Simple Greetings

Good Morning - Selamat pagi
(se’h-lah-maht pa’h-gee’)

Good Afternoon - Selamat siang (noon to 4pm)
(se’h-lah-maht see-a’hng)

- Selamat sore (4pm to sunset)
(se’h-lah-maht so’-ray)

Good Evening - Selamat malam
(se’h-lah-maht mah-lahm)

Yes - Ya (yah)

No - Tidak (te’e-dahk)

Please - Silahkan (see-la’h-kahn)

Thank you - Terima kasih (the-ree-mah ka’h-see)

Title for a Man - Bapak or Pak (bah-pah) or (pah)

Title for a Woman - Ibu or Bu (e’e-boo or boo)

How are you - Apa kabar (ah-pah kha-bar)

I am fine - Kabar baik (kha-bar bike)

What is your name - Siapa nama saudara (see-yapa nah-ma sew-dara)

My name is - Nama saya (nah-ma sigh-ya)

What is the price - Berapa harga (ber-ah-pah har-gah)

On the Streets of Bali
Public Telephones use either Telephone Cards or Rp. 100 coin. You can purchase Telephone Cards at many of the film and souvenir shops around town. If you need to call long distance or to send a facsimile from outside the hotel, there are numerous Wartel Telecomunication Centers throughout Bali. When getting a tattoo, even a temporary one, test to see if you’re allergic to the ink. And when having a massage, manicure or hair plaiting on the beach, be very selective about whom you choose.

The Street Sellers can sometimes be bothersome so unless you are interested in purchasing something, you should ignore them, tell them you already bought one, or just say “no, thank you”.

In Bali there are two types of traditional toilets. The Kamar Mandi is for bathing whereby you ladle water from a tub over yourself (do not climb in). The Kamar Kecil has a hole in the ground that you simply wash down with a ladle of water when through. You will not find tissue in these toilets so it’s best you bring your own.

Polite Conversation
Indonesians tend to be an inquisitive people so you might find the questions asked of a personal nature (“are you married?” or “how many children do you have?”) within the first few minutes of meeting you. Don’t be offended by this as they could be simply practicing their language skills. English is widely spoken and understood. Good topics of conversation are food, climate, and the beauty of Bali. Balinese are a warm & friendly people who enjoy sharing their culture & tradition so if you have a question about their dress, rituals, or daily life… just ask. And remember to smile when you do.

Food vendors / Restaurants
Don’t eat from a food cart on the street. Their health standards can be questionable and you could end up with the “Bali Belly” for the whole of your trip. Ask for bottled water wherever you go and avoid ice unless you know it’s made from bottled/boiled water. Most hotels & restaurants include a service charge on your bill, but tipping is acceptable and appreciated. And remember, Balinese food can be very good - but spicy!

Gestures
It’s impolite to call someone with one finger, so use the whole hand with palm down to beckon. When requesting a bill from a waiter, simply pretend to be writing on your palm. Try to avoid standing with hands on hips, as it might be mistaken for anger. And never touch the top of anyone’s head as it is considered the seat of the soul and sacred.

Patience is also something that needs to be practiced by visitors to the island.

Money Changers
Check and recheck the amount given when changing currency on the streets. Keep some smaller notes handy and easily accessible.

Shopping
If a ‘fixed price’ isn’t shown, than bargaining is acceptable and expected. If a price is given, make a counter offer and then work way up or down from there. But prices are generally quite reasonable so if it’s something you really want - buy it - you might not find another.

Passport and Visa
All visitors to Indonesia must have a valid passport for at least six (6) months with proof of onward passage. Keep a photocopy of your documents with you at all times. Also be sure to know the contact numbers and address of your consulate or embassy.

Traveling Around
When traveling around Bali, be sure to have a photocopy of your passport with you at all times. Know the name and telephone number of your hotel, and the location of your consulate. Report any serious problems you might have to the hotel management.

Dress appropriately when visiting a temple or ceremony. Wear a sarong or long skirt/pants with a sash that can be supplied by the temple for a small fee and remove your shoes. Women are not allowed to enter a temple when menstruating. Be respectful of those who are there for meditation and prayer, and try not to disturb the offerings.

Bali is on the equator so protect yourself from the sun at all time by covering up, wearing sunglasses, hat and use sun black. Carry insect repellent; avoid dehydration by drinking plenty of fluids, and wear comfortable shoes for walking.

Shoes are generally removed before entering a home.

Transportation
If hiring a car and driver from outside the hotel, make sure the driver writes down the destination and total cost including petrol. This will help to avoid any misunderstandings when the trip is over. If you choose to drive yourself, be aware that there is very little attention paid to traffic regulations so be careful! In and around some villages you can take a Bemo (mini bus) for Rupiah 2,000 – Rupiah 5,000. This is not a set fare so be sure you agree on the cost for the trip before getting in.

Holidays
In Bali every village has there own ceremonies and you are apt to find something going on somewhere almost every day. A Balinese Calendar will help you to plan your day’s events so buy one when you arrive. Nyepi is the Balinese New Year that falls on the new moon of the ninth month. On the day & night before Nyepi people lay offerings at the crossroads and use loud noisemakers to chase away the evil spirits. On New Year’s Day itself, everyone (including tourists) is required to stay quietly inside with no lights. Hotel guests confine themselves to the hotel grounds.

Keep Bali Beautiful
Please keep our streets and beaches clean by not littering. Help us to converse our precious water and energy by turning off water taps, reusing bath and beach towels whenever possible, and shut lights and air conditioners when not in use.