much. The tour was early in the morning which was perfect timing as the temperature was still cool and we were able to witness the morning bustle of Ubud's famous markets. 10/10 would recommend!
Rahima Saikal
Anthony Besnault2024-05-04I highly recommend this tour for anyone eager to delve into the rich culture, tradition, art, philosophy and history of Bali. My experience with Khana was truly delightful; her warmth and knowledge made for a smooth and captivating discussion. It's undoubtedly a 5-star tour!
Elia Argentiero2024-05-02Wonderful tour! Khana is a passionate and knowledgeable guide which made the whole experience amazing!
Caroline o'Hara2024-04-28What a gem of a morning this was! We just loved it and we learnt so much. Perfectly paced and beautifully explained, Balinese and specifically Ubud history and culture came alive for us. Thank you Khana and Joe for such a great start to our few days in Ubud. Highly recommended for anyone seeking a more bespoke and small group learning experience.
Amanda Frisby2024-04-07The past to present tour was excellent! Our guides were passionate about the history they were telling us and explained things very well. The story walk was a high light for me in my visit to Bali!
Clara GĂłmez Donoso2024-03-27Amazing tour to learn about Balinese culture! Really made me appreciate their way of living. Highly recommended, the guides are very generous sharing their knowledge and experience. Thanks so much Khana and Ira!
Olivia Pilla2024-03-15Khana was my guide and she was so friendly and knowledgeable about the history of Bali. I had an extremely enjoyable tour and would highly recommend it! The morning tea stop was delicious also. Thank you again Khana!
Marry Jay2024-03-14It was a beautiful little tour through ubud and a truly authentic experience. Though a bit more expensive than other tours I would highly recommend to book this tour to experience an authentic tour with a local. Thank you again Windari.
Judy Astridge2024-03-11Our guide Win shared interesting insights into Balinese culture. We highly recommend the walk Ubud past and present. Very enjoyable and a nice size of group.
Kate Gilkison2024-03-06I can 100% recommend this tour. I was looking for a short tour that would give me a taste of Bali’s history, culture, art and way of life, and this definitely delivered. Khana was an excellent guide, who answered all our questions and more!