Last updated: April 24, 2026
What Language Is Spoken in Bali?
Bali has two native languages — Indonesian (Bahasa Indonesia) and Balinese (Basa Bali) — plus widely spoken English in tourist zones. Here is what you actually need to know and learn before your trip.
Indonesian
National language. 100% of Balinese speak it fluently. The high-ROI choice for travelers.
Balinese (Basa Bali)
Ethnic language, used at home and in temples. Has 3 honorific levels (low, middle, high).
English
Fluent in Seminyak, Ubud, Canggu, Kuta. Limited outside tourist zones.
Which language should you learn?
Learn Indonesian. It unlocks all 17,000 Indonesian islands (not just Bali), uses the Latin alphabet, has no tones, no conjugations and no genders. FSI classifies it as Category II (around 900 hours to professional fluency).
Balinese is beautiful but only useful within Bali, and its honorific system adds significant complexity. Start with Indonesian, then pick up cultural Balinese expressions (Om Swastiastu, Rahajeng) as you go.
That settles which language. It does not settle which course — and in Bali the difference shows up quickly: A2 is enough for a two-week holiday and stops being enough the week you decide to stay. Most Indonesian apps stop at A2.
See how far each Indonesian app takes you10 essential phrases for your Bali trip
| Indonesian | Pronunciation | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Selamat pagi | suh-LA-maht PA-gee | Good morning |
| Om Swastiastu | ohm swah-stee-AH-stoo | Balinese greeting (cultural respect) |
| Terima kasih | tuh-REE-mah KA-see | Thank you |
| Berapa harganya? | buh-RA-pah har-GA-nyah | How much? |
| Tolong | TO-long | Please / help |
| Permisi | puhr-MEE-see | Excuse me |
| Enak! | EH-nahk | Delicious! |
| Maaf | MA-ahf | Sorry |
| Tidak pedas | TEE-dahk puh-DAHS | Not spicy |
| Boleh kurang? | BO-leh KOO-rahng | Can the price be lower? |
Frequently Asked Questions
What language is spoken in Bali?+
Bali has two native languages: Indonesian (Bahasa Indonesia, the national language, spoken fluently by 100% of Balinese) and Balinese (Basa Bali, the ethnic language used at home and in temples). English is widely spoken in tourist areas like Seminyak, Ubud and Canggu.
Do I need to learn Balinese to visit Bali?+
No. Learning Indonesian is the high-ROI choice: 100% of Balinese speak it, and it works across all Indonesia (270 million speakers). Reserve Balinese for a second trip if you want to deepen cultural connection.
Do people in Bali speak English?+
Yes in tourist zones (Seminyak, Ubud, Canggu, Kuta, Nusa Dua) — most hospitality and restaurant staff speak functional English. Outside these areas, English fluency drops sharply and knowing basic Indonesian transforms the experience.
Is Balinese the same as Indonesian?+
No. They are completely different languages. Balinese is an Austronesian language with its own grammar, vocabulary and traditional script (Aksara Bali), and has three honorific levels (low, middle, high). Indonesian is the standardized national language based on Riau Malay.
What are the 10 most useful Indonesian words for Bali?+
Selamat pagi (good morning), Terima kasih (thank you), Berapa harganya? (how much?), Tolong (please / help), Permisi (excuse me), Enak! (delicious!), Maaf (sorry), Tidak pedas (not spicy), Boleh kurang? (discount?), Sampai jumpa (see you).
Why are you learning Indonesian?
Pick your path — we tailor everything to your goal.
Free Resources to Learn Indonesian
Complete guides, comparisons and practical tips
Learn Indonesian — Complete Guide
A1-C2 levels, methods, duration, app comparison
Read the guideEssential Phrases for Travelers
50+ practical phrases for Bali, Jakarta, markets
Read the guideIndonesian vs Malay: Key Differences
80% mutual intelligibility, vocabulary, grammar
Read the guideBest App to Learn Indonesian
2026 comparison: IndoLingua vs Duolingo, Babbel, Pimsleur
Read the guideHow Long to Learn Indonesian?
FSI timeline: 900h total from A1 to C2
Read the guideIndonesian Alphabet & Pronunciation
26 letters, IPA, 5 pronunciation pitfalls
Read the guideIndoLingua · indolingua.fr · Learn Indonesian from A1 to C2
Latest from our blog
In-depth articles to go beyond the basics
How to Get Around Indonesia: Grab, Gojek and the Phrases You Need
A clear, honest guide to getting around Indonesia — Grab vs Gojek, motorbike taxi or car, how to pay and pin an address as a foreigner, taxis and local transport, plus the exact Indonesian phrases to tell your driver where to go.
Bargaining in Indonesia: How to Master Tawar-Menawar Without Overpaying
A friendly, honest guide to bargaining in Indonesia — where to haggle, where not to, how much to offer, and the exact phrases that get you local prices in Bali markets and beyond.
Indonesian Etiquette: The Quiet Politeness That Opens Every Door
A practical guide to Indonesian etiquette for travellers and expats — the small courtesies, phrases and gestures that turn strangers into friends and unlock the warmest side of Indonesia.
Learn Indonesian Before Your Bali Trip
IndoLingua's 10 free lessons and 100 flashcards cover the essentials for Bali. Upgrade to Pro (€12.99/mo) for the full A1-C2 curriculum.
Start Learning for Free