Learning Indonesian is a real helpful thing when coming to Bali. The locals are naturally friendly and love to chat, sometimes for a business, sometimes for fun.
My Indonesian is improving slowly and your best bet is probably to learn complete sentences, then try to learn more vocabulary to drop in. There are times when I plop a bit of Indonesian into a conversation, for example when I am bargaining for something. I’ll say “What’s your harga pas (business price)?” That let’s them know I haven’t just arrived. There are other times when I don’t want to seem like a local, for example when an immigration guy is asking for money. “Sorry Sir, are you asking me for money?” I might say.
A Japanese tourist posted to his blog about a recent trip to Bali. He learned some Indonesian and his selective use helped him deal with traffic police and make friends. He also talks about the particular annoyances he faced.
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Thanks Barrie,
I went to Houdini’s magic shop in Las Vegas and picked up 4 magic tricks to entertain the Balinese. We’ll have some fun soon.
Yeap…I totally agree..no matter which country you go, if you learn a bit of the local language, you have an added advantage.
Hey Nick
Love reading all your articles!
I’m coming to Bali in January to live for 12 mths. I’ve been doing a bit of a D.I.Y. job at learning Bahasa Indonesian. But, I’d like to go to classes in Bali. Do you know of any adult education facilities in Denpasar where expats can join up to study the language?
Many thanks
Tracy
Hi Nick,
Would be interested to know where you would suggest learning some bahasa indonesia in Bali.
I generally prefer to base myself away from the kuta environs. Am planning to spend 4-6 weeks on the island middle of this year.
Michael,
You can learn bahasa by getting to know some locals..they will teach you.
G’day Nick,
Learning Bahasa Indonesia most cetainly can be advantageous, and, does get you through some sticky situations should they arise. Apart from that, the locals love it and especially in Java.