The Bali Tour

Let’s just answer the big question right away because I know you’re probably mid-trip planning or already thinking about chatting up locals at a warung (that’s a local café, by the way). So: what language is spoken in Bali? The official language of Bali is Indonesian, known locally as Bahasa Indonesia, but that’s just the beginning of the story. Most Balinese people also speak Balinese (yep, it’s a whole different language), and then there’s a third layer—English, which is widely spoken in tourist-heavy areas but not always guaranteed once you get outside the major towns.

But let me slow down and get into the weeds here, because if you’re traveling to Bali (or even just dreaming about it from your couch), this is the kind of info that can make or break those special moments—like getting a real smile instead of a tourist nod.

Bahasa Indonesia: The National Language You’ll Hear Everywhere

So here’s the deal—Bahasa Indonesia is the glue that holds together a wildly diverse country. We’re talking over 17,000 islands and more than 700 languages kind of diverse. In Bali, Bahasa is the go-to for official stuff, school, newspapers, signs, and yes, talking to tourists when Balinese isn’t the shared language.

Read also: Best Beaches in Bali

Now, if you’re like me and believe in showing some basic respect to the local culture when visiting, then learning a few Indonesian phrases will get you far. And I mean far like free banana fritters and that extra smile at check-in kind of far.

Simple stuff like:

• “Terima kasih” (Thank you)
• “Selamat pagi” (Good morning)
• “Apa kabar?” (How are you?)
• “Di mana kamar mandi?” (Where’s the bathroom?)

Not hard, right? You don’t need to sound fluent. I sure didn’t. I still remember the first time I said “terima kasih” to an old woman in a rice field—her face just lit up. She even gave me a handful of rambutans from her basket. No joke. All because I tried.

But here’s the thing—while Bahasa gets you around Bali pretty smoothly, you might hear something else when you’re out in villages or even chatting with hotel staff…

Balinese Language: The Island’s Cultural Heartbeat

Yep, there’s an actual Balinese language (called Basa Bali), and it’s still very much alive, especially in rural parts. It’s not a dialect of Bahasa Indonesia—it’s a completely different language with its own script, vocabulary, and even levels of formality depending on who you’re talking to. Kinda like if you had to switch languages depending on whether you were talking to your mom or a king.

Balinese has three main levels:

• Low Balinese (basa ketah) – for casual conversations among friends.
• Middle Balinese (basa madia) – used in polite settings, maybe with strangers.
• High Balinese (basa alus) – reserved for religious ceremonies or speaking to elders and respected folks.

I tried learning some Balinese from a homestay host in Ubud once. And wow, it’s hard. Like, really hard. Not because the sounds are impossible, but because remembering when to use the right level can get tricky. One night we were drinking arak (local moonshine), and he started laughing so hard at my pronunciation of “rahajeng semeng” (good morning) that he nearly fell off his chair.

Still, even just knowing a word or two makes a difference. Locals appreciate the effort, and it shows you’re not just another tourist in a Bintang singlet.

English in Bali: Hit or Miss Depending on Where You Are

Okay, now let’s talk about English, because if you’re reading this, chances are you’re banking on it.

In places like Seminyak, Canggu, Ubud, Kuta, and Nusa Dua, English is widely understood—menus, hotel staff, drivers, spa therapists, even some taxi drivers. You’ll probably be greeted with a cheerful “Hello!” or “Yes, yes! You want massage?” within five minutes of arriving.

But—and this is big—once you get off the main roads, especially into the mountains or rural villages, English can get patchy. I’ve been to places like Sidemen or the north coast near Lovina, and sometimes, Google Translate became my best friend.

One time in Amed, I tried to ask for a motorbike rental from a tiny shop run by a guy who looked like he built the building himself. No English at all. We ended up drawing bikes and rupiah symbols on the sand to communicate. It worked! But if I had known the word for “rent” in Bahasa (“sewa”), things would’ve gone smoother.

So yes, English will get you through, but don’t expect to have deep conversations with your driver about Balinese philosophy unless he’s worked in tourism a while.

What Language Should You Use with Locals? (Depends on Who You’re Talking To)

Honestly, this is where it gets a bit nuanced. And fun, if you’re into people.

If you’re chatting with a hotel receptionist, surf instructor, or waiter in Ubud, English is safe and usually fluent. You can even joke around. Balinese people have amazing senses of humor—lots of teasing, lots of warmth.

With older people, especially in villages, Bahasa is more reliable. They may understand basic English but aren’t super comfortable using it. That’s where your “apa kabar?” and “makan enak” (delicious food) come in handy.

If you’re attending a ceremony, please be mindful. Religious or cultural events are a big deal, and even if folks speak English, it’s polite to keep conversation minimal and respectful. A quiet “rahajeng” (means “peaceful/good wishes”) is sometimes all you need.

And if you’re at a local market, Bahasa will unlock everything. Prices drop. Smiles widen. One woman gave me an entire stalk of bananas because I tried to joke in Bahasa. My pronunciation? Terrible. But I tried.

Should You Try to Learn Bahasa or Balinese Before Visiting Bali?

Short answer: Yes, Bahasa. Skip Balinese unless you’re planning to live there or deeply study the culture. It’s fascinating but super complex.

Bahasa Indonesia is relatively easy to pick up:

• No verb conjugations.
• Simple pronunciation.
• Lots of loan words from Dutch and English.

Apps like Duolingo, Memrise, or even YouTube channels like “Bahasa with Ibu” (that one’s fictional, but someone should make it) are great starting points.

Even just knowing:

• “Saya tidak mengerti” (I don’t understand)
• “Berapa harganya?” (How much is this?)
• “Enak sekali!” (Very delicious!)

…can really upgrade your whole travel experience.

When I stayed in Ubud for a month, I took a few basic lessons from a language café (yeah, those are a thing) and it made life so much smoother. Even asking for “nasi goreng tanpa pedas” (fried rice, not spicy) saved me from one too many surprise chili bombs.

Quick Glance: Common Phrases in All Three Languages

Phrase	English	Bahasa Indonesia	Balinese
Hello	Hello	Halo	Swastyastu
Thank you	Thank you	Terima kasih	Suksma
Good morning	Good morning	Selamat pagi	Rahajeng semeng
How are you?	How are you?	Apa kabar?	Kenken kabare?
Delicious	Delicious	Enak	Lezat / Ngunyah
Goodbye	Goodbye	Sampai jumpa	Rahajeng rauh

Memorizing even a few of these before your trip will make you feel more in the place instead of just passing through it.

Do Kids in Bali Speak English? What About Schools?

Funny story—one day I was at a beach café in Sanur, and this kid (maybe 9 or 10?) was selling bracelets to tourists. She came up to me and hit me with, “Hello Mister, you want two for fifty?” in perfect English. Better than some adults I know.

A lot of kids, especially in tourist areas, start learning English early. It’s taught in schools as a foreign language, and with tourism being such a big part of Bali’s economy, English exposure is high. But again—this depends heavily on location and economic background.

In urban areas? Absolutely. In the highlands or remote areas? Less so. Some public schools focus more on religious studies and local languages.

I’ve had young kids in the countryside just giggle and run away when I tried English. Which is fair. I do the same when people try math on me.

So… What Language Is Spoken in Bali Overall?

To bring it full circle without sounding preachy: The language spoken in Bali is mainly Indonesian (Bahasa Indonesia), followed by Balinese, and then English—in that order. What you’ll hear more depends on where you are and who you’re talking to.

Tourists get by with English just fine, but dipping your toes into Bahasa (or even a splash of Balinese) goes a long way toward more meaningful moments.

And trust me, Bali is about those moments—the unspoken connections, the friendly chats over nasi campur, and the smiles that say more than words ever could. Even a mispronounced “suksma” might earn you a lifelong memory.

Staying Long-Term in Bali? Here’s How Language Impacts Your Daily Life

If you’re sticking around longer than a couple of weeks—maybe doing the digital nomad thing in Canggu or setting up a yoga retreat in Ubud—then yeah, language starts to matter more. Daily stuff like grocery shopping, dealing with utilities, chatting with neighbors, or even making friends with the ibu kos (landlady) becomes way easier when you speak a little Bahasa.

Here’s what surprised me: most expats who’ve lived in Bali for a year or more can barely hold a conversation in Bahasa Indonesia. Not judging, but it really cuts you off from the culture. And you end up overpaying for everything because people just assume you’re not interested in anything beyond beaches and Bintangs.

Let’s take motorbike rentals. If you walk up to a rental shop in English, they might quote you 100K–150K IDR per day. But start the convo in Bahasa: “Berapa harga sewa motor per hari?” (What’s the rental price per day for a motorbike?), and suddenly the price drops to 70K or even 60K. I’ve seen it happen over and over.

Also, if you’re staying in a kos (boarding house), knowing how to say things like “air mati” (no water), “AC rusak” (AC broken), or “kunci hilang” (lost key) can be lifesavers. You don’t wanna be miming “toilet won’t flush” with hand gestures, trust me.

Religion & Language: Why Balinese Ceremonies Sound So Different

Now, here’s something that caught me off guard. If you ever attend a Balinese temple ceremony, you might think: “Wait, this doesn’t sound like Bahasa or Balinese.” That’s because a lot of religious chanting is done in Old Javanese (Kawi) and Sanskrit.

Yeah, they still use ancient languages for prayers and rituals. It’s one of the reasons the ceremonies feel so powerful, even if you don’t understand a word. The sounds are rhythmic, hypnotic, and steeped in centuries of tradition. It’s not about translation—it’s about presence.

I once sat through a full moon ceremony at Pura Tirta Empul. No one explained a thing. No guides. Just locals praying, chanting, offering flowers, and me, trying to blend in quietly with my sarong tied wrong. The language didn’t matter so much then. It was about respect, and just being there.

But again, knowing just how to greet someone—“rahajeng nyanggra rahina full moon” (Happy full moon day)—totally changed how I was received.

Language Learning in Bali: Schools, Courses, and Conversation Cafés

So let’s say you do want to level up your skills while you’re in Bali. Good news: there are some awesome language learning options that don’t feel like sitting in a boring classroom.

• Cinta Bahasa in Ubud and Sanur is probably the most well-known. They offer private lessons, group sessions, and even cultural immersion days. I did a weekend intensive here and by the end, I could order food, ask for directions, and argue (badly) with my Grab driver.
• Bahasa Indonesia di Rumah (Indonesian at Home) offers online and in-person lessons, perfect if you’re working remotely but still want to squeeze in a class or two per week.
• And then there are casual language exchange cafés where locals and foreigners practice each other’s languages. It’s usually 50% chatting in English, 50% in Bahasa. Super low pressure. Plus, the coffee’s usually decent.

If you’re the self-study type, download an offline Bahasa dictionary. It saved me so many times when Wi-Fi dropped or my SIM card glitched. Apps like “Kamusku” and “U-Dictionary” work even without internet.

Regional Language Differences Across Bali

Something I didn’t expect before living in Bali is how the language use shifts depending on the region.

For example:

• Ubud: A lot of locals still speak Balinese daily, especially among family. But they’ll switch to English fast if they know you’re a tourist. There’s a big artsy expat scene here too, so you’ll hear a weird blend of English, French, German, and a sprinkle of Sanskrit if you’re into yoga.
• Canggu & Seminyak: English rules here. It’s practically an Aussie suburb at this point. Some cafés don’t even have Bahasa menus anymore, which kind of bugs me, honestly.
• North Bali (like Singaraja or Lovina): Bahasa Indonesia is more common here than English, and Balinese is still widely spoken in homes. Fewer tourists mean fewer English speakers, so even basic Bahasa helps a ton.
• East Bali (Amed, Tulamben): More traditional, quieter. Locals will use Balinese with each other, Bahasa with visitors. English? Hit or miss. Bring your phrasebook or download that app.
• West Bali & Negara: Very traditional. I once got lost on a backroad here and had to use only Bahasa to ask for help. No one spoke English in that village, but they were incredibly kind and helpful anyway.

Moral of the story: just because you can get by with English doesn’t mean you always should. Speaking even a little Bahasa opens doors—literal and metaphorical.

Funny Language Moments You’ll Probably Have (Or Already Did)

Look, everyone who’s spent more than a week in Bali has their own “lost in translation” story. Here’s a few that either happened to me or friends:

• Ordering “ice” and getting “rice” — Sounds similar when you say “es” and “nasi” too fast. The waiter brought a bowl of rice with a straw once.
• Trying to say “enak banget” (super delicious) but accidentally saying “anak banget” (very child) — The warung owner just blinked and then laughed so hard she gave me another portion for free.
• Asking for “taksi” and a guy brought his friend named Taksu — Yeah. That happened. We laughed about it for 10 minutes and then they actually gave me a ride.

These moments aren’t embarrassing—they’re bonding. People in Bali are super understanding and they love to help you out if you’re trying. Humor goes a long way, and honestly, language mess-ups are part of the charm.

Language = Connection = Better Travel

Let me end this bit by saying something I wish someone told me before I first landed in Denpasar:

“It’s not about being fluent. It’s about showing up with respect and curiosity.”

That’s really what this all comes down to. You don’t need to master Balinese verbs or recite poetry in Bahasa. Just learn enough to show you care. That you’re not there to just take, but to connect, to share space in a meaningful way—even if it’s just over a cup of kopi tubruk or a coconut at sunset.

Say hi. Say thank you. Ask someone how they’re doing in their language. Those are the things that make your trip to Bali more than just a vacation.

And if all else fails? Smile. It’s the one language we all speak fluently.

Let me know if you want me to write a short cheat sheet for Bahasa or basic Balinese phrases you can screenshot and keep on your phone. I’ve got one tucked in my Notes app from my last trip and it saved my butt more times than I can count.