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10 Balinese Greetings You Should Know of While Visiting Bali
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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 including:
- How to say thank you?
- How to say hello?
- How to say good morning?
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 (Hello in Balinese)
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 in Balinese)
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 in Balinese)
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 in Balinese)
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 in Balinese)
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 in Balinese)
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 in Balinese)
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 in Balinese)
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 in Balinese)
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 in Balinese)
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
Vicky Ilankovan2024-12-13A great way to get to know Ubud, past and present. Win and Kelly were fantastic tour guide: knowledgeable, friendly, and open. I’d just landed in the country and this was the best welcome to immerse myself in some of the culture and historic as well as get a bit of a lay of the land. It was great to visit historic sites as well as the museum, and here fun stories. Bonus points for traditional sweets! Many thanks to both. Would definitely recommend this walking tour
LH Sim2024-12-10Joe was our guide for the Ubud Story Walk Tour : Past To Present. He is very professional and knowledgeable who has many interesting stories to share. During the tour, he showed pictures related to the history for our better understanding. Besides pictures, he also showed us coins that were used in the past. Apart from being proficient in conducting the tour, he is also a very caring guide as he offered us sunscreen, mosquito repellent prior to his tour and brought us snacks and water when we had our short break during the tour. Thank you Joe for the excellent commentary. Will definitely join the other Ubud Story Walks on my next trip to Bali.
Jessica HĂĽbner2024-12-05Ubud story walk past to presents was one of our favorite things to do in Ubud. Our guide Joe was super fun and very informative! Thank you Joe for the great time we had. I highly recommend this tour
Andrea Slosar2024-12-03I was on two tours and I really liked them. They are beautifully and comprehensively designed. Old black and white photos are an interesting addition. I was especially impressed by Windari with her communication skills and knowledge of the English language and Balinese culture. I wish the whole team much success in their future business and on discovering and solving pieces of the puzzle of Balinese culture.
Neeraj Goswami2024-12-01I went on two walking tours, loved both! The guides Ira and Win shared excellent insights on Balinese culture, history and traditions - helping me understand local context, beyond the usual pics on social media. I hope they add many more such interesting tours in the future!
Vinay Kashyap2024-11-26It's an essential part of a traveller's journey to know the history of a place he visits and my decision to choose Ubud Story walks was a good one. Joe, the guide took us through Ubud, the past to present and the walk was very informative. Its a good initiative done by a small team and I am happy to learn the efforts that the team is putting. Those who are coming to Ubud must consider opting for their guided tour.
tamara fields2024-11-26Enjoy a lovely morning with Ira as she expland the story of Bali, Ubud, Hinduism, the style of the houses and much more. Would recommend this walk to anyone that is interested in connected with the history and culture of bali while having someone who can answer your questions to have a deeper look into the life of the people living here.
David Hodgins2024-11-25We had a lovely and informative morning walk with Win. Her perfect pace, both physically and with information sharing , provided us with a rich understanding of Bali’s history and culture
Jill Boulter2024-11-22Great walking tour of Ubud. Ira was very knowledgable and spoke good English. Nice places to stop, little alleyways and quieter parts of Ubud. Very well looked after. Would recommend đź‘Ť.
Shafiga Elshan2024-11-15It was an amazing experience to learn more about Bali's history and culture. Our guide, Ira, was incredibly knowledgeable, positive, and caring. Thank you for such a wonderful experience!