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My Bali Tour Guide

By Michèle · Updated on

Language and etiquette in Bali

The Balinese speak Balinese and Indonesian, and English in tourism. A few words of Indonesian, how Balinese names work and the manners that matter.

Dek Leonk at a table with four travellers in a small local restaurant
Dek Leonk at a table with four travellers in a small local restaurant

In short

  • The Balinese speak Balinese and Indonesian; in tourism, English too.
  • Give and take things with your right hand.
  • Don't touch anyone's head, not even a child's.
  • Stay calm. Getting angry or raising your voice backfires.

Michèle and Dek Leonk

Real people, not a chatbot. During the day in Europe you usually get an answer within a few hours.

Dek Leonk in English or Indonesian, Michèle in Dutch or English.

A few words of Indonesian make people happy: terima kasih (thank you), selamat pagi (good morning), berapa? (how much?), tidak, terima kasih (no, thank you). In Balinese, thank you is suksma.

Many Balinese are called Wayan, Made, Nyoman or Ketut. These are not surnames but names for the first, second, third and fourth child. With a fifth child it starts again. The I before the name means it is a man. So our driver I Made Partha Wijaya is a second child; his nickname is Dek Leonk.

The Balinese are hospitable and patient, and avoid open confrontation. If something goes wrong, stay friendly and ask whether Dek Leonk can help. Only take photos of people after you have asked.

Rather have someone figure it out for you?

Michèle designs your trip around what you want and Dek Leonk drives you around the island. Ask your question in the chat.

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You chat with Michèle (Dutch or English) or with Dek Leonk (English). Real people, not a chatbot. During the day in Europe you usually get an answer within a few hours.