Essential Indonesian Words & Phrases for Travelers

Written By Benny Kirkham

Basic Greetings & Politeness

A few friendly words go a long way.

  • Halo! – Hello!

  • Selamat pagi – Good morning

  • Selamat siang – Good afternoon

  • Selamat sore – Good evening

  • Selamat malam – Good night

  • Apa kabar? – How are you?

  • Baik, terima kasih – I’m good, thank you

  • Tolong – Please

  • Terima kasih – Thank you

  • Sama-sama – You’re welcome

  • Permisi – Excuse me

  • Maaf – Sorry

Getting Around & Directions

Scooter, boat, bemo, or just wandering—these will help.

  • Di mana…? – Where is…?

  • Saya mau pergi ke… – I want to go to…

  • Di mana pantai? – Where’s the beach? (You’ll be asking this a lot!)

  • Kanan – Right

  • Kiri – Left

  • Lurus – Straight

  • Berapa harganya? – How much is this?

  • Terlalu mahal! – Too expensive!

  • Boleh tawar? – Can I bargain? (Yes, you can—and should!)

  • Ayo! – Let’s go!

Food & Dining

If there’s one thing worth learning, it’s how to order good food.

  • Makan – Eat

  • Minum – Drink

  • Pedas – Spicy

  • Tidak pedas – Not spicy

  • Nasi – Rice

  • Ayam – Chicken

  • Ikan – Fish

  • Sayur – Vegetables

  • Tanpa… – Without… (e.g., Tanpa bawang – Without onions)

  • Saya vegetarian – I am vegetarian

  • Bisa rekomendasikan? – Can you recommend something?

  • Enak! – Delicious!

Numbers & Time

Useful for ordering food, bargaining, and not showing up six hours late.

  • Satu – One

  • Dua – Two

  • Tiga – Three

  • Sepuluh – Ten

  • Seratus – One hundred

  • Jam berapa? – What time is it?

  • Hari ini – Today

  • Besok – Tomorrow

Essential Travel Phrases

Some of these might just save your trip. Others? Your dignity.

  • Saya tidak mengerti – I don’t understand

  • Bisa bicara pelan-pelan? – Can you speak slowly?

  • Saya butuh bantuan – I need help

  • Ada Wi-Fi? – Is there Wi-Fi?

  • Di mana toilet? – Where is the toilet? (Super important!)

  • Saya sakit – I am sick

  • Tolong panggil dokter – Please call a doctor

Bonus: Fun Local Expressions

Want to impress the locals? Try these.

  • Mantap! – Awesome!

  • Boleh juga! – Not bad!

  • Santai saja – Take it easy

  • Hati-hati! – Be careful!

  • Tidak apa-apa! – No worries!

Final Pro Tip: Just Go for It!

Even if your pronunciation is a little off, locals will appreciate the effort. A smile and a friendly Halo! go a long way. So dive in, throw out a Terima kasih, and enjoy the ride.

Selamat jalan! (Have a great trip!)



Benny Kirkham
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